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Maremma Dog Breed Profile
The Maremma Sheepdog is native to the Italian Alps.
This is a breed that has an extraordinary capability
of working in the higher altitudes. For many
hundreds of years, the life of the sheep, the
shepherds and the Maremma dog that guarded the flock
was structured on the seasons. From June to October
the flocks would be moved to the high country in the
mountains of Abruzzi and from October to June they
would go down to the plains and rolling pastures of
Maremma.
The job of the Maremma historically has been that of
a livestock protector and herding dog, being of
great value to the Italian peasants as they moved
their flocks of mountain goats and sheep through the
high alpine pastures, not only herding but also
protecting the flock from predators. The Maremma has
the capability of working independently as a flock
protector and is noted for its high intelligence. A
few of the dogs stayed behind as farm protectors and
gradually the Maremma also became known as the large
white dog who frequented the fine homes of Tuscany
as a companion and watchdog.
The Maremma is a large white dog with profuse and
abundant coat. One might confuse the dog with the
Pyrenees or the Kuvasz, excerpt that the head of the
Maremma is much larger in proportion to the body and
in fact is very like that of the Polar bear, conical
in shape and massive. In general, of the large white
dogs that are the herding dogs of central Europe and
the Alps, the Maremma is probably the breed that
exhibits the most independent thinking and is one of
the dogs considered to be a very protective dog,
working in the dual role as flock guard and herder.
The Maremma is a large breed, standing 24 inches at
the withers, with a heavy coat that is all white
with perhaps a shade of ivory or biscuit on the
ears. The coat needs to be regularly groomed. The
correct coat should be weather resistant, providing
protection from the sun and the cold, this is a dog
that should not be shaved.
The Maremma has always been around people, though
its existence has been solitary it is a breed that
will not do well without a human to protect or work
alongside. This is a dog that strives to work for
its master but also can be a difficult dog for
simple obedience commands, since it is a "thinker"
and will become bored with repetition. They are
extremely loyal, considered to be a one person dog,
devoted and protective yet proud and dignified. This
is a dog that requires a knowledgeable owner, since
it is not inclined to be subservient but is more
likely to be somewhat stubborn and strong willed.
Get more info and advice on the maremma or
a full list of dog
breeds at
this Dog
Behaviour website. Article
Source.
Also check out: An
intro to some Italian dog breeds Italian
Greyhound Puppies Toy
Dogs in Art Part 1: the Italian Greyhound The
elegant and graceful Italian Greyhound Who
Is Taking Care Of Your Italian Greyhound While You
Are Away? Maremma
Dog Breed Profile The
Bolognese Neapolitan
Mastiff Back
to Italian Animals contents page
