Maremma Sheepdog Dog Breed Information

Posted on Sep 4, 2019, Modified : Jan 26, 2020 Zina

Maremma Sheepdog history, behavior, health issues

Breeds

Country of Origin	Italy
Nicknames and Other Names	Abruzzese, Italian Sheepdog, Pastore Abruzzenhund, Cane da Pastore, Pastore Maremmano
Scientific Name	Canis lupus familiaris
Breed Type	Purebred
Group	Guardian Dog, Mountain Dog
Bred For	Guarding Livestock
Size	Large-Sized
Recognized By	ACA, CKC, DRA, KCGB, APRI, NZKC, NKC, FCI
Life Span	10-13 Years
Ideal Weight	24-29 Pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height	24-29 Inches (male and female)
Fur Type	Long, Thick wavy coat
Common Colors	Solid White with shades of Orange, Yellow and Ivory,
Markings	None
Availability	Moderately Available
Achievements	None
Suitable for Apartments	No
Used in World War	No
Most Similar To	Great Pyrenees

Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog that was used as a guarding dog for livestock. It is also popularly known as Maremma, Maremmano, Abruzzese sheepdog, Cane da Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese and many more.

Although it has a very similar appearance to Great Pyrenees, it is a completely different breed.

The appearance of the Maremma Sheepdog is strong, muscular with a deep chest, fluffy tail, large paws, and thick coat. It is best suited to a family that has farm and livestock. They do not do well in an apartment or small house. They thrive in an open place where they can roam around and where they have work to do.

Origin and History

Maremma Sheepdog was originated in Italy and has an ancient history that was mentioned in many ancient Roman paintings, sculpture, and literature. It was bred as a working dog that used to guard livestock against wolves and other predators in the mountains of Tuscany.

Its number was decreased during World War II but after the war, the number increased due to the breed’s popularity. Although its use as a guarding dog was decreased, its use as a companion dog rose up rapidly.

Maremma Sheepdog history — Maremma Sheepdogs with its masters.
Image Source: retrieverman

The United Kennel Club has registered the Maremma Sheepdog as a guarding dog.

Temperament, Behavior, and Personality

Temperament: The temperament of the Maremma Sheepdog alert, calm, and protective. As a guarding dog, they have a natural guarding instinct. They will look after your family and the property with high alertness. They are calm and gentle with its people and fierce with predators and intruders.

Behavior: Maremma Sheepdog is an independent natured dog that likes to do things on their own. They sometimes act stubborn, so proper training is required. They need to have a job to do otherwise, they can become destructive. So, it is best suited to a family that is involved in animal husbandry.

Personality: The personality of the Maremma Sheepdog is gentle, affectionate, and hard-working. They are very loving and affectionate towards its people and are very much devoted to them. They form a very strong bond towards them and are extremely protective of them.

Trainability

Training Maremman is not an easy job to do. A novice or an inexperienced owner can never train this dog. They need consistent and firm leadership that can challenge them both physically and mentally. Establish a firm leadership at an early age, otherwise, Maremman Sheepdog will take itself as a pack leader.

Train them with delicious treats and lots of vocal praises as a source of motivation. Do not be harsh on them even if they make some mistake on the training session.

Is Maremma Sheepdog Child-Friendly?

Maremma Sheepdog is a gentle and loving dog that gets along with children pretty well. They need to be raised together with them from a small age. They do not do well with kids that behave harshly and roughly.

They do not tolerate harsh behavior, so teach your kids to behave around dogs and always supervise their interaction.

A baby and Maremma Sheepdog puppy sitting
Image Source: www.workingmaremma.com

Facts

Maremma Sheepdog was first registered in 1898 but the first standard of this breed was published only in 1924.
Maremma Sheepdog is a rare breed and is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Health Issues

General Health	Healthy
Common Health Issues	Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Elbow Dysplasia, Deafness, Obesity, Bloat
Hypoallergenic	No
Vaccination Required	Rabies, Canine Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, Kennel Cough Canine Parainfluenza
Shedding	Heavy Shedder
Drooling	Average Drooler
Grooming	Average to Professional Grooming Required
Weight Gain Potential	High
Separation Anxiety	Moderate Chance
Allergies	None
Diets and Supplements	Protein: 23%-25% Fa: 8%-10% Antioxidants Glucosamine Probiotics Fish Oil

Maremma Sheepdog is a healthy dog breed in general. Although it can face some canine and genetic health problems.

Hip Dysplasia: It is a hereditary health problem where the hip joint of your dog is either underdeveloped or dislocated from its original place. It will cause a sharp pain on the back of your dog making it hard to move from one place to another.
Obesity: When a dog gets obese, they will also suffer from many other health problems like type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, and many more. So feed your dog a complete balanced diet and never feed hem more than required.