Maremmas in the UK
As you may know, there are very few working Maremmas in the UK and it is mainly show people who keep the breed going through breeding litters and importing dogs. It is therefore very serious that the UK Kennel Club has announced that it is minded to remove Championship status from the breed in 2008. The impact of this would be significant – not only to those interested in showing but for those who may want a puppy in the future. Without opportunities to show the breed to the public it will be more difficult to place puppies and therefore fewer will be bred. Without the opportunity to show and possibly make up Champions some breeders may not choose to invest in importing new bloodlines.
The reasons the Kennel Club give for taking this stance are two fold – limited show entries and registrations and an apparent deterioration in quality and temperament. The first of these is indisputable – entries in recent years have been declining as have registrations. But there are many positive signs that things are improving – 8 new imports in 5 years by 5 different kennels, new litters being registered or planned from these imports, several people who have been inactive for some time returning to showing (myself included – until the arrival of Osca I have not had a dog to show since Ambrose died – now I have Osca and soon Fresca!).
The second reason is I believe untrue. Of course quality is always mixed in any breed but we have some dogs at present in the ring who are as good as any for many many years. We have had “firsts” recently – a Maremma winning BIS at an open show – first ever – and a Maremma being shortlisted in a Crufts group – first since the Pastoral group was formed. Temperament is better than it has been for years – this is an area that breeders have particularly prioritised.
We hope that we may be able to persuade the Kennel Club to reconsider and at least give the breed a reprieve for a few more years to give the recent (and planned) imports a chance to make their mark. But one thing is certain – if we do get such a reprieve, we need to give serious attention to encouraging new people. We have lost many excellent people to the breed because of pettiness and back biting. New puppy owners have found themselves forced into “camps” depending on whose puppy they bought – and there has sometimes been little encouragement from any other breeders. We have all been guilty of this at some time or another.
We need to get over it. Of course we will have our friends and those who will never be more than acquaintances. Of course there will be some dogs we prefer to others. But we need to see beyond this and put past differences aside to at least work together for the good of the breed. We should be able to disagree and still remain civil. And we should not be dragging new owners into old disputes!
Hopefully in the months to come there will be a number of puppies old enough to make their debut in the show ring. I would encourage ALL their owners to give it a go. Even if you just come for a day out at a club show or your local show – we would love to see you. If you need any details of any shows or help with entries I am more than happy to help – whoever bred your puppy!! And if I am there on the day I promise I will do my best to make you welcome!
