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Maremma
Sheepdog Puppies for Sale
Maremma Sheepdog
(Maremma) (Pastore) (Abruzzese) (Cane da Pastore) (Maremmano-Abruzzese)
(Cane Da Pastore Maremmano Abruzzese) (Abruzzese Shepherd Dog) (Abruzzenhund)
Beau, the Maremma Sheepdog at 11 months old
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Description |
The Maremma Sheepdog is a massive,
noble distinctive-looking dog with a bear-like head. The jaws are strong with a scissors
bite. It has a black nose that often becomes slightly pink-brown with age. The ears
are v-shaped, pointed and rather small. The eyes have a lively, intelligent expression,
but are not large. The nasal canal is straight. The tail is low set and thickly feathered
with dense hair. The deep, well-rounded ribcage extends to the elbows. The long, harsh,
and very abundant hair has a slight wave. The under-coat is dense. Coat colors include
white with markings of ivory, light yellow, or pale orange on the ears. |
Temperament
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The Maremma is a friendly and
well-balanced flock guardian. Sober and dignified. This loyal, brave, and determined dog
makes an excellent guard-dog without being a constant barker. It is correctly described as
affectionate but not dependent. This breed is not a dog that will follow your every
command submissively and certainly not if it cannot see the point to it. It is very
intelligent and its education and training require mutual respect in handling and voice,
and above all, consistency. It gets along with other dogs and pets and can be slightly
reserved with strangers but not strongly so. People who are not welcome on your property
will be stopped in their tracks. The Maremma is not as large as many of its fellow flock
guards, but he still possesses comparable endurance and strength, as well as the ability
to make up for the extra 50 pounds it lacks. It is alert and independent. A flock guard of
impressive dominance and lifelong dedication, the breed takes control over its flock and
human family. As a pet, they are not very attached or overly outgoing. Nevertheless, this
rugged wolf-slayer breed has adapted into a marvelous companion, without loosing its
extraordinary working abilities. It will defend both house and master, and it is
particularly attentive with children. The Maremma is a marvelous sheepdog and loves its
work. It is a terrible enemy of the wolf, but tame with man. Held in high esteem by
shepherds, especially in the mountains where it thrives in the snow; resistant to both
cold and brambles. For several decades, it also achieved success as a companion dog. This
is due to the fact that English breeders have developed dogs of excellent character.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 23.5-28.5 inches
(60-73 cm.)
Weight: 66-100 pounds (30-45 kg.) |
Health
Problems |
* |
Living
Conditions |
The Maremma Sheepdog is not
recommended for apartment life. If they get enough exercise, they will be calm indoors.
Accustomed for centuries to wide-open spaces, it needs at least a large yard. The
all-weather coat allows it to sleep outdoors. The Maremma is not well-suited for very hot
weather. It should never be shorn, but should always have plenty of shade and a large bowl
of water on hot days. |
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Exercise |
This breed needs space - mentally as
well as physically. If they are not working as an active flock guardian,
they need to be taken on daily, brisk
walks. A short walk around the block three times a day is not enough for this
dog. Long and alternating walks are necessary. It must have frequent opportunities to run
free. When it gets enough exercise, freedom and space, it will be quiet in the house. |
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Life
Expectancy |
About 11-13 years. |
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Grooming |
All weather coat requires regular,
thorough combing and brushings to remove all dead and loose hair. Take extra care when the
dog is shedding. |
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Origin |
Some claim at one time there were two separate
breeds: the Abruzzese and the Maremmano. The Abruzzese was more of a mountaineer and had a
longer body, while the Maremmano had a slightly shorter coat. However in the 1950's the two were
officially established as a single breed with a hyphenated name, Maremmano
Abruzzese. This is a classic
European flock-guarding dog, probably a close descendant of the great, white Eastern
sheepdogs that slowly spread across Europe over 2,000 years ago. The Karabash and Akbash sheepdogs of Turkey, the Kuvac of Slovakia, the Kuvasz and Komondor of Hungary, and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog of France are all included in its
blood. The ancestors of the Maremma evolved to become smaller than their fellow herd
guardians while retaining the independence and aloofness of their heritage. Although it is
now seen regularly in Great Britain, this breed is still rare in other countries outside
Italy. It is strong-willed and not easy to obedience train, but makes a super guard. Its
Country of origin is Italy. |
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Group |
Flock Guard |
Recognition |
CKC, FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR |
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
KCGB = Kennel Club
of Great Britain
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Bearfoot Belle, my female Maremma Sheepdog, when she
was 10 months old
Beau at 8 weeks
Photo Courtesy of Marco
Petrella.
TBreezy Meadow Maximilian and Breezy Meadow Sophia with their goats.
Harlee, the Maremma Sheepdog at 5 years old
Maremma Sheepdog Pictures Page 1
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