Maremma Sheepdog

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Maremma Sheepdog is a distinctive looking, massive but friendly dog. It originates from Italy and is also known as Abruzzerhund, Cane de Pastro or Abruzzess sheepdog. It is believed that this dog breed descended from the great white eastern sheepdog some 2000 years ago.

The Maremma Sheepdog has some distinct features which make this breed standout from most dog breeds. This dog has a bear-like head, a nose that is black but slowly turns to pink or brown with growing age. The eyes have an intelligent expression and the coat is dense with slightly wavy hair that are specially suited to keep the dog safe from extreme cold. This feature makes them very popular among mountain shepherds as these dogs thrive in cold and snowy seasons.

The dog has been used for hundreds of years as flock guardian. It has become independent working dog that is best suited for farm life where it has wide open spaces. The Abruzzenhund dog is not suited to apartment life style.

<p>This breed is not recognized by AKC. It is recognized by CKC, FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR and DRA.

Color

Maremma Sheepdog is found in white color with markings of Ivory, light yellow or pale orange on ear.

Coat

This dog has a dense coat that has dense, long and harsh and abundant hair that are slightly wavy. This coat protects the dog from extreme cold and helps it thrive as mountain flock guardian.

Personality

Though very massive, the Maremma Sheepdog is very friendly and noble dog. It is very loyal to its masters. They are friendly and patient with children, generally get along well with other dogs but are wary of strangers. They are very good watch and guard dog without being excessive barkers. No stranger can step in the premises without permission of their master. The Maremma Sheepdog is affectionate without being dependent. For this reason, they are not recommended for every dog owner. This breed will require their master to be calm, confident as well as authoritative. They do not follow every command of their master submissively as they have been bred for decades to be independent working dogs. Their independent nature makes them not-so-attached as pet dogs but they are very brave and loyal and would defend its master and house bravely. It has evolved into an excellent companion dog without losing its independent nature. This breed is a fierce enemy of wolf but otherwise, they get along well with other dogs and pets. They are kind, considerate and patient with children. These dogs are however, not for first time or weak owners.

Care

The coat requires thorough grooming and brushing to keep it free of dead hair. The coat needs extra care when it is shedding.

Training

The Maremma Sheepdog is independent in nature and not one of the breeds that accepts each and every command of the owner submissively. Training for Abruzzenhund needs mutual respect, authoritative voice and a calm, confident and consistent trainer.

Activity

The Maremma Sheepdog breed needs wide open space to run. Being a flock guardian and working dog, it needs both physical and mental activities to keep itself calm and at rest. When not working, this dog will need to be taken to long brisk walks.