The Grand Shepherd is a large, vigorous, and highly intelligent dog that temperamentally is both affectionate and vigilant, making this new breed especially suitable for the family homestead or farm. Old breeds bred for livestock guarding, such as the Anatolian Shepherd and the Great Pyrenees, were bred for open ranches of hundreds and thousands of acres. In such cases where dogs have a minimum of human interaction these highly independent and wide ranging old breeds are recommended. In distinction with the old livestock guardian breeds, the Grand Shepherd was bred with the family homestead or small farm in mind. The Grand Shepherd is a dog that can be counted on to watch over the home and bond with family during the day and guard the property perimeter and livestock at night.
The Grand Shepherd was bred in collaboration with breeders of previous national champ short-haired St. Bernards and a clinical psychologist and farmer, all of whom particularly desired to combine the characteristics of the loyal St. Bernard mastiff with those of the vigilant Anatolian Shepherd. The desired result is the magnificent Grand Shepherd!