Have you ever wondered what life and work are like on an authentic ranch in Chilean Patagonia? The story of Ms. Tamara and her family provides a glimpse filled with passion, deeply rooted traditions, and a profound love for animals. In the stunning lands surrounding Laguna Sofía—just a short distance from Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park—a new chapter of this adventure is written every day: the challenge of protecting sheep, living in harmony with predators, and sharing with visitors from around the world the fascinating work of guardian and herding dogs.
One might imagine that country living is all about tranquility and dreamy landscapes. But when Ms. Tamara and her family lost 900 sheep in a single season, reality hit hard. This devastating blow jeopardized the continuation of their sheep-raising tradition and forced them to consider the drastic decision of removing sheep from their production altogether.
Attacks by pumas, foxes, and even feral dogs were frequent. The family was heartbroken at the thought that future generations would lose their connection to sheep farming and its traditions if they had to stop raising livestock entirely.
Then one day, they saw a TV program that would change their course: a Chilean working in the United States with guardian dogs that protected sheep from bears, pumas, and other predators. “Why not bring those dogs here?” they wondered.
The idea of introducing guardian dogs became the spark that reignited the family’s passion for sheep farming. After conducting research in Chile and Argentina, they reached out to José Manuel Cortázar, who imported three Maremma dogs (one male and two females) from Canada. With great patience, they waited for the dogs to grow, go through their first heat, and have their first litter. It was the start of a brand-new era.
The first puppies were raised in direct contact with the sheep (known as “imprinting”), and by five months old, they were already defending the flock with a dedication that amazed everyone. To perfect their approach, they received advice from Spanish experts and held talks on both sides of the Andes.
In Argentina, the concept was adopted so successfully that the INTA (National Institute of Agricultural Technology) incorporated it into public policy: guardian dogs became a key part of predator control, and their effectiveness was clearly demonstrated.
Meanwhile, in Chile, more and more ranchers gradually began to adopt the Maremma, recognizing it as a viable solution to peacefully coexist with predators without having to eliminate them. “The dog never fails; if something goes wrong, it’s our fault for not imprinting it correctly or not feeding it properly,” Ms. Tamara says, emphasizing the responsibility involved in caring for these protectors.
Daily life on the ranch took a radical turn. Before, the sheep had to be corralled near the house every night, yet puma, fox, and wild dog attacks still happened. They lived in constant stress, worried about losing more animals. But with the arrival of the Maremma dogs, peace returned.
“I can hear distant barking at night, almost like a symphony: one barks to the north, another to the south, as a warning call. If predators get close, the dog will bark in that direction, scaring them away and preventing serious confrontations,” Ms. Tamara explains. In extreme cases, if a predator enters the corral to hunt, the Maremma can attack, but its primary function is to dissuade and protect, not to kill.
Each day, the family confirms just how effective these guardians are: “It’s amazing to watch them care for their sheep, how loyal they are, how they work all night and then rest a bit during the day. They’re flock dogs: they live with the herd, share a strong bond with it, and defend it like their own family.”
But dog work on the ranch isn’t limited to protection. There are also herding dogs—mostly referred to in Patagonia as “Barbuchos”—whose job is to drive, guide, and gather the sheep to new pastures or for tasks like vaccination or shearing.
Their training is another art form. Ms. Tamara explains there are frontline dogs (punteros), rear-guard dogs (culateros), and those that work the flanks (mangueadores). Each one learns from a “master” dog: “A puppy is raised alongside an experienced guide dog. It observes, and little by little, starts to understand the whistles and signals we give.” It can take up to two years to fully train a herding dog, but the satisfaction of watching them in action—seeing the way they glance and maneuver to move the flock—is unmatched.
“We call the Barbucho our ‘patafierro,’” she says with a smile. “If you need seven straight days of work, it’ll be there, never giving up, as if you had injected it with extra energy every morning.”
At Pingo Salvaje, they’ve decided to share this knowledge with curious travelers and nature lovers through a Sheepdog and Guardian Dog Skills Showcase. What does this experience involve?
The Sheepdog and Guardian Dog Skills Showcase at Pingo Salvaje isn’t just a show; it’s an invitation to discover a way of life where a passion for animals, the quest for serenity, and respect for nature blend in perfect harmony.
Location: Laguna Sofía, a few kilometers from Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park.
Contact: You can book through our contact form. The activity requires a minimum of 2 participants.
Activity: Open to travelers, families, and the curious who want to learn and be amazed by ranching traditions and the magic of working dogs.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience in Patagonia, come witness the power of the Maremmas defending the flock and the precision of the Barbuchos guiding the sheep almost in silence. You’ll carry away a story that transcends borders: that of a place at the world’s end where innovation, tradition, and a deep love for the land come together to create a better future.
We look forward to sharing this Patagonian adventure with you!