“Dear Mr. Wolf: Meet Your Match”. We spotted that headline in an ad in a recent issue of Range magazine. The advertiser: Cinco Deseos Ranch of Winnemucca, Nevada, which says it offers “serious livestock protection for serious predator problems”.

Spanish Mastiffs
Spanish Mastiffs originated in Spain. Males range up to 38 in. tall and weigh up to 260 lbs.; females range up to 35 in. tall and weigh up to 220 lbs. They have a noble bearing and detachment, and are extremely courageous, regal, and alert. They are not overly affectionate, have a calm bearing, are never hyper, and are very protective and suspicious of strangers. They’re friendly and accepting only after introduced, although some never let their guard down. They have a loud, low, rumbling roar of a bark. Loose skin hangs in folds from the head and neck.

Turkish Boz
The Turkish Boz originated in the Urfa mountains region of Turkey. Males are 32 to 38 in. tall and average 140 to 240 lbs.; females are 29 to 33 in. tall and average 115 to 150 lbs. The Turkish Boz excels in defense against large predators such as wolves, mountain lions and bears. They’re extremely devoted to their owner and make superior family and home protection dogs. In Turkey they’re heavily used to guard sheep.

Pyrenean Mastiff
Pyrenean Mastiffs originated in Spain and weigh 130 to 180 lbs. although some males can reach 200 lbs. Unlike most large guard dogs, which can be aloof, the Pyrenean Mastiff has an extremely affectionate, loving, people-oriented temperament making him an ideal choice for the small, family-run hobby farm or ranch as a combination livestock guardian and family companion. A jovial breed, very protective of its stock, property and family, yet very aggressive when threatened. Suspicious of strangers until introduced.

The ranch also sells several lower-priced Livestock Guard Dog crosses including Turkish Kangals crossed with Anatolian/Maremma and Great Pyrenees crossed with Great Pyrenees/Polish Tatra.