Maremma Sheepdog

General Information - Maremma Sheepdog

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History

The Maremma Sheepdog, also known as the Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, is an ancient breed from Italy, pre-dating the Romans. Originally classified as two breeds, the Mountain Dog, the Abruzzese, and the Maremmano with a somewhat shorter coat, they are now considered one breed and were officially designated as such in 1950. They belong to the same family as the Kuvasz, the Akbash, the Komondor, and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. This wonderful sheepdog is a great defender of its flock against wolves, and is valued by shepherds. In more recent years, mostly in England, it has become a companion dog, where it will defend its family and particularly the children. There are several Maremmas in New Zealand being used to protect stock such as Alpacas, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and donkeys (mostly from two-legged predators).

Temperament

The Maremma Sheepdog is intelligent and loyal, and enjoys its outdoor work, and thus will need space; hence not a good apartment dog! It also may be somewhat independent and so is not the easiest dog to train.

Upkeep

The Maremma Sheepdog needs daily exercise and enjoys a long walk or good run in a safe area. It especially enjoys cold weather and can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates. It does best when allowed access to both house and yard. Its coat needs brushing one or two times weekly, more often during heavy shedding periods.