Howdy!

Our Story

Rafter C Ranch and LGDs began as a concept in early 2023. By the summer of that year, we received three adult, registered Great Pyrenees, Mystic, Star, and Drago, donated by a producer near Tyler, Texas who was no longer able to care for them. These dogs became the foundation of our program and later produced our first litter that same year.

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In the spring of 2024, we took in a breeding pair of purebred adolescent Maremma Sheepdogs, Yara and Zeus, from a producer experiencing behavioral challenges with the dogs. Through additional management, structure, and time to mature within a working ranch environment, the dogs developed into reliable livestock guardian dogs.

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In the fall of 2024, we had the opportunity to acquire a breeding pair of Karakachans, Rein and Cinch, at the cost of transportation and registration with the American Karakachan Dog Association (AKDA). Our experience with these dogs and appreciation for the breed led to the purchase of an additional female Karakachan, Rosie, in the spring of 2025.

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As our Maremmas matured and demonstrated consistent reliability with livestock, we made the decision to place them with ranchers in need of proven adult working dogs. Managing multiple intact, mature dogs of different breeds at a single location also presented logistical challenges. Two of our Great Pyrenees were likewise placed with producers seeking experienced livestock guardian dogs. We retained Star, who remains an exceptional LGD and periodically assists with the training and mentoring of older puppies.

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In addition to livestock guardian dogs, Rafter C Ranch raises Dorper × St. Croix sheep and Spanish meat goats. These animals primarily serve as working livestock for LGD bonding, training, and evaluation. All male sheep and goats are sold, and select animals have been utilized in commercial and advertising settings.