The Maremma Sheepdog, or Maremmano-Abruzzese as it is properly known, is an Italian flock guardian, bred for generations in the Abruzzo and Maremma regions of Italy to protect flocks and estates. It is still used across three continents as a livestock guardian, but in the UK is almost exclusively a companion and show dog. However, even as a companion, the breed retains the same instincts and qualities that make it such a successful flock guard: intelligence, courage, independence, loyalty to its own, and suspiciousness of strangers. But although the breed is aloof and protective, it is also sensible and tolerant, never aggressive or nervous. It is NOT typical for a Maremma to be trying to attack you or cringing behind its owner!
The Maremma is a large breed – up to 28 inches for males, 26.5 for females – and should be strong and majestic in build. It is always white: a little shading of lemon or ivory is acceptable but not in distinct patches – and its pigment should be black. The breed has a double coat – a thick undercoat that is shed once or twice a year (or more often when living indoors) – and a longer top coat. This provides exceptional protection against the weather and is almost self-cleaning – mud will drop out of the coat when dry, only needing bathing if being shown. However the breed does need regular grooming to keep the coat free of matts and tangles. They also need regular exercise, including free running, and can do well both indoors and outdoors, as long as they have shelter, company (human or animal) and proper care. If exercised well, they tend to be quiet in the house, though they will leap into (noisy!) action in an instant if they perceive a threat to those they guard.
Maremmas are in their element doing the job they have been bred for for
centuries - guarding stock. They also make excellent companions where
they are able to express their true nature
as independent guardians. Usually that works best in an environment where they have space,
few close neighbours and owners who do not want a perfectly obedient dog. With their family, Maremmas are loyal,
affectionate, and protective. They have a wicked sense of humour which gives them great character.
But they can be noisy, suspicious of strangers, intolerant of strange dogs and
selectively deaf! These things can cause problems in a heavily populated area.
But if you choose a Maremma for the right reasons, celebrating rather than trying to change its natural character and qualities, you will have a loyal friend and guardian and will never want to be without one.
Site design and content
by Selladore © 20052006
No text or images from this site may be reproduced in any form, except for personal individual use, without
our permission. If you wish to use any part of this site please contact us.
Last updated January 2006
