Maremma Sheepdog

The Maremma Sheepdog is fundamentally a farm dog, created to guard animals. While they excel in their roles as working dogs today, they can also be devoted and reliable friends. This breed is big and powerful, resembling a polar bear, with a long, rough coat that is white or cream, helping them blend in with the sheep they were designed to safeguard.

Quick Info

Size
Large
Colours
White
Lifespan
11 to 13 years
Height
24 to 28 inches
Type
Guardian
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
66 to 99 pounds
Family

Personality

Reliable, diligent, and watchful, these Italian sheepdogs are committed to safeguarding their herds and loved ones. They enjoy being active and perform best as working dogs instead of just pets, though they are very loyal to their families, particularly to their owners. Maremma Sheepdogs may be cautious around strangers. They flourish in countryside environments.

History

The Maremma Sheepdog was developed around 2,000 years ago to safeguard sheep from threats like bears and wolves. This breed shares its roots with the Hungarian Kuvasz and the French Pyrenean Sheepdog. In the 1950s, these dogs were officially recognized as one breed, named Cane da Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, or simply Maremma Sheepdog. In the 1820s, they were showcased at the London Zoo under the name Italian Wolf Dog, and Queen Victoria had a pair of them. They made their way to America in the early 1900s.

Ideal Owner

For those who live in isolated areas with not many guests, the Maremma Sheepdog could be a perfect match. These dogs aren’t fond of having strangers around since they were raised to guard property. They thrive in open spaces, where they can patrol and keep their family and livestock safe.

Exercise Needs

To tire out a Maremma, the best approach is calm, consistent exercise across large open spaces. These dogs are alert guardians and take pleasure in their duties. They require time to run freely, but since they can be wary of unfamiliar people, it’s safer to let them roam in secluded areas rather than at a dog park.

Space Requirements

This dog is quite big, which means it requires big things too, like plenty of room inside and outside, large beds, big food bowls, and more. They need a decent amount of space to relax indoors, and if you plan to wash your Maremma Sheepdog at home, having a spacious area for drying is smart. A yard that is fenced in, preferably on a farm, is ideal. Maremma dogs thrive in quiet, rural settings.

Training

Getting a Maremma Sheepdog to stay motivated can be tougher compared to other dog breeds because they are naturally independent and used to making their own choices. It's important to focus on socializing them and teaching them to come when called. The most effective way to train them is through positive reinforcement, as they do not react well to strict or harsh training techniques.

Grooming

The Maremma Sheepdog has a thick, fluffy coat that needs frequent care. It's important to brush them often to avoid tangles, skin issues, and sore spots.

Suitability for Family Life

The Maremma dog is known for its loyalty and affection, but it can be quite noisy when it comes to unfamiliar people. This could pose a challenge in a household with kids who enjoy having friends over. Additionally, the dog's size, need for exercise, and training requirements may not suit families with young children or older adults.

Did You know?

In an unexpected turn of events, three Maremma Sheepdogs took on the role of guardians for a group of penguins. These dogs made their home with the penguin colony on Middle Island, located off the coast of Australia, where they kept the penguins safe from fox attacks.

Similar Breeds

Akbash
Great Pyrenees

Need to Know

Dogs suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Need to be aware of potential health issues
Enjoys long, gentle walks
Giant dog
Some drool
Requires frequent
Quiet dog