Hidden Gems: Meet Gerhard Maale of Lone Star Mastiffs and Lone Star Mastiffs Farms

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerhard Maale.

Gerhard, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I pursued my undergraduate degree in Marine Biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston, where my extensive scuba diving led me to become a dive master. This passion for diving introduced me to a cave diving geology program, subsequently guiding me to a Master’s degree in Marine Resource Management. My thesis focused on microfossil analysis in underwater caves, a period during which I cultivated a profound appreciation for science and genetics. Leveraging the skills acquired in genetics, I ventured into founding a dual business: a dog breeding/training company and a super-hot pepper farm. Post-graduation, I explored diverse fields, including working on fishing vessels in the Bering Sea and roles in sales and advertising within the firearms industry. My career path then steered me towards becoming a certified dog trainer through a rigorous program accredited by the DPS, ATF, FBI, and DEA, focusing on police and military working dogs. From there, I established Lone Star Mastiffs, a company I built from scratch, specializing in breeding and training. Currently, we breed a variety of working dogs, including the Lone Star Mastiffs Bandog, Presa Canario, Boerboels, Neapolitan Mastiffs, English Mastiffs, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Armenian Gamprs, Central Asian Shepherds, Caucasian Shepherds. The Lone Star Mastiffs Bandog serves as a prototype for a new breed I am developing—The Lone Star Mastiff. This breed is still experimental, with an expected release of the first puppies in the next couple of years. 

Lone Star Mastiffs aims to produce functional working crosses that serve as estate guardians, perimeter patrol dogs, sentry dogs, family guardians, and protectors of farms and ranches. Our dogs are bred to be confident watchdogs: intelligent and trainable, yet dominant and independent. Our bandogs include a mix of 20 different breeds that have slowly become a dominant force in the guard dog industry. LSM specializes in high-value asset security. 

In addition to dog training, Lone Star Mastiffs also manages a farm established on a 35-acre property purchased in 2019. Initially a barren land, we developed the infrastructure from the ground up, involving extensive construction of fences, kennels, buildings, water, electric, forest clearing, and ponds, with the majority of the labor provided by myself, friends, and family. Our property not only supports our dogs but also operates as a sustainable organic vegetable farm. Lone Star Mastiffs Farms does not use any Glycophospate, 4D, or GMO products. 

The farm’s venture into the world of super-hot peppers began in 2022 with a friendly competition between my brother and I. This endeavor quickly transformed into a business when I discovered a market for super-hot peppers through various Facebook groups. My venture into pepper sales gained significant traction after being featured on the YouTube channel “Chase The Heat,” hosted by Johnny Scoville, leading to the sale of 2,000 boxes of peppers in 2023 alone. This success prompted the launch of our hot sauce line, now featuring over 20 varieties. As we expand, our focus is on commercializing these sauces, furthering our reach within and beyond Texas farmer’s markets. 

This year, I am cultivating over 200 varieties and 3,000 pepper plants, with four varieties contending for the title of the world’s hottest pepper. I am also developing over 20 new pepper varieties in hopes of achieving this distinction. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has absolutely not been a smooth road. When I started these companies, I had zero knowledge of farming, and I had never bred a dog before. At the time I decided I wanted to start the breeding company, I only had two dogs, both of which I purchased when I was 18—a Rottweiler and a Cane Corso. The farm company was a byproduct of just wanting to have healthy food to eat. I do not purchase food from grocery stores. I am the kind of person who learns by making mistakes, and in these two businesses, I made a ton of them. After all, I’m only human. 

One of the primary struggles was the transition from academia to diverse professional environments, which required not only a shift in mindset but also a continuous adaptation of my skills. In Alaska, working on fishing vessels subjected me to harsh conditions and demanding work, testing both my physical endurance and mental fortitude. 

Transitioning into the entrepreneurial world presented a different set of challenges. Establishing Lone Star Mastiffs and Lone Star Mastiffs Farms from scratch demanded extensive knowledge not just in genetics and dog training, but also in business management, agriculture, and marketing. The initial setup of our farm, with no existing infrastructure, was particularly daunting. From clearing land and installing utilities to constructing facilities, every step required meticulous planning and significant physical labor, often under the harsh weather conditions Texas provides. 

Additionally, navigating the regulatory frameworks for both dog breeding and agricultural production posed its own set of hurdles. Ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and crop quality was a complex and ongoing challenge. 

Financially, securing the necessary funding for both ventures required careful budgeting and financial planning. The fluctuating costs of supplies, unexpected expenses, and the initial lack of income streams were significant obstacles that needed careful management. 

On a more personal level, balancing the demands of my businesses with personal life and responsibilities has been a continuous struggle. Entrepreneurship, especially when coupled with a passion, can consume vast amounts of time, energy, and resources, often at the expense of personal time and relationships. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Lone Star Mastiffs and Lone Star Mastiffs Farms?
Lone Star Mastiffs and Lone Star Mastiffs Farms embodies a passion for excellence in both canine breeding and agriculture. At the heart of our operations, we specialize in the breeding and training of premium guard dogs, as well as the cultivation of super-hot peppers and other organic produce. 

Breeding and Training: We are renowned for our Lone Star Mastiff Bandogs, a line we are developing that exemplifies strength, loyalty, and versatility. These dogs are not just pets; they are skilled protectors designed to serve as estate guardians, perimeter patrol dogs, sentry dogs, family guardians, and more. Our training programs are comprehensive, ranging from basic obedience to specialized protection services, ensuring that each dog meets the highest standards of performance and temperament. 

Agriculture: On the farm side, Lone Star Mastiffs Farms is making significant strides in sustainable farming practices. We are known for our super-hot peppers, which have garnered a robust following due to their intense heat and flavor. Our innovative farming techniques, like the future underground walipini greenhouse, which will allow us to produce year-round, defying traditional growing seasons. This initiative not only increases our production capabilities but also demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and innovation in agriculture. 

What Sets Us Apart: What distinguishes us from others is our dual expertise in high-level canine training and advanced agricultural practices, coupled with a commitment to quality and sustainability. Our approach is holistic — we integrate the best of genetics, training, and environmental stewardship to create products and services that stand out in the market. 

Brand Pride: I am most proud of how our brand seamlessly combines these diverse elements — high-quality dog breeding with cutting-edge agricultural practices. This unique combination ensures that we offer not just products or services but comprehensive solutions for security, companionship, and healthy living. 

For Our Readers: To our readers, I want you to know that Lone Star Mastiffs and Farms is more than a business. It is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work, innovation, and a deep respect for nature and animal life. Whether you are looking for a dependable guard dog to protect your estate, seeking the hottest peppers to spice up your culinary creations, or searching for sustainable, organic produce, Lone Star Mastiffs and Farms is your trusted provider. We invite you to experience the quality and passion that define every aspect of our work. 

What’s next?
Looking ahead, I have several ambitious plans for both my breeding/training company and the farm, with four major infrastructure upgrades scheduled for this year. 

For the breeding and training company, we are enhancing our facilities by enclosing one of our existing kennels to create an indoor environment. This upgraded space will be dedicated to our pregnant females and board-and-train dogs, providing them with a controlled and comfortable setting that supports their health and training needs. 

The farm is set for particularly exciting developments. We are constructing an underground greenhouse, known as a walipini, which incorporates a mass heater—a large wood-burning stove-style heater. This innovative heating solution will enable us to cultivate citrus and peppers throughout the year, ensuring the production of our super-hot pepper boxes even during the winter months. 

Additionally, we are establishing a seed-starting facility to optimize our planting processes and increase the efficiency of our crop production. Pending the completion of these projects, we are also planning to expand into commercial cultivation of medicinal mushrooms, specifically Lion’s Mane and Reishi. The necessary materials for a large, humidified mushroom fruiting building have already been acquired, setting the stage for this new venture. 

These developments are not just expansions but also reflections of our commitment to sustainability and innovation within the agricultural and canine industries. 

Reflecting on my journey thus far, it’s evident that embracing challenges and turning them into opportunities has been a cornerstone of my approach. From starting with minimal knowledge to building complex, multi-faceted enterprises, each step has been driven by a commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable practices. 

Looking to the future, I am excited to continue this trajectory of growth and exploration. The upcoming infrastructure upgrades are just the beginning. The transition to an indoor kennel facility reflects our dedication to providing the best care and training for our animals, ensuring that they are not only physically healthy but also well-prepared for the roles they will fulfill in families and communities. 

The introduction of the walipini greenhouse and the seed starting facility on the farm will allow us to extend our growing season and enhance our agricultural output, which is vital as we look to meet increasing demand for our organic produce and super-hot peppers. Furthermore, the expansion into the cultivation of medicinal mushrooms marks our entry into a niche but rapidly growing sector of the agricultural market, promising new opportunities for business growth and contribution to health and wellness. 

As we advance, our focus remains steadfast on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in both canine training and sustainable agriculture. I am looking forward to not only the completion of these projects but also to the new challenges and opportunities they will bring. Our goal is to continuously innovate and improve, ensuring that Lone Star Mastiffs and Lone Star Mastiffs Farms not only succeeds as a business but also makes a positive impact on our community and the environment. 

Pricing:

• Puppies start at $2500-$10,000
• Board and trains are $1700 for 3 weeks
• Hourly dog training $50
• Super Hot Pepper labeled boxes $55, Unlabeled boxes $40
• Hot sauce start at $15

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lonestarmastiffs.com/ and https://farm.lonestarmastiffs.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonestarmastiffs/ and https://www.instagram.com/lonestarmastiffsfarms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lonestarmastiffs/ and https://www.facebook.com/p/Lone-Star-Mastiffs-Farms-100079848995607/