The Maremma Sheepdog is a majestic white dog, of a large size
and a rustic appearance. They are strong, active, and for their size. They are a working dog and need a job to keep them occupied.
Their function has been to guard the flock and property of the shepherd for millennia, even in situations where man is not
present. Maremma Sheepdogs are devoted to their master but treat them as an equal and a friend. They are affectionate with
people they know. Always treat a Maremma fairly and they will turn into an indispensable guardian angel for your stock.,
Height: Dogs: 25.5 - 28.5 ins ( 65 - 73 cms );
Females: 23.5 - 26.5 ins (60 - 68 cms ).
Weight: Dogs: 77 - 99 lbs ( 35 - 45 kgs );
Females: 66 - 88 lbs (30 -
40 kgs)
Colors: Solid white. Shades of ivory, pale orange
or lemon are tolerated but only in certain limits.
Coat: Very well furnished. Hair long, rather
harsh. Slight waviness is tolerated but only in certain limits.
Temperament: Maremma Sheepdogs are courageous,
intelligent, sturdy, proud
With Children: Yes, very protective, also with children's friends once they get used to them.
Best if the owner makes a formal introduction. They object to strange children being physical with their children.
With
Pets: Yes, they were bred to care about sheep and goats. Quite tolerant with family's pets. Trouble is to be over food. If
more than one dog is kept it is important to feed separately.
Watch-dog: Very high. Intuitive, watchful and
has a strong sense of territory.
Bark a lot. Unsociable and reserved with strangers.
Guard-dog:
Very high. Incomparable. Might guards you too much. They have strong guarding instincts. Destructive to intruders.
Care and Exercise: Maremma Sheepdogs are exceptionally
clean in their habits. Brushing once a week and
dry shampoo when necessary. Bath would damage the undercoat. Maremma Sheepdogs
needs no training for guarding.
Training: Maremma Sheepdogs must be heavily socialized before
the age of 6 months and must get used to meeting strangers. A 10 months puppy may weight 100 pounds! By the first month, working
puppy dogs should get in touch with some subjects of the flock to develop their senses of smell. They must be involved in
working with the stock before the sixth months.
Learning Rate: Medium. Has to learn very young.
After they are slow in responding to a command.
Activity: Medium. Puppies are large and active
and their growth rate is fast. Free running will be especially beneficial for muscle development.
Living
Environment: Quite happy to be out of doors in all weathers.
Health Issues: Very healthy, may suffer from hip
dysplasia and eye disease.
Life Span: 10 - 14 Years
Litter Size: 6
- 10
Country of Origin: Italy
History: The Maremma Sheepdog belongs to
the stock of the large White Dogs of central Europe. Maremma Sheepdogs have a history in Italy that can be traced back over
2000 years. They were already described by the Roman Varrone (116 B.C.) in Rerum Pastoralis. Two regions in Italy have always
claimed this dog as their own, the Maremma and the Abruzzo, hence its native title " Maremmano Abruzzese".
We do not recommend having a Maremma as a pet.
