Meet Kate (more formally known as Growlsburg's Erin Crocker)

In 2005 we were in search of a sound livestock guard dog. We breed alpacas and many breeders recommended that we get an Anatolian Shepherd. After much research and hours of talking to other ranchers and Anatolian breeders, we decided that this was indeed the best breed to guard our precious alpacas. But, what we also were looking for in our stock dog was a mellow personality towards people and especially children. With a working ranch, we needed to make sure that our dog would accommodate and allow the many visitors to roam the ranch without any worries.

So, with some luck, we found our Kate. She was born on July 6, 2005 to a breeder in Sacramento. Coincidence had it that we scheduled our summer trip to the Coastal Redwoods in August and were able to make a detour through Sacramento, so we could see the litter. We immediately took to the little brindle puppy and reserved her. The breeder did a great job in socializing the litter to all kinds of traffic, noises and other commotion, so when we were able to pick Kate up, around 12 weeks, she was accustomed to life at a busy home and ranch.

Kate comes from a very famous background. Her mother, CH Sakarya's Sabrina, was Best of Breed and her grandmother, Stormy, was the first female Anatolian Shepherd who became an AKC Champion of record. Stormy was also the ACE Awards Honoree in 2004 and named "Exemplary Companion Dog".

Kate has turned into a wonderful alpaca guard dog and takes her role very seriously. She loves to watch over her flock and make sure that they are not bothered by anything - she won't even let the lizards get close. At the same time, Kate is in many ways a true Anatolian Shepherd. She is non-aggressive, laid back, mellow, loves children and adults, enjoys the occasional nap on the family couch, but does not hesitate to protect and guard her flock and her human pack leaders.

Kate is just now starting to enter the show ring. With her famous family history, we decided that she should test those waters as well. As we proceed further with this venture, we will keep you updated - and yes, we hope to breed Kate in the near future.