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The Maremma Sheepdog is a majestic white breed of dog, of a large size and a rustic appearance. The Maremma Sheepdog or Maremma-Abruzzese is a breed of livestock guardian dog originating in Italy's Maremma region.
Maremma used as LGDs are introduced to sheep flocks as puppies so they bond to the sheep. Some ranchers place Maremma puppies as young as 3-4 weeks old with young lambs (kids) though beginning this bonding process at 7-8 weeks is more typical. Although it is easiest to bond Maremma to sheep and goats, cattle ranchers have found that the dogs will bond with cows and Maremma are increasingly used to protect range cattle.
Recently in Warrnambool, Australia, the world's first trial utilized a Maremma to guard the dwindling penguin population of Middle Island. While using Maremma to guard an endangered species is rare, Maremma along with other breeds of livestock guarding dogs are appreciated by environmentalists because they make it possible for livestock to coexist with endangered predators such as wolves and coyotes reducing their predation by 70% to 80% or more. National park authorities in Italy, the United States and Canada have promoted use of the Maremma Sheepdog, as well as other types of LGDs, to minimize conflict between endangered predator species and ranchers.
Appearance: They are strong, active, and for their
size, very lithe. 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: Maremma Sheepdogs are a working dog and
need a job to keep them occupied. They are devoted to their
master but treat them as an equal and a friend. They are
affectionate with people they know. Always treat a Maremma
fairly and they will turn into an indispensable guardian angel
for your stock, your farm, and your family. Nevertheless, this
rugged wolf-slayer breed has adapted into a marvelous
companion, without losing its extraordinary working abilities.
It will defend both house and master, and it is particularly
attentive with children.
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.
As a pet, they are not very attached or overly outgoing. 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 (23 kg) it lacks. It is alert and independent.
Original use: Their function has been to guard the
flock and property of the shepherd for millennia, even in
situations where man is not present. A flock guard of
impressive dominance and lifelong dedication, the breed takes
control over its flock and human family. 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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