Maremma SheepdogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says this ancient breed descends from the flock guardians still used in Abruzzo, where sheep farming is still flourishing, and from the dogs that once lived in the Tuscan Maremma and in Lazio. Especially after 1860, transhumance encouraged natural crossing between the two primitive types.

Wikipedia says Roman writers such as Columella and Varro also described white flock dogs. The first standard was written in 1924, and until 1958 the Maremmano and the Abruzzese were considered separate breeds; on 1 January 1958 they were merged. Today, these dogs also guard livestock in Australia, Israel, New Zealand and the United States.

How the breed developed

• Roman antiquity – Columella and Varro describe white flock dogs.
• After 1860 – Transhumance mixes the Abruzzo and Maremma types.
• 1924 – The first standard is written.
• 1 January 1958 – The two types are merged into a single breed.
• 13 March 1956 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a large, powerful dog, rustic in appearance yet majestic. It is built like a heavy dog, with a body longer than it is tall. The head is large and flat, conical in shape, and recalls that of the polar bear.

General appearance

The coat is very abundant: the long, rather harsh hair, almost like a horse's, lies close to the body and may be slightly wavy. It forms a thick collar around the neck and reaches 8 cm on the body. The hair is short on the muzzle, skull, ears and the front of the legs.

The colour is solid white. Shades of ivory, pale orange or lemon are tolerated, but only within certain limits.

The standard says its main role, as guardian and defender of flocks and property, shapes its character: it carries out its tasks with discernment and with devotion to its master and to everyone around him.

Like any independent flock guardian, it needs early socialisation, a calm and consistent owner and a well-fenced territory.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it from puppyhood. It is a serious guardian.
• Be calm and consistent. It is independent.
• Give it a territory. Guarding is in its nature.
• Do not isolate it. It is devoted to the whole family.

It is a mountain and pasture dog that needs space, daily walks and a large, fenced yard.

Tips for a balanced life

• The fence must be high and solid.
• It is not suited to beginners.
• In summer, give it shade and water.

Coat and skin care

The long, harsh coat is brushed weekly, and more often when it sheds. The standard says the undercoat is abundant only in winter.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed and no known breed-specific diseases. As with any very large dog, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Check for ticks after outings on pasture.
• Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.

A very large dog needs food suited to large breeds, especially while it is growing.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• Puppies need food suited to large breeds.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. Very large breeds become adults only at around 2 years.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. The puppies grow very fast, so they need growth food suited to large breeds. Socialisation starts in the first weeks.

• A polar bear's head. The standard compares the shape of its head to that of the polar bear.
• It guards penguins. Wikipedia says that since 2006 it has guarded a colony of little penguins in Australia.
• Two breeds that became one. The Maremmano and the Abruzzese were merged in 1958.
• Described by the Romans. Columella and Varro wrote about white flock dogs.
• Hair like a horse's. Its coat is harsh, almost like horsehair.

The penguin guardians of Middle Island

Wikipedia says that since 2006, Maremma dogs have been used on Middle Island, near Warrnambool in Australia, to protect a colony of little penguins from foxes.

Where does the name come from?

From the Maremma and Abruzzo regions of Italy.

How big does it get?

Males measure 67–73.5 cm and weigh 40–52 kg; females measure 62–70 cm and weigh 35–45 kg.

Is it a family dog?

It is devoted to its family, but it is a serious guardian, for experienced owners.

What does it guard?

Mainly sheep, but also other animals and property.