Livestock Guardians of

Emerald Mtn Ranch

Our Turkish Boz shepherds

Bold Protectors, Gentle Souls

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. 

Dams

Nova – The Resolute Guardian

Birth Year: 2022

Weight: 132 lbs

Height: 28″

Registration: ARBA

Health Testing

Embark Genetic Testing
OFA Hip and Elbow
Thyroid

Strength and Serenity

When it comes to the job, Nova is intense and incredibly reliable. She has a natural sense of responsibility with all our livestock and is especially good with the birds. While she can be a bit dominant with other females, her resilience and grit are exactly what you want in a working dog.
Her real strength is her devotion to us. She is respectful, attentive, and always wants to please. We are proud of the guardian she has become, and we are excited to see these traits carry on in her pups.

Zana — The Fierce Protector

Birth Year: 2022

Weight: 140 lbs

Height: 28″

Registration: ARBA

Health Testing

Embark Genetic Testing
PennHip

Strength and Serenity

Zana is the full sister of Nova. She lives full-time with her goats and is great with most stock. She is intensely focused, extremely dedicated to her job, and fiercely protective — a dog who won’t let predators in. While respectful of people, she carries a dominant personality and commands attention wherever she goes. Her drive and focus make her a reliable guardian for our needs, always ready to defend her herd with determination.

Mercedes— The rising star guardian

Birth Year: 2024

Weight: 122 lbs

Height: 29.5″

Registration:

Health Testing

Embark Genetic Testing
PennHip
OFA Thyroid / Cardiac

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.

Porsche – the watchful guardian

Birth Year: 2024

Weight: 133 lbs

Height: 31″

Registration:

Health Testing

Embark Genetic Testing
PennHip
OFA: Elbows/Thyroid/Cardiac

The Watchful Guardian 


She is a solid, well-balanced girl who moves beautifully and has the strength to back up her watchful nature. While she’s a bit more standoffish than some of our other girls, that reserved attitude makes her an incredible observer. She leads with quiet confidence and is always thinking. She currently rotates through our sheep, goats, and calf pens. She’s doing great with the livestock, and we are still working with the birds.
She is a calm, thoughtful guardian who takes her job seriously. We are really impressed by her presence out in the pasture and by how she has matured into such a strong girl.

Princess our female Turkish Boz Shepherd sitting with her legs cross

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.

Sires

Talat – the steady guardian

Birth Year: 2020

Weight: 140 lbs

Height: 31″

Registration: ARBA

Health Testing

Embark Genetic Testing

The Steady Guardian

Talat is the cornerstone of our breeding program and the proud sire of Princess’s final litter.
A quiet, watchful presence, Talat is sweet with his humans, steady with stock. He values peace but is all business when it’s time to work, whether with another guardian or solo.
Talat has consistently produced litters that reflect his excellent temperament and structure. Proudly registered with the ARBA, he remains a vital part of our program, and we look forward to his lasting legacy in the next generation of guardians.

Viper – the tiger boz

Birth Year: 2024

Weight: 120 lbs

Height: 30.5″

Registration:

Health Testing

Embark Genetic Testing
PennHip
OFA: Elbows/Thyroid/Cardiac

The Charmer of the Pasture


Don’t let Viper’s striking brindle markings fool you — this boy is far more than a handsome face. While his looks turn heads, it’s his instinct, temperament, and work ethic that truly define him. At over a year old, Viper is already showing the qualities we value most in a Turkish Boz Shepherd. With his people, he is an affectionate lovebug who enjoys attention and connection. With livestock, he stays out day and night, following the sheep and guarding with quiet focus and purpose. He is naturally attuned to his surroundings, wary of strangers, and consistently aware of the needs around him.
Viper carries himself with confidence and athleticism. He works calmly alongside sheep, goats, and calves and has already proven to be a steady, reliable presence in the pasture. Around puppies, he is gentle and attentive, earning his place as a trusted “uncle”. He represents the balance we strive for in our program — a Turkish Boz Shepherd with strong guardian instincts, sound structure, and loyalty. We look forward to his first planned litter in 2026.

Renegade – the stoic powerhouse

Birth Year: 2024

Weight: 135 lbs

Height: 33″

Registration:

Health Testing

Embark Genetic Testing
PennHip
OFA: Elbows/Thyroid/Cardiac


Renegade is quickly becoming a standout here at Emerald Mtn Ranch. As a grandson of Minik, he is beautifully built with the structural foundation we look for. He will be a cornerstone of our breeding program. He has quiet confidence and is incredibly eager to please. While he is still learning his manners with the birds, his steady, focused nature makes him a natural guardian for the rest of the stock. He is going to be a big boy, and we are hopeful he will pass down those genes along with his impressive, quiet confidence
He is a special dog with a huge future ahead of him, and we couldn’t be happier to have him as a future sire.

Brinks of EMR – Junior Champion

Birth Year: 2024

Weight: 150 lbs

Height: 32″

Registration:

Health Testing

Embark Genetic Testing
PennHip


Grandson of MINIK, Brinks is already showing the qualities we look for in a future foundational stud. He has an impressive size with a calm, steady presence. Recently titled Junior Champion in breed conformation, he brings both correct structure and true working substance.
Despite his large frame, Brinks is gentle, confident, and deeply bonded to his flock—never reactive, always thoughtful, and naturally protective. Representing the bright future of our breeding program here at Emerald Mtn Ranch.

Working Dogs

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. 

RAD Team

Titan is a 1-year-old, 160 lb Boz with a calm, steady temperament and a big love for people. He is the start of the RAD Team.