LGD Puppy Information

This page contains information and links to forms for puppy purchases.

Our Puppies

Rafter C Ranch and LGDs produces purpose-bred livestock guardian dogs selected for sound temperament, structural durability, and real-world working ability. Our breeding program is intentionally small, management-focused, and designed to support long-term livestock protection rather than volume production.

This page provides detailed information regarding upcoming litters, our puppy waiting list, deposit policies, health guarantees, and the puppy selection process. We encourage all prospective purchasers to review this information carefully to ensure our program and management expectations align with their operation.

Our goal is to place each puppy in an environment where it can succeed as a working livestock guardian dog. Transparency, responsible placement, and long-term animal welfare are central to every decision we make.

Who Our Puppies Are Best Suited For

Rafter C Ranch and LGDs puppies are best suited for livestock producers and land managers who are committed to actively managing and developing a working livestock guardian dog. These puppies are bred and raised with the expectation that they will be placed in working environments, not companion or pet-only homes.

Our puppies are a good fit for:

Sheep, goat and cattle operations seeking long-term predator deterrence
Producers willing to invest time in proper bonding, supervision, and training during the dog’s developmental period
Operations that understand livestock guardian dogs require structure, patience, and consistent management to succeed
Buyers who value temperament stability, working ability, and soundness over appearance or novelty

Our puppies are not a good fit for:

House-pet, suburban environments or homesteads of less than 5 acres and fewer than 10 animals
Operations unwilling or unable to provide appropriate fencing, livestock exposure, and daily oversight
Buyers seeking immediate, fully trained adult guardian dogs
Situations where the dog will be isolated from livestock or expected to function without guidance

Livestock guardian dogs are a long-term management tool, not a quick fix. Proper placement is essential to the success of both the dog and the livestock operation. For this reason, we reserve the right to decline a sale if we believe the placement is not in the dog's best interest or the purchaser’s operation.

Puppy Waiting List and Deposit Policy

Placement on the Rafter C Ranch and LGDs Puppy Waiting List constitutes an expression of interest only and does not create a contract, guarantee the availability of a puppy, or obligate either party to complete a purchase. No deposit is required to be placed on the Waiting List.

Due to the inherent variability of litter size and the number of male and female puppies produced, Seller does not accept deposits prior to the birth of a litter unless Seller reasonably believes the Purchaser’s stated preference for puppy gender can be fulfilled. Seller reserves sole discretion in determining deposit eligibility prior to birth.

Interested Purchasers may request placement on the Waiting List by contacting Seller. Seller maintains the Waiting List in the chronological order in which inquiries are received. Once a litter is born, Seller will contact individuals on the Waiting List in that same order to confirm continued interest before proceeding to the next prospective Purchaser.

Deposit and Sales Contract

Upon notification that puppies have been born, a Purchaser who confirms continued interest will be invited to submit a puppy deposit. A deposit is required to secure a puppy from a specific litter. No puppy is reserved until the deposit is received and accepted by Seller.

The submission of a deposit constitutes:

The Purchaser’s acceptance of Seller’s offer to sell a puppy, and
The formation of a binding purchase agreement subject to the terms of the Puppy Purchase Agreement and Puppy Health Guarantee.

All puppy deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. By submitting a deposit, Purchaser affirms that they have read, understand, and agree to be bound by:

The Puppy Purchase Agreement
The Puppy Health Guarantee
All associated policies published by Seller

Deposits are accepted via Zelle, Venmo, cash or money order.

At the time the deposit is submitted, Purchaser will be required to state preferences regarding:

Puppy gender
Coat color (if applicable)
Tail length (if applicable)

Puppy selection order is determined exclusively by the date and time the deposit is received, subject to the number of male and female puppies available in the litter. Seller makes no guarantee that all stated preferences can be met.

Puppy Selection and Balance Due

Following the birth of the litter, Seller will provide photographs of the puppies to Purchasers who have submitted deposits. Purchasers are encouraged to review all available puppies prior to the formal selection process.

When puppy selection begins:

Purchasers will be contacted in deposit order
Purchasers will have three (3) calendar days to make a final puppy selection
Upon selection, the remaining balance of the purchase price becomes immediately due
An invoice will be issued at the time of selection

Failure to remit the remaining balance within seven (7) calendar days of invoice issuance shall constitute default. In the event of default:

The deposit shall be forfeited in full as liquidated damages, and
Seller may offer the puppy to another Purchaser without further obligation.

Acknowledgment

Purchaser acknowledges that placing a deposit constitutes a firm commitment to purchase a puppy under the terms of the Puppy Purchase Agreement. Because deposits are non-refundable, Purchaser is advised to submit a deposit only after careful consideration and full review of all contractual documents.