Choosing a Breeder

Can I meet the mother?
You need to make sure the breeder is producing good natured, sensible Maremmas. Don't accept excuses like "she doesn't like strangers around the puppies". Even if you don't see her with her puppies, you should be able to meet her away from them without her having a go at you or running away. If she is a full time guardian then she may be more reserved than a companion or show dog, but she should still not be a cringing wreck or try to tear you limb from limb! Find out as much as you can about her relatives - previous puppies, siblings, parents. Ask if there have been any problems at all with their temperament or health.

What health tests have been done?
Hip dysplasia effects Maremmas just as it does other large breeds and breeding stock should be scored. Make sure you find out what the result was! Other health checks are less common with Maremmas but ask if any health problems have arisen in related dogs. Heart, skin, thyroid and autoimmune problems have all occurred on occasion in the breed and while none of these are simple hereditary diseases, the more you know the easier it is to make an informed decision.

Why did you do this mating?
Ask why the breeder chose to breed these two animals together: what specific qualities were they hoping to produce? Being "entire" is not the only qualification for being a good breeding animal and a good breeder will be able to explain the strengths (and weaknesses) of both parents at least. If you are interested in showing or breeding then say so. Noone can guarantee a particular puppy will make the grade but a breeder should be able to explain why it is a good show or breeding prospect.

Can I meet someone who has had a puppy from you?
Ask for recommendations from people who have puppies from previous litters and follow them up. If possible go to visit them. If you are uncomfortable with a breeder then walk away. A good breeder will become a friend whom you can turn to for advice and who is interested in the future of your puppy.

What is your follow up policy?
Ask them what their follow-up policy is. What will happen if your circumstances change (you may have no intention of parting with your dog but Bruno came to us because of broken marriage and terminal illness - could you cope with a Maremma under such circumstances?) Will the breeder take the dog back or assist with rehoming? Responsible breeders are concerned about the long-term welfare of their puppies and will help no matter how old the dog.

Looking for a working dog?
If you are looking for a working livestock guardian, you should buy your puppy from an experienced breeder who is using Maremmas with their own stock. If possible, find a breeder who has similar livestock to yours so that your pup is raised with those animals from the start. Working puppies are usually reared outside with the flock so their bonding with livestock occurs from the earliest age. This is an important start for your livestock guardian.

Find out what support you will get from the breeder. Rearing a successful livestock guardian is not trivial and you are likely to need advice at some point. Even if the instincts are there, young Maremmas need to learn appropriate behaviour with the flock. These lessons begin as they are reared with the flock and continue, in a traditional setting, through the example, and where necessary, the corrections of older, more experienced dogs. If you are starting your first livestock dog then you will have to set these boundaries yourself and having the support of a sympathetic and experienced breeder can help you avoid many of the common pitfalls.

Naturally you should look for good tempered, healthy dogs but we suggest you aim for typical dogs as well. The Maremmano-Abruzzese is as it is for a reason. It has been bred for centuries to be good at its job. Its size, shape, colour, pigment, substance all contribute to that, as well as of course its character. So look for a breeder who cares about these things.

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Last updated January 2006