MEET OUR pACK
Livestock Guardians of Emerald Mtn Ranch
We breed for working LGDs
Puppies
Our Turkish Boz shepherds
Bold Protectors, Gentle Souls
History etched in stone
MAVERICK – The Alpha Guardian
Maverick is the epitome of an alpha guardian, taking his role to the next level with the same intensity and dedication his mother exhibited. As a Turkish Boz Shepherd, he embodies the perfect balance of ferocity and gentleness. Weighing in at an impressive 185 pounds, he is our gentle giant, commanding respect and admiration wherever he goes.
The Alpha Guardian
Maverick is a serious guardian with an unparalleled ability to protect our ranch. He often positions himself on hilltops with his back to the house, vigilantly scanning the horizon for predators and keeping a watchful eye on the sky for eagles, vultures, and hawks. His fierce nature ensures the safety of all animals on our property, from birds to newborn lambs and everything in between.
Despite his formidable presence, Maverick is not overly aggressive in his authority. He is good-natured and gets along well with all the animals on the ranch. His rock-solid temperament makes him trustworthy and reliable, capable of handling any threat without causing unnecessary harm or stress.
Maverick also excels in public settings, where he advocates for the importance of Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs). He demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of Turkish Boz Shepherds to deter large predators, including wolves and even grizzlies. As an excellent ambassador, Maverick captivates both children and adults during school visits and public events, showcasing the vital role of LGDs in protecting livestock.
Maverick’s presence on our ranch is invaluable, not only for his exceptional guarding skills but also for his ability to educate and inspire others about the critical role of LGDs in diverse landscapes. His strength, gentleness, and unwavering dedication make him a cherished and essential member of our team.
Nova – The Resolute Guardian
At three years old and 120 lbs, Nova continues to impress with her health, resilience, and unwavering dedication. She’s completed all health, thyroid, and genetic testing, with OFA results showing no signs of hip or elbow dysplasia. Nova is a purebred, registered Turkish Boz Shepherd, proudly registered with the American Dog Federation
Strength and Serenity
Intense and committed, Nova is reliable with all livestock, including birds, and has a natural sense of responsibility. Though she can be dominant with other females and has faced conflict, her resilience and determination always shine through.
Her true strength lies in her devotion to her people—respectful, eager to please, and always attentive. We are proud of the exceptional guardian she’s become and excited to see her traits passed on to the next generation.
PRINCESS – The Regal Guardian
At 160 pounds, Princess is a commanding presence with quiet intensity. Imported from Turkey and proudly registered with the American Dog Federation, she comes from the esteemed MINIK bloodline
The Regal Guardian
Princess is deeply loyal and vigilant, often seen calmly surveying the ranch. Her impeccable manners, sharp instincts, and unwavering sense of duty make her an exceptional livestock guardian. Beautifully built, she is the very picture of strength and grace.
Her final litter, now available and proudly registered with the American Dog Federation, will carry her legacy of strength, purpose, and protection. Though her breeding days are over, Princess will always have a home with us, continuing to help train the next generation of guardians. She is truly one of a kind, and we are so thankful to have her in our program.
Talat – The Steady Guardian
Talat, at 140 pounds, is the cornerstone of our breeding program and the proud sire of Princess’s final litter. With a perfect balance of strength and agility, he moves with confidence and purpose.
The Steady Guardian
A quiet, watchful presence, Talat is sweet with his humans, steady with stock, and respectful of birds. He values peace but is all business when it’s time to work, whether with another guardian or solo.
Talat has completed Embark genetic health testing and has consistently produced litters reflecting his excellent temperament and structure. Proudly registered with the American Dog Federation, he continues to be a vital part of our program, and we look forward to his lasting legacy in the next generation of guardians.
Porsche – The Watchful Guardian (Golden Guardian)
At just six months old and 88 pounds, Porsche is already showing her potential. Solid and well-balanced, she lives full-time with sheep and goats and is beginning to show promise with poultry as well. Calm, observant, and eager to please, she leads with thoughtfulness and quiet confidence.
The Watchful Guardian
Porsche is a purebred, registered Turkish Boz Shepherd, proudly registered with the American Dog Federation. She’s completed Embark genetic health testing and PennHIP, with OFA elbow prelims planned at one year.
She recently represented our program at a 4-H Extension event, taking everything in stride. With her natural instincts and steady presence, she’s shaping up to be an exceptional working dog and a valued part of our team.
Mercedes – The Resolute Guardian
At six months old and 84 lbs, Mercedes is already stepping into her role with confidence and calm authority. Slightly smaller than her sister Porsche, she makes up for it with natural leadership, sharp instincts, and quiet intensity.
The Resolute Guardian
Mercedes is a purebred, registered Turkish Boz Shepherd, proudly registered with the American Dog Federation. She Lives full-time with sheep, she’s alert, observant, and holds her ground without overreacting. While she’s still working through bird manners, she’s progressing steadily with training.
We recently brought in several bucket calves, and Mercedes immediately fell in love with them. She’s become very protective, rarely leaving their sides — a true natural guardian.
Mercedes has completed Embark and PennHIP testing, with OFA elbow prelims planned at one year. With her strong foundation and bold temperament, she’s a standout in the making.
Bugatti – The Steadfast Guardian
At six months and 65 pounds, Bugatti is a dark brindle beauty with a strong frame and quiet confidence. She blends well with her stock, showing calm, respectful behavior even through her first lambing season.
The Steadfast Guardian
Though naturally more intense and prey-driven than some of her peers, she’s quick to alert, solid with livestock, and progressing well in tailored training—especially around poultry.
Gentle with her people and composed in public, Bugatti recently represented LGDs at a 4-H event with grace. She’s completed Embark and PennHIP testing, with OFA prelims planned at one year. With her keen instincts and grounded presence, Bugatti is shaping into a powerful working dog with a bright future.
Bentley – The Steady Guardian
At six months and 60 pounds, Bentley is the definition of quiet strength. Calm, observant, and deeply intuitive, he prefers to watch before acting—but stands firm when needed.
The Steady Guardian
He moves gently among livestock and birds, showing natural respect and maturity. While soft-natured with people, Bentley carries a quiet dominance that keeps boundaries clear without force. Loyal, thoughtful, and endearingly vocal, he’s growing into a steady, dependable guardian.
He’s completed Embark and PennHIP testing, with OFA prelims planned at one year. We’re excited to watch Bentley continue maturing into the capable protector he’s meant to be.
Titan – The Grounded Guardian
Titan is already showing the kind of calm, thoughtful temperament we value in a working dog. A grandson of Tank, he carries on the legacy with quiet confidence and a strong desire to please.
The Grounded Guardian
He’s easygoing with all dogs, blending seamlessly into any pack, and remarkably patient around stock—even as a young pup. His steady presence and early maturity make him one to watch.
Titan recently completed his Embark genetic testing, with PennHIP and OFA evaluations planned as he matures. Depending on his development, he may be available as a started guardian to the right working home in the future.
Kiba- The Ultimate Guardian
Kiba is a remarkable Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) who combines the best traits of the Maremma and Great Pyrenees breeds. We welcomed her to our ranch in 2016 from a sheep herder in the San Luis Valley. Initially, Kiba was quite aloof with humans, a common trait among LGDs who are bred as hands off. However, she quickly adapted and has become a wonderful companion who balances her guarding duties with a love for spending time with her humans and enjoying car rides.
The Ultimate Guardian
Kiba’s name has special significance; in Hebrew, it means “protect” or “shelter,” which perfectly encapsulates her role and nature. An alternate spelling of Akiva, her name reflects her inherent duty to guard and care for her flock.
Kiba has proven to be the best bird guardian we’ve ever had. Her vigilant nature and dedication mean she can spend nights inside the coops, ensuring the safety and security of our birds. Her presence deters predators and provides peace of mind, making her an invaluable member of our ranch team.
Maru – The Sweet Advocate
Maru is a wonderful addition to our team of Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs). She came to us as a rescue from California when her previous owner had to move to a big city. Recognizing that Maru’s natural instincts and temperament needed the right environment, her owner made the thoughtful decision to find her an appropriate home where she could thrive.
The Sweet Advocate
Maru is the sweetest dog with a love for all humans. She excels in public settings, where her gentle nature makes her a fantastic advocate for the role of LGDs in various landscapes. Whether educating the community or simply interacting with new faces, Maru enjoys these opportunities to demonstrate the importance and versatility of LGDs.
Though she is incredibly friendly, Maru is also capable of standing her ground when necessary. She balances her affectionate demeanor with the protective instincts characteristic of her breed, ensuring the safety and security of her charges without being a provoker.
Maru’s presence on our ranch not only enhances the safety of our livestock but also serves as a reminder of the invaluable role LGDs play. Her ability to connect with people and her unwavering dedication to her duties make her a cherished member of our team.