Maremma Sheepdog

What is a Maremma Sheepdog Breed?

The Maremma Sheepdog is considered an “Old World European” breed. His ancestors were pastoralists in Eastern Europe. They especially kept mountain breeds like the Pyrenean Mountain Dog and the Cuevas.

The two varieties of the dog we know as the Maremma Sheepdog are nearly similar. The dog’s primary duty was to protect the flocks from wolves, bears, and, more recently, thieves and wild dogs. Maremma sheepdogs have been employed as stock guardians in Australia.

Maremma Sheepdog History

The Maremma Sheepdog has historically been used for cattle. The Maremma breed was specifically developed to protect cattle in two different Italian locations. For thousands of years people have used it to defend themselves against predators and wolf packs.

Maremma sheepdogs have been around for at least 2000 years, since the early Roman era. They are closely related to other livestock guarding dogs of Eastern Europe. All of them are said to be related to the Tibetan Mastiff.

The dogs were shot by German invaders during World War II and this is also shown to be the reason for the extinction of this species. After the Second World War, this breed reappeared due to the same characteristics that gave it a foothold in ancient Rome.

Different Names or Types

Maremma Sheepdog Other Names

Abruzzese Shepherd Dog
Cane Da Pastore Maremmano Abruzzese
Italian Sheepdog
Pastore Maremano Abruzzese
Pastore Abruzzese
Cane da Pastore
Abruzzenhund

Recognized Names

Recognitions

FCI: Fédération Cynologique Internationale
DRA: Dog Registry of America, Inc.
ACA: American Canine Association Inc.
APRI: American Pet Registry, Inc.
CKC: Continental Kennel Club
NKC: National Kennel Club

Appearance & Characteristics

The Maremma Sheepdog has a rugged look and is a powerful, muscular dog. They walk with an extended trot and have a bright, focused attitude. Compared to the size of the body, the bear-shaped head appears conical and enormous.

His front of the skull is narrow and wide between the ears. The skin around his eyes is gently chiselled. Its muzzle is significantly shorter in length than the skull. Without any maneuvering, the cannon converges.

Their jaws are strong and have a lot of anterior material. They often have white coats with thick hair around the neck and back fringes. Has a bushy tail and large claws.

Breed Basic Characteristics

Country of origin: Italy
Breed group: Herding
Life span: 10-14 Years
Size: Medium To Large
Height: 23-29 Inch
Weight: 66-100 Pound
Coat: Coarse, long and thick.
Type: Purebred
Shedding: High
Colors: Yellow, Peach, Orange and White or Cream
Also as known: Maremmano, Abruzzese Sheepdog
Good with children: Yes
Personality traits: Intelligent, Friendly, Determined and Protective
Good with Pets: Yes
Barking: Infrequent
Competitive registration: DRA, FCI, ACA, APRI, CKC, NKC
Eyes: Their eyes are large and almond shaped.
Ears: Their ears are short and high.
Body: Strong

Coat

The two-coated breed is the Maremma Sheepdog. Unlike their outer coat which has long hairs that can reach up to three inches in length. Their undercoat is only seen in winter. Their bodies are covered with coarse, flat and straight hairs that are rough to the touch.

Color and Markings

Common coat colors for this Breed include.

White
Cream
Yellow
Peach
Fawn

Coat Color and Markings

Maremma Sheepdog is usually completely white in color. Ears have an orange or yellow tone. Their coat colors can include ivory and light fawn.

Personality and Temperament of Maremma Sheepdog

The Maremma Sheepdogs are committed to their family with the same loyalty. They function best when they have lots of room to move about and be autonomous. They may adapt to you house and family with the aid of early training and socializing.

Maremma Sheepdog have a reputation as watchdogs, so they usually don’t get along with outsiders. They may bark and bark with their bodies, but are not extremely aggressive unless something or someone harms them or their family.

After being introduced to a stranger as a “friend” he may accept a householder, but they may not be friendly or affectionate with him. These dogs have a hard time separating play from danger when meeting new people.

They enjoy putting in a lot of effort and interacting with their own family and other animals. They suffer when left alone for extended periods of time. This dog is strong-willed and intelligent, and it can be challenging to teach.

Activity Requirements

The Maremma Sheepdog requires little activity. They need a lot of activity because of their size in order to be happy and healthy. They only need to workout for 45 to 60 minutes. These dogs have a lot of energy and stamina since they were designed to be independent guards that could follow the herd.

Running less is better than taking longer walks. Adding walks or even chores to yard play will help kids stay in good mental and physical health. The Maremma Sheepdog is generally simple to housebreak. You can provide them with mental stimulation with hide-and-seek, puzzle toys, or other interactive games.

Trainability

Maremma Sheepdogs must receive consistent training from a young age to become well-behaved animals. Training this dog is a bit challenging. Intelligent, eager to please Maremma Sheepdogs require rigorous training methods to understand basic instructions and acquire new skills. Rewards and encouraging feedback are also essential.

This helps dogs relax their protective instincts and become more accustomed to meeting new people. Early socialization is crucial for him. The Maremma sheepdog, for example, is a herd protector whose abilities are innate, which is surprising. It is best if they can be as self-sufficient as possible.

Health & Problems

Maremma Sheepdog often have good overall health. This breed is susceptible to various health conditions that are more prevalent in bigger dogs. Feeding a large breed puppy formula to a Maremma Sheepdog puppy will help limit its rapid growth, reducing the likelihood of future bone and joint problems. Hip dysplasia, Bloat, Eye Problems and other musculoskeletal issues are common in Maremma sheepdogs.

Hip Dysplasia: It can also occur in small breeds, although larger breed dogs are more likely to develop this bone disease. In its more severe form, it can lead to arthritis and joint lameness.

Ivermectin toxicity: The blood-brain barrier in the Maremma is exceptionally permeable, enabling potentially dangerous chemicals to reach the neurological system.

Achondroplasia: The condition that affects the growth of cartilage and causes a specific type of dwarfism. Affected Maremma will have short limbs and an unusually formed cranium, which is considered to be a feature common to various breeds.

Feeding Plan

Every dog needs a healthy diet. Feed high-quality dog food that is suitable for the life stage of Maremma Sheepdogs. Diets for large hardworking breeds such as Maremma Sheepdogs should be formulated accordingly.

These dogs gain weight and bloat, so it is crucial that they are fed the right amount and type of food for their breed, age and lifestyle. Portion their meals using regular measuring cups to prevent overeating. Keep them to no more than 10% of their daily calorie needs.

The Maremma Sheepdog’s nutritional needs change from puppyhood to adulthood and then again as they grow, as do all dogs. They will need about four cups of dry food per day, divided into two meals depending on their age, size and activity level. About 2¾ to seven months. cup per day divided between three meals.

Living Conditions

Maremma Sheepdogs are renowned for their independence, self-reliance, and protectiveness. Don’t anticipate this breed to make best friends with new home guests since they are distant and reserved with outsiders but devoted, caring, and lovely dogs to their family.

Maremma When they have a job to accomplish, sheepdogs are happy. They rapidly get bored when left alone for an extended amount of time and get destructive. It is most effective at protecting cattle in open areas and on farms.

They need to be kept active because they have a considerable amount of energy. Maremma sheepdogs have a thick, heavy coat that needs a lot of upkeep and shed a lot.

How to Take Care of Maremma Sheepdog?

Maremma Sheepdogs require proper early training more than other breeds. In order to prevent them from gaining weight, it is also vital to feed them properly. It’s crucial to work them out. These dogs are prone to health issues, so it’s necessary to keep an eye on them as well.

Maremma typically strive to establish their preferences for where they wish to sleep and also like sleeping outside. Grooming and brushing are crucial for all dogs. it’s critical to maintain yearly vet examinations.

Grooming & Brushing

Maremma Sheepdogs are very concerned about shedding. Their coats frequently need to be brushed regularly to remove tangles. Their coats frequently just need a little grooming.

Despite having spotless white coats, these dogs are excellent for living outside. The frequent usage of shampoo should be OK because they are known to transform into pools and filth. They should be bathed once a week.

The dog’s ears should be checked and cleaned once every week. Cleaning the dog’s mouth regularly is recommended as dental care is a component of grooming. He needs to cut his nails.

Also Read: German Shorthaired Pointer Dog Breed

Feed Healthy food

All dogs, regardless of breed, should maintain a healthy weight. Their diet should include physiologically appropriate proteins, good fats, ground bones and vegetables that are high in vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health and performance.

They should eat foods rich in omega fatty acids. High quality protein, from 18 to 22 percent, is included in the recommended diet for Maremma sheepdogs. Although you can top them with anything else, dry dog food is preferable for them.

The following items Should never be feed to Maremma Sheepdog

Salt & salty foods
Moldy or spoiled food of any kind
Yeast dough
Poultry bones
Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit
Chocolate, coffee, or tea
Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor
Onions, chives, and garlic
Grapes or raisins

Puppy information

Maremma Sheepdog Puppy Training

Behavioral Training

Behavior training is crucial for any dog. Barking is a common dog behavior, and most people tolerate it under certain circumstances. A dog that barks excessively is stressed or bored, which is a problem for humans. Socialize the dog to ease it around humans and other animals. Teach your dog a command like “quiet” and use it as a treat when he stops barking.

Obedience Training

This essential and basic training is required for every dog. The five basic obedience commands – come, sit, stay, heel and down – are the foundation of three different training methods for the maremma sheepdog.

These five basic dog training commands should be known by every dog because they are crucial to teaching them obedience.

Socialization

The Maremma Sheepdog requires socialization just like any other dog. Ideally, socialization should start as soon as is practicable. A key component of socialization is exposing the dog to various situations, surroundings, people, and animals as well as sights and odors.

Dog parks, pet-friendly eateries, pet supply businesses, and fresh walking routes are excellent places to start. inviting guests over or bringing a dog over to someone’s house might be a smart move on occasion.

Maremma Sheepdog Puppies for sale

Maremma Sheepdogs are devoted to their family, both human and animal, and to their profession. They’re referred to as watchdogs. The average price of a Maremma Sheepdog can range from $600 to $2500.

Things to Consider Adopting a Maremma Sheepdog

These dogs may not be the ideal choice for allergy patients because of their long, coarse hair, which sheds relatively little.
Keep in mind that Maremma and their people form a close link, so make sure to praise them frequently.
This dog has heavy saliva and needs daily grooming
It could need to be trained to live with other animals and kids.

Submit your review
Name:
Email:
City:
Do you have this breed?:
Rating:	1 2 3 4 5
Review:

Check this box to confirm you are human.
Submit Cancel

Maremma Sheepdog Breed