Maremma Sheepdog

Overview of Maremma Sheepdogs

  • Maremma Sheepdogs are strictly working dogs, not suitable to be family pets. They are smart and independent. This breed is extremely adept at protecting the farm, herds and people. The Maremma Sheepdog gets along well with dogs and other pets.
  • Maremma sheepdogs are a type of breed called a “flock guard.” These dogs were bred to grow up from baby puppyhood with the flock of whatever animal they were meant to guard (often sheep), and they lived with that flock all their lives.
  • The Maremma Sheepdog is from Italy and though its origins are unknown it has been around for thousands of years, being used as as a livestock guardian in mostly central areas which include Abruzzo and the Maremma region, hence its name.
  • The Maremma Sheepdog is considered an “Old World European” breed, sharing ancestry with other Eastern European livestock guardian dogs, especially mountain-dwelling dogs, like the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and Kuvasz.
  • The Maremma Sheepdog is generally a healthy breed, but as with many breeds, can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems).
  • The Maremma Sheepdog is not currently recognized by the AKC but it’s classified in the Guardian Dog group for the United Kennel Club and the Pastoral Group by the UK Kennel Club.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs will play with anything – a favourite toy, a shoe, an old sock – and now you can get special rope toys, designed specifically for the game.
  • The Maremma Sheepdog is not likely to pass by unnoticed due to its impressive size and dramatic white coat, but its striking appearance is not its predominant feature.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs’ thick coats are great for keeping them warm in the winter, but less ideal for keeping them cool during the summer.
  • The Maremma Sheepdog is a large, strong breed, with males standing up to 73 cm at the shoulder and weighing between 35 and 45 kg.
  • Allergies

    They will need to be brushed once a week at minimum to keep their coat in good condition.Unfortunately, the Maremma Sheepdog is not hypoallergenic as they do shed a lot, which means they are not suitable for those with allergies.You should do this with a metal deshedding brush to prevent any matting and remove loose hairs.

    Breed

    In one of the more unusual uses to which it has been put, it is now tasked with protecting an endangered colony of penguins in Warrnambool, Australia, where a recent increase in the birds’ numbers has been attributed to their canine protectors.While only a handful of Maremma Sheepdogs are registered by the UK Kennel Club in any given year, it is a popular working breed in several other areas of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, and has proven itself capable of guarding a wide range of other species.

    Coat

    Additionally, it is necessary to accustom a puppy to rides in a car.Maremma is a very smart and independent dog, it quickly understands main commands such as «Sit», «Heel», «Come».Also claws need to be regularly trimmed.It is worth noticing that Maremma Sheepdog’s coat does not smell like a dog but rather like a sheep.Male dog usually sheds once a year whereas female dog usually sheds twice a year.Also Maremma is relatively free from hereditary diseases.Puppies are quite big and active and grow fast.Although Maremma is clean in habits in nature, the grooming should be regular.But it is not worth waiting the blind obedience from the Maremma Sheepdog.Comparing to German Shepherd and Border Collie, it is not in Maremma’s nature to be obsequious and servile.Nevertheless, the Maremma Sheepdog does not need human guide and control to serve as a guard because the ability to guard property is in its blood.Ears, eyes and communal pads require thorough care.For example, a puppy can be brought to pick children up from school.Hence, it is important to show a puppy the city.It is important to accustom a dog to grooming from an early age.Frequent bathing is not advisable, it should be done only if Maremma is very dirty or if it is necessary for an exhibition.It is preferable to let a puppy moving freely without restrictions on land.It is recommended to specialize a puppy before the age of 6 month.Maremma does not usually lose coat between shedding periods.The Maremma Sheepdog is a healthy breed, which is not prone to illnesses.Maremma starts guarding the territory from an early age, constantly controlling the perimeter and barking at unwanted visitors.The process of shedding can be sped up with bathing the dog at the beginning of the shedding.Therefore, it is better to avoid long walks and exercises before the age of 6 month.Usually it is enough to clean the coat with a brush and comb it once a week.

    Energy

    As with all dogs, the Maremma Sheepdog’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years.Maremmas love to be outside, even to live and sleep outside, and they generally choose their own ideal spots for where they’d like to sleep, so try to work around their preferences, if you can.Their thick fur makes Maremmas handle cold pretty well and heat less well; make sure they have plenty of water and shade in the summer.You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Maremma Sheepdog’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs — including weight, energy, and health — to make a specific recommendation.

    Health

    Maremma Sheepdogs are known to do very well with children within their own family.They may have trouble with children outside of the family, as they do not do well with strangers, and they will be particularly protective over their family’s children.

    Life expectancy

    Therefore, there is no specific data about this breed’s health concerns. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not tolerate too hot climate. The Maremma Sheepdog has a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years.

    Personality

    It’s also affectionate without being needy, and protective to the very end.The Maremma Sheepdog has a strong personality, which is the dominating trait of shepherding dogs.There are a few more things about Maremmas you’d want to be aware of. 

    Social

    The Maremma Sheepdog requires early socialization and obedience training. This dog sees his owner as an equal friend and requires the same attitude. Maremma Sheepdogs will not tolerate rudeness and disrespect, but they do need a firm hand.

    Temperament

    Now we have looked over what the temperament and traits of a Maremma Sheepdog is, it is time to look at what living and owning one of these pets is like on a day to day basis.

    Training

    A Maremma Sheepdog will respond well to firm, consistent training, but may prove too headstrong for owners that have not previously reared a high-energy, highly intelligent working dog of this sort.

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    Is Maremma Sheepdog Child-Friendly?

    Maremma Sheepdog is a gentle and loving dog that gets along with children pretty well.They need to be raised together with them from a small age.They do not do well with kids that behave harshly and roughly.

    Best Ways To Exercise Your Maremma Sheepdog?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are playful dogs who love to be out and about, exercising as often as possible.Yet, statistics have shown that 1 in 5 Maremma Sheepdog owners don’t regularly walk their dog, behaviour that, if sustained, can result in health problems in the long term.

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    Maremma Sheepdog Breed History ?

    Can you imagine a more picturesque place for dog breed to begin their history than the Italian countryside? We can almost see the green rolling hills and wildflower fields, the white-peaked mountains in the distance, and in the centre of it all: a fluffy white dog with a winning smile.

    How much are Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Maremma Sheepdogs can cost anywhere between $600 and $800.This is not as expensive as some dog breeds, although they are rare to find.If this out of your price range, you can always check your local shelter for a dog that needs a forever home.

    Have any questions about health in your breed?

    If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed.They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

    How can I find a Maremma Sheepdog?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are a very rare breed and are often not seen in the United States or outside of their native country of Italy.If you are looking to buy one in the US, you can search online for possible breeders near to you.Remember, always buy from a reputable breeder and go and visit the breeder and the dogs before you buy.

    Maremma Sheepdog Personality Traits ?

    While the Maremma Sheepdog looks similar to Labradors or Golden Retrievers, their personalities couldn’t be more different.Unlike their lookalikes, Maremmas are definitely not a cuddly house pet.Instead, they’re an independent, stoic, sometimes stubborn pup who is more accustomed to the working life than most other breeds.

    Why the Maremma?

    I first met a Maremma in 1983.

    Maremma Sheepdog Grooming ?

    ?The good news first: Maremma Sheepdogs don’t need regular baths, and are generally pretty clean dogs.That’s thanks to that full outer coat, which largely repels water and dirt.Of course, they may need a wipe down every once in a while, especially if they’ve splashed in any puddles.However, professional grooming isn’t usually necessary.

    Maremma Sheepdog Exercise Needs & Living Conditions ¦ ?

    ?By now, it must be clear that this is not your average doggo.And, their lifestyle needs are just one more way that they stand apart from the rest.

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    The Avalanche Puppies, or, What’s an Abruzzi Sheepdog?

    The news coming out of Italy this past week has been tragic.Twenty-nine dead, eleven rescued from an avalanche that engulfed the Hotel Rigopiano after a 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck the foot of Gran Sasso mountain a few days earlier.Unimaginably sad.

    Why Choose a Maremma Sheepdog?

    Breeder Jim Beck of A Goode View Alpaca Farm says, “My wife and I started an alpaca farm close to 5 years ago and the day we purchased our alpacas we purchased our first Maremma.In short words “we could not run the farm without them!”.As you see it is them now…lol.We started with our masculine Enzo but couldn’t stop there.A few months later purchased 2 girls ….our beautiful Bella and gorgeous Bianca.This year we started breeding the girls ….and of course we couldn’t stop at 3…..now we have our 4th Maremma….

    Why the Maremma Sheepdog?

    If you chose to get a Maremma Sheepdog, there is one thing you will always be able to count on.Yes, he may need a lot of training, socialization, and patience.But he will also have the gentle Maremma Sheepdog temperament that will make him a loving and devoted family member.

    History of Maremma Sheepdogs

  • In 1898, it was the first time that the Maremma sheepdog was registered.
  • In 1898, the Italian Kennel Club registered four Maremma Sheepdogs under the breed name “Maremmano”.
  • In 1924, the first standard for the breed was published.
  • In 1968, Lowchens were introduced to Britain where it was recognised by The Kennel Club in the UK in 1971.
  • In 2012 Lynn & Connie were awarded the AKC Working Dog Breeders of the Year.
  • In the 1950s, they were officially recognized as the same breed (Maremmano-Abruzzese).
  • In the 1980s, Maremma Sheepdog puppies were brought over from England, and they quickly caught the eye of Australian farmers.
  • On 1 January 1958 the breeds were unified by the ENCI, the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiano, the national dog association of Italy.