Why We Fell in Love with the Colorado Mountain Dog
Why We Needed a Livestock Guardian
I never set out to become a breeder. Having raised goats for many years, moving to the mountains brought a new set of considerations. With predators like bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and foxes in the area, I knew I needed a protector for my herd before any problems could arise. I’d heard too many stories of guard dogs gone wrong and wanted a protector I could trust—one that wouldn’t turn on me, my children, or my other animals.
Discovering the Colorado Mountain Dog
After extensive research, I discovered the Colorado Mountain Dog (CMD). When we first met Carlos on his farm, he was just under a year old. To be honest, we were a little intimidated. We’d had big dogs before, but Carlos was huge, and his strength and power were immediately apparent. On the drive home from that visit, we sat in silence, deeply considering if we could handle a dog like him. Ultimately, we decided to bring him home, and our lives changed forever.
Meeting Carlos: Our First Guardian
Carlos bonded with us instantly. He seemed to inherently know that his job was to protect the goats, and he did so with gentle affection. With me and anyone who came to visit, he was a big cuddle bug, always coming in for a gentle nuzzle or flopping down at your feet for a belly rub. But when it came to work, Carlos was a powerhouse. Every morning, he ran the perimeter, keeping intruders at bay and chasing off perceived threats with an agility and speed that still inspire awe in me to this day. His intuition, power, and affection are what made me fall in love with this incredible breed.
The Role of a Working Companion
Through Carlos, we learned how essential it is for CMDs to have a working companion. That’s when we decided to be open to the idea of having a litter, knowing how unique these qualities are.
Nilla: The Perfect Partner
Somehow, we got lucky a second time when we found our precious Nilla. At just six months old, she already knew her job. It was incredible to see her and Carlos work together, each defining their own roles. Carlos took on the sentry role, keeping a wide eye on the herd and the surroundings, while Nilla stuck close to the animals, herding them in when danger was sensed.
The Bond with Our Guardians
Nilla has always been an affectionate and loving girl, but we truly bonded during her first pregnancy. Both Carlos and Nilla have an innate intuition and compassion that I haven’t experienced in other breeds. There’s nothing better than the time I spend in their company—it’s grounding and inspiring.
Our Breeding Philosophy
My breeding program focuses on preserving these incredible qualities. I prioritize strength, agility, intuition, and compassion.
Prioritizing Health and Temperament
Health is crucial, so we DNA test to ensure that we don’t breed two carriers together. While eradicating concerning recessive genes is a goal, temperament remains our top priority.
The Unique Colors of CMD Puppies
We were surprised by the colorful puppies in our first litter, having expected them to be mostly white. The colors are fun and often draw people in, but they usually fade as the pups grow. While we view them as a special treat, color is not a priority in our breeding program. Instead, we focus on producing dogs with the qualities that made us fall in love with the breed in the first place.
Sharing the CMD Legacy
The Colorado Mountain Dog is more than just a guardian; it’s a companion, a protector, and a partner. Through our program, we aim to share this incredible breed with others, ensuring that its remarkable traits are preserved for generations to come.