Colorado Mountain Dog

80-120 lbs
26-29"
United States
The Colorado Mountain Dog is a livestock guardian dog who has a friendly temperament and enjoys meeting people. They are gentle with children, and despite their size, they adapt well to inside living as they bond closely to their owners and love to be part of their family. Derived from working dog stock, the Colorado Mountain Dog defends their master's borders against animals of prey that may attempt to take stock.  Two dogs are needed where there are larger prey such as mountain lions or packs of coyotes. But one dog is fine for smaller predators such as the wily fox. They are ideal for farms or larger ranches. Usually they are white, although you can find them in other colors. The Colorado Mountain Dog is kind with stock, blending in with the animals becoming a trusted friend. Unlike other guardian dogs, the Colorado Mountain Dog is welcoming and friendly to guests or visitors to your home, making them a good all-around guardian dog.
purpose Purpose
Livestock Guardian Dog, Companion
history Date of Origin
2005
ancestry Ancestry
Great Pyrenees, Anatolian, Hungarian Kuvasz

Colorado Mountain Dog Health

Average Size
Male Colorado Mountain Dog size stats
Height: 30-34 inches Weight: 110-150 lbs
Female Colorado Mountain Dog size stats
Height: 26-29 inches Weight: 80-120 lbs
Major Concerns
  • None Known
Minor Concerns
  • Ear Infections
  • Eye Abnormalities
  • Eye Infections
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Bloat
Occasional Tests
  • Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
  • Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests
  • Blood Work and Serum Chemistry Tests
  • Eye Examinations (both internal as well as external)
  • Blood Glucose Level Testing
  • Hip and Elbow X-rays

Colorado Mountain Dog Breed History

Wendy Francisco and her husband started this breed (the Colorado Mountain Dog) after a mountain lion attacked and killed most of her goat herd one evening on their Colorado farm. As a result, she researched the various livestock guardian dogs available but became discouraged due to the high rate of genetic issues of the purebreds, and the potential aggression of the dog to visitors to the farm. As a result of her inquiries, she acquired a crossbred livestock guarding dog named Caspian who was a cross between the Great Pyrenees and the Anatolian breeds. Caspian turned out to be an exceptional dog who fulfilled all her requirements. Not only was he a terrific guardian but he was friendly and accepting of the guests. Other farmers and ranchers also had the same issues Wendy did, in that they wanted a friendly yet proven guardian for their stock. Caspian became the leading dog in what was to become known as the Colorado Mountain Dog breed. A female dog named Snow was found, and crossed with Caspian, producing offspring that were incredibly healthy, with exceptional guardian traits and a friendly temperament. From this small beginning, the breed slowly grew in numbers as did the owner's reputation as ethical breeders. By 2012 the numbers of breeders had increased, and had formed a network to promote the new breeds standards. 2015 saw the Colorado Mountain Dog name trademarked, and the first registry of the Colorado Mountain Dog Association was officially formed. Their mission - to promote the Colorado Mountain Dog as a faithful and affectionate family dog that was perfect for small farms and ranches. The dog's predictable acceptance of human visitors to the farm is one of the most outstanding qualities for this beautiful dog.

Colorado Mountain Dog Breed Appearance

The Colorado Mountain Dog is a large dog standing up to 34 inches high, and is well balanced and beautifully proportioned in build. They sport a medium sized chest, strong straight back, and long straight legs with solid well padded paws. Their tail is thick like a plume of longer fur. The coat on the Colorado Mountain Dog is usually white in color, medium in length and nice and soft to the touch. Longer fur on the mane, backs of the legs, and tail is normal, and they often develop a nice undercoat during winter months. During summer, this dense warm coat 'blows' out to leave a thinner cooler coat. The face has a gentle friendly appearance, and is elegant in style. The muzzle is long and gently slopping, with the teeth meeting in a scissors bite. The eyes are what you will be drawn to; they are deep in color, wide set, very alert and expressive. This gentle giant is a beautiful looking dog in a very classical way.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Colorado Mountain Dog eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Colorado Mountain Dog nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Colorado Mountain Dog coat
White
fawn Colorado Mountain Dog coat
Fawn
brown Colorado Mountain Dog coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Colorado Mountain Dog wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Colorado Mountain Dog Breed Maintenance

The Colorado Mountain Dog is relatively easy to maintain in winter, with just a good thorough brushing once a week, a nail clip when needed and their teeth brushed several times a week. Once summer kicks in, your dog will require brushing on a daily basis to get rid of the winter undercoat that will be shedding. Most Colorado Mountain Dogs are usually white in color so they may need an occasional bath to keep their color fresh. Human shampoos can really strip the oils out of a dog's coat, so make sure you use a specially designed shampoo for dogs. These special shampoos are mild and gentle, and protect the natural oils in the Colorado Mountain Dog's skin. The oils are essential protection for your pooch when out in all kinds of weather. Remember to check your dog's ears in case of infection, and in summer check for parasites and ticks. Other than that, relax and enjoy your majestic dog.

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Brushes for Colorado Mountain Dog
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Colorado Mountain Dog requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Colorado Mountain Dog Temperament

The Colorado Mountain Dog demonstrates a stable temperament, meaning that they are always outgoing, confident dogs with no show of aggression unless they are protecting their stock or family. Animals such as goats and sheep feel at ease with the Colorado Mountain Dog, as the dog blends into the herd or flock and bonds with their charges. Calm and quiet, they wander the perimeter of the property and keep watch over the stock. But don't be fooled by their mellow appearance, they are a dog on a mission and they are always on the alert and have a strong instinct to protect their charges. At home, this powerful dog is quiet and calm inside the home, and they are affectionate and very patient with young children. They bond well with family members, often wanting to join in their games or just lie beside them and keep them company. Loyal guardians and devoted companions,  this dog has been bred to be a companion to family and accepting of visitors or guests that may turn up on your doorstep.

Colorado Mountain Dog Activity Requirements

While not hyperactive as far as energy goes, they are still an energetic dog who can spend hours wandering around the property, checking every crevice. If they are a working dog on a farm or ranch, they will get plenty of exercise through their daily activities. But if they are a companion dog, they will need a good sized yard to run or wander around, as well as a daily walk each day. They do enjoy a family game or two, and are patient with children who can sometimes get a bit rough in the excitement of a game. Their manners are excellent when inside the home, being quiet and affectionate. They love a snuggle and if you are cold, it will be like having a living rug cuddle up to you.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
20 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
80 minutes
activity minutes

Colorado Mountain Dog Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
4 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$2.75 - $3.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$80.00 - $90.00
food bag monthly cost

Colorado Mountain Dog Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Colorado Mountain Dog size stats at six months
Height: 13.5 inches Weight: 22.5 lbs
Female Colorado Mountain Dog size stats at six months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 21.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Colorado Mountain Dog size stats at 12 months
Height: 25.0 inches Weight: 75.0 lbs
Female Colorado Mountain Dog size stats at 12 months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 57.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Colorado Mountain Dog size stats at 18 months
Height: 32.0 inches Weight: 130.0 lbs
Female Colorado Mountain Dog size stats at 18 months
Height: 27.5 inches Weight: 100.0 lbs

Colorado Mountain Dog Owner Experiences

CNK Atlas of BSK and PDP Kona of BSK
2 Years
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
guarding our livestock
Atlas will play soccer!
Playing with our kids
Sleeping
They love going on Hiking trips!
Both of our CMD's were 4th Generation on the Colorado Mountain Dog Registry. They and their G4 puppies have been delightful guardians and companions. They stay outside with our goats, although they occasionally like to wander in and hang out with the family as well. I love the fact that these giant beasts are out watching over my children at play. Our male Atlas is generally chilled out watching over everything. If he hears something however he can take off like a rocket in no time. He's a sweet yet imposing, majestic looking character! Our CMD's seem to be rather intelligent barkers as well. They will bark non-stop if there is a coyote or some other predator close to the property line, but other than that, they are generally much quieter than our other dogs (Vizsla). Kona has a sweet essence about her. She's an incredibly affectionate dog, yet always the peacemaker and protector. Her and Atlas work as a team, generally with 1 sleeping out by the fence line, and the other sleeping near the home and livestock pens. This breed has been the perfect balance in that they meet a need as a working LGD (livestock guardian dog) yet they have also become as much family members as our other "pet" dogs. We currently have puppies in Northern Arizona if you'd like more info. BigSkyArizona.com
2 years, 5 months ago
Atlas
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Receiving Atlas as our LGD has been the greatest experience with a dog yet. He is overly friendly and visitors to our farm instantly fall in love with him, teasing how they would love to take him home. Guests with dogs very have to worry about him being aggressive with their pet as he will romp and play with them as well. Dawn, whom we purchased Atlas from, was a great help when we arrived to pick him up and has been a wonderful mentor for us as well. We would love to find a female to continue the breeding program eventually as I feel these animals are perfect for the small acreage farm. Murray and Jill
2 years, 7 months ago
Basha Bear
3 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jumping on the bed to play
Herding her "siblings".
Playfully antagonizing the older dogs.
Chasing deer.
Exploring the yard.
She is great. Basha seems to know when I'm feeling down so she'll do something goofy like chasing deer downhill and rolling over herself. It was so funny the deer even stopped to watch her rolling down the hill. She's still a baby so she's still kinda awkward, but I love her.
2 years, 7 months ago
Cleo and Prince
5 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We brought these gorgeous siblings home at 8 weeks old and immediately introduced them to their new lifestyle of guarding our livestock. We live on a 5 acre farm with goats, mini pigs, and chickens. Since day one, they have shown great instinct to guard their herd. Never had to teach to it, they just knew what to do. It was amazing to see. At night, they are very protective and always alert us of coyotes or other sounds they hear. They are not ones to bark unnecessarily, so we always know when something is going on that warrants checking on. During the day they are incredibly loving and docile with all of our other animals, as well as anyone who comes around. Best puppies we have ever raised. Not biters, chewers, or jumpers. However, they do like to be independent explorers and often chose to not listen when called upon. We have 3 children who they adore. These gentle giants have turned out to be a perfect fit for our farm. Highly recommend the breed. Our puppies are 1/2 Great Pyrenees and 1/2 Anatolian Shepherd.
2 years, 10 months ago
Oakley and Aspen
11 Weeks
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
So far it’s been amazing. They are two of the most lovable puppies. They are very stubborn even at this young age. If you want to open your door and call them and expect them to come running right away you may be disappointed. They love to be outside and do things together. They and you will get attached very quickly. We have 65 acres in TX. And are going to be getting cattle and horses. Can’t wait to see how they are with them.
2 years, 10 months ago
Zora
18 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
A great dog, as we live in the mountains outside of Durango Colorado. Great to keep the Bears and the other critters away.
6 years, 2 months ago
Agent Mulder (we call him "Mulder")
9 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Our dude (half Great Pyr and Half Anatolian) was purchased in Kansas by a nurse who works with our son in Colorado Springs. She went to purchase one dog and the environmental conditions and malnourished conditions of the mother and pups was so bad, that the nurse purchased all 3 pups and called the Humane Society after she left and they went and took the mother dog. It is probably a good thing that I do not know the names and address of the people who so horribly neglected the dogs. I have fantasies about what I could do to those people with my bare hands. Our dude was 10 weeks old, extremely malnourished and very sad and scared - his head was way bigger than his emaciated body. He vomited up a round worm in our back seat while we were taking him to his first visit at our HOLISTIC veterinarian (Dr. Jim Friedly, Peyton, Colorado, NATURAL HEALTHCARE CENTER FOR ANIMALS). I fed him diatomacious earth and Creatine in his food (grain free) everyday for a month and he gained a tremendous amount of muscle weight in the first month. When I took him back to the vet, the vet was delighted at the difference in just one month and said to Mulder, "Well, you've got a good home now, don't you?" Mulder had never had a dog cookie nor a real bone nor a leather knot Chew-Chew. We feed him two cans of grain free dog stews mixed with shredded cheddar every night and he eats grain free "crunchies" all day. At 9 months now, he weighs about 110 lbs and is about 32 inches tall. He has 3 inch length white hair. When he raises up on his back legs, he is about eye to eye with me. His body and his head are proportionate. He is THE BOSS of his 35 acre farm. He smiles all the time and his eyes are very happy. He has killed one of our chickens and mauled another (that lived) because he thinks they are his play things and they got out of their large chicken yard after high winds damaged the fence and they got out. He licks and loves all of our cats though not all of them love him back (they do tolerate him). We are looking for a female like him so he can assist in producing a litter and we want one female pup (Agent Scully) to raise with Mulder. Not sure how to find the female like him in our area, but would be willing to travel so that the deed could be done.
5 years, 11 months ago
Petey
2 Years
8 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Livestock Guardian Dog for our goats.
Petey was born and raised on our farm in Yoder, CO, Stone Table Ranch. He is a Great Pyrenees/Anatolian Shepherd line. He is AMAZING! He was brought into the CMD program in 2018 as an outcross stud. He has now sired 4 litters and all the pups have been gorgeous and well tempered. He loves people and is athletic. He is not a big barker unless necessary. We have now added other CMDs to our 35 acres and they can be seen at our website www.stonetableranch.com. Puppies available occasionally throughout the year!
5 years, 9 months ago
Aries
8 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Aries is a beautiful girl, almost totally white with greyish ear tips and a slightly off-center fawn colored spot on her back. She's 8 months and about 55 pounds. She's calm around the house and almost never barks. She learns new things easily, but is hard to train not to pull on the leash. She loves meeting new people and other dogs. Exceptionally friendly and loves kids, the younger, the better. Her only downside is she is very mouthy.
5 years ago
Mabel and Archie
2 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Snuggle
Dog Parks
I love my brother and sister. We got my siblings in a Ranch near South Park Colorado and they have been a joy. They do bark a lot and that is one thing I struggle with, but overall couldn't ask for two sweeter dogs. They are full of personality love to play with each other and love doggie daycare just to be around others when I am working. They enjoy bones and toys and any thing they can chew on!
3 years, 9 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd