I'm Marlo V., the breeder behind Pine Spring Farm located in Albright, WV. We proudly produce show-quality working Tornjaks nestled into the mountains of north-central West Virginia. We strive to prove the versatility of this powerful working breed. Our kennel aims to maintain the stable working temperament and correct structure of the breed while providing the ability to adapt to the modern world by engaging in sports such a nose-work, weight pull, etc.
Q. & A. with Marlo
Why did you start breeding?
The start of my breeding journey was falling in love with Tornjaks. My first "all by myself" dog was an animal control Great Pyrenees that I got lucky turned out to be a fine LGD. I love a good Pyr, but wanted something different going forward. I read about the Tornjak's loyalty and trainability (for a LGD) and had to try them out. I'm now hooked and hope to make the breed more available to N. America.
What makes your program special?
We're confident the Tornjak can do it all despite being a Livestock Gaurdian breed. They understand context well, so we aim to prove they can be a fierce gaurdian on the farm, but a stable companion off their "turf". We prove our dogs on the farm, in the conformation ring, and in any sports they enjoy. You might even see one of our dogs in rally soon!
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Peanut
Went home
Female
Pumpernickle
Went home
Male
Princess Pickle
Went home
Female
Periwinkle
Went home
Female
Pringle
Went home
Male
Pinto Bean
Went home
Male
Peppermint Patty
Went home
Female
TenTen Hanada-Kagawa
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Marlo
Marlo has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $1,500 - $2,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.
“This price includes AKC registration (and UKC registration if requested), all age appropriate vet care, a puppy packet, early socialization, and exposure to livestock. All of our puppies are the same price regardless of color or size and come with registration and microchips. This deposit is to cover time and expenses in vetting homes should things fall through.”
Contract & health guarantee
Marlo may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Marlo offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Marlo directly.
Pine Spring Farm meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Litter and program updates
Marlo V.
Litter update on 18 Sept. •
We're working hard to bring you updated photos of the puppies that are still available, but it's important to enjoy some puppy love as well! Perogi was more interested in giving kisses than taking photos!
#dog #tornjak #farmlife #LGD #lifestyle #fyp #farm #puppy
…
Zadok and Pandora's litter
Marlo V.
Litter update on 06 Aug. •
Finally got the results of temperment testing all written up, including some structure and general notes! Curious how a puppy tested? Click on their page in the google sheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sdAp7PyEQesHlFukKmQNuWmdYXeKvzyR/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=116224778578903095968&rtpof=true&sd=true
…
Zadok and Pandora's litter
Marlo V.
Litter update on 20 July •
We had our Volhard's temperment testing yesterday! Unsurprisingly, most of us were very calm and unbothered by the test elements. But a few of us thought the ball and dish towel element was fun! We all bonded well with the strange lady testing us. Cuddle time was the best part!
…
Zadok and Pandora's litter
Marlo V.
Litter update on 17 July •
A bird safe mom + early socialization = bird safe puppies 🥰
Zadok and Pandora's litter
Marlo V.
Litter update on 19 June •
Don't be fooled! They ate an entire bowl of solid food already today in addition to nursing. Nonetheless, they couldn't let Pandora have a moment of peace!
…
Zadok and Pandora's litter
Marlo V.
Litter update on 08 June •
We welcomed 11 healthy puppies on June 1st!
Zadok and Pandora's litter
Parent dogs
Falkor, dad
Tornjak
About Falkor
Falkor is a young, promising livestock guardian with an amusing ability to bond with the larger livestock on the farm. His best friends are 'Monty' the mule and 'Augie' the highland bull calf, and they enjoy playing "follow the leader" all day. He is still maturing, but Falkor has become our main sentry on the farm. He is first to alert, and all the animals understand his alarm bark means to run to safety. He's also our biggest cuddler and will probably always consider himself a lap dog regardless of his size. Falkor has strong opinions but is also enthusiastic to do what is asked of him, a rare occurrence in livestock guardians. He's still working on his show titles, but thus far captivates judges and spectators at every show he attends.
Pandora, mom
Tornjak
About Pandora
Our foundation female, Pandora, is one of the hardest-working Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGD) you'll meet. In addition to keeping coyotes miles away from our fences and befriending every animal we have, Pandora also works hard to showcase the breed's potential versatility. We are proud that Pandora is the first AKC Certificate of Merit holder for the breed and the first to earn conformation titles in both the UKC and AKC. She also enjoys scent work, and we hope to begin therapy work in 2025.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Pine Spring Farm reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Tornjaks.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
DNA Disease Panel
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).