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Breed Characteristics
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Maremma Sheepdog
| Other Names | Pastore, Abruzzese, Cane da Pastore, Maremmano-Abruzzese, Cane Da Pastore Maremmano Abruzzese, Abruzzese Shepherd Dog, Abruzzenhund, Pastore Maremano Abruzzese |
| Nicknames | Maremma |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Weight | 66 - 100 lbs. (30 - 45 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 23.5 - 28.5 in. (60 - 73 cm) |
| Coat | There is a significant undercoat that requires regular maintenance or dreadlocks develop - especially in moist environments. The Maremma's fur actually helps keep the dog cool, so it is very important not to cut the hair close in the summer. Shedding events can be significant in a household environment. |
| Colour | Coat colours include white with markings of ivory, light yellow or pale orange on the ears. |
| Litter Size | 6 - 9 puppies with an average of 8 |
| Life Span | 11 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | The traditional use of the Maremmano dog is as a guardian for the protection of sheep flocks against wolves. Columella, writing in the first century AD, recommends white dogs for this purpose, as the shepherd can easily distinguish them from the wolf, while Varro suggests that white dogs have a "lion-like aspect" in the dark. The dogs work in groups; three or four dogs are an adequate defense against wolves and stray dogs. Their function is mostly one of dissuasion, actual physical combat with the predator being relatively rare. Nevertheless, working dogs may be fitted with a roccale (or vreccale), a spiked iron collar which protects the neck in combat. The ears of working dogs are normally cropped. Descriptions of white sheep defense dogs are found in ancient Roman literature, in works such as those of Columella, Varro and Palladius. Similar dogs are depicted in numerous sculptures and paintings from Roman times to the present. Among the earliest is the series of large statues (two in Rome, one in Florence, one – the Duncombe Dog – in England) copied from a Hellenistic bronze from Pergamon. Bred in the Apennine Mountains of East Central Italy, there were once two separate breeds of dog that were adapted just a bit differently to accommodate different altitudes. Today's breed is actually a hybridisation of the two, as decided in the 1950s. From "the Italian Alps" of the Apennine Mountains of East Central Italy, this working dog is bred for the very specific purpose of individual herding villages high in the hills. The Maremma is related to several other types of European mountain dogs and is thought to have descended from a common ancestor during the Roman Era. Like many of the other mountain dogs, the Maremma was bred large enough to defend flocks against both wolves and human thieves. The breed was not imported to the United States until the 1970s, though it now has many devotees. They are more common in the UK, though still rare in even sub-urban areas for obvious reasons. |
| Personality | The Maremma is a friendly and well-balanced flock guardian. For several decades, it has also achieved success as a companion dog. Sober and dignified, this loyal, brave and determined dog makes an excellent guard dog without being a constant barker. It is correctly described as affectionate, but not dependent. Working lines that are put out to work will not easily follow your every command submissively, as they are bred and trained to be independent. You must display calm, but firm, confident and consistent leadership toward the dog in order to make it listen. It is very intelligent and its training requires mutual respect in handling and voice, and above all, consistency. It gets along with other dogs and pets and can be slightly reserved with strangers but not strongly so. People who are not welcome on your property will be stopped in their tracks. The Maremma is not as large as many of its fellow flock guards, but he still possesses comparable endurance and strength, as well as the ability to make up for the extra 50 pounds it lacks. It is alert and independent. A flock guard of impressive dominance and lifelong dedication, this breed takes control over its flock. When humans are part of the dog's pack, the humans must be pack leader over the dog. Allowing any dog of any size to be a human's pack leader is dangerous, as dogs instinctually communicate their displeasure with a growl and/or a bite. Humans who keep flock guard type dogs as companions must understand how to calmly, but firmly display their authority over the dog. Passive owners will not have a successful human/dog relationship. As a pet, the Maremma is not very attached or overly outgoing. Nevertheless, this rugged wolf-slayer breed has adapted into a marvelous companion, without losing its extraordinary working abilities. It will defend both house and master, and it is particularly attentive with children. The Maremma is a marvelous sheepdog and loves its work. It is a terrible enemy of the wolf, but tame with man. Held in high esteem by shepherds, especially in the mountains where it thrives in the snow it is resistant to both cold and brambles. This is not a breed for beginners. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Despite being a large dog, they are not prone to the congenital defects that plague many of the more popular large breeds. As they age, their noses may change colour, but this is normal and not a cause for alarm. A couple of problems are Lifestyle related: •Hip and joint disorders: Usually as a result of far too many calories, many Maremmas are placed on a low calorie and low protein Diet to keep from putting too much stress on the connective tissues. •Bloat: They should be fed in two small meals during the day to avoid this twisting of the stomach that's a consequence of eating too much, too fast. |
| Grooming | The all-weather coat requires regular, thorough combing and brushing to remove all dead and loose hair. Take extra care when the dog is shedding. |
| Exercise | This breed needs space—mental as well as physical. If it is not working as an active flock guardian, it needs to be taken on daily, brisk walks. A short walk around the block three times a day is not enough for this dog. Long and alternating walks are necessary. It must have frequent opportunities to run free. When it gets enough exercise, freedom and space, it will be quiet in the house. |
| Other Considerations | The Maremma Sheepdog is not recommended for apartment life. If it gets enough exercise, it will be calm indoors. Accustomed for centuries to wide-open spaces, it needs at least a large yard. The all-weather coat allows it to sleep outdoors. The Maremma is not well-suited for very hot weather. It should never be shorn, but should always have plenty of shade and a large bowl of water on hot days. |
