Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions *

  • We are located in Cotopaxi, Colorado at approximately 9,000 feet elevation. Our farm is in a rural, mountainous area with active wildlife, which plays a big role in how we raise our animals and dogs.

  • The Colorado Mountain Dog is a livestock guardian breed in development, selected for strong guardian instincts along with a stable, people-friendly temperament suited for modern homesteads and rural properties. Read more here.


  • They can be, in the right environment. CMDs are generally more people-friendly than many traditional livestock guardian breeds, but they are still working dogs. They do best in rural homes with space, purpose, and clear structure. However, in some litters there are some individuals that are better suited for the companion life than the working life, and we do our best to get such dogs to the right families.

  • Not always, but they do best when they have a job or purpose. This can include livestock, property guarding, or simply having space and responsibility on a rural property.

  • Most livestock guardian dogs begin showing protective instincts between 6–12 months, but full maturity often takes 18–24 months. Puppies should not be expected to guard livestock independently.

  • Like all LGDs, they have a natural instinct to patrol territory. Good fencing, training, and clear boundaries are essential to prevent wandering.

Puppies

  • We ask interested buyers to fill out our Puppy Interest Form, or reach out and tell us about their property, experience, and what they are looking for in a dog. From there we can determine if a CMD is a good fit and discuss availability.

  • Please contact us directly for current pricing. All puppies in a respective litter will cost the same regardless of sex or color. Prices may vary depending on the litter and the costs associated with producing it.

  • We accept deposits for puppies only once the litter is on the ground. Deposits are $200 and non-refundable.

  • Puppies are raised with close human interaction and early exposure to farm life. Specifically, we socialize our puppies from birth through the Puppy Culture program to focus on building a strong foundation of temperament, confidence, and basic manners before gradually introducing livestock.

  • While our dogs are bred as livestock guardians, some individuals may be suitable for the right companion home with appropriate space and lifestyle.

  • We are happy to meet buyers within the state of Colorado at a mutually agreed-upon location. For out-of-state homes, transportation arrangements (air travel, hiring a puppy nannie etc.) are the responsibility of the buyer. We are happy to coordinate timing and provide any necessary support on our end to ensure a smooth transition.

If you have any other questions that weren’t answered here, please feel free to reach out to us at waterloomountainfarm@gmail.com and we’d be happy to answer.