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CMD Temperament and Guarding Style

The Colorado Mountain Dog breed is being selected for acceptance of all people, unless there is a perceived threat. Dogs should come to the fence to greet people with wagging tails, if you are there. Dogs can perceive things humans cannot... and this includes intent from humans. The communication of canines includes a far greater percentage of body language than our communication and dogs are keenly aware of intent.

This trait will never be arguable in the breed. It is the core niche, the reason for the breed. There are individual dogs in many LGD breeds who have this trait. We are selecting it from many LGD breeds. It is a trait associated with intelligence. A dog bred to be hostile to all people doesn't have to discern.

In some countries in Europe, the trait in LGDs of default hostility to humans is being discussed because it has become incompatible with wilderness tourism.

Training and socialization plays a part too, not just genetics. Make sure your pup gets a lot of attention.

One of the biggest blows a farm can have, is a dog bite lawsuit. The problem with having a guardian who holds off people, is that there will always be flex in that trait and bites are possible. Plus it is simply not good business to have a dog on the premises who shows hostility when your milk-share clients come on site. It is anxiety producing and negative for customers... especially if they bring their children. It is not even acceptable to have such a dog bark with hostility from behind a fence. That is an accident waiting to happen.

The CMD needs to be bred from two stable accepting parents. Socialization should be a priority so that the dog's temperament and aptitudes with people can be assessed. It isn't good breeding to use a suspicious or feral dog as a CMD parent. Because the breed is in development, placements need to be done carefully and appropriately, with each breeder knowing the work drives of their lines, and assessing puppy temperaments at an early age.

LGD breeds vary in their guarding styles and aptitudes. LGD packs are often a mix of breeds so that all bases are covered. Our LGD breed, the CMD, is being bred for a distinct purpose -- to work closely with both resident and visiting people, on small farms or places with eco-tourism. But well-bred CMDs can and do work on larger acreages successfully as well.