Italian Maremma

Italian Maremma

The Italian Maremma or Maremma Sheepdog is one of the large flock guardian breeds.

History:

The purpose of the flock guardian is to protect the flock or herd from predators such as wolves or other dogs, and the Italian Maremma was bred specifically for this task. Various people think that the Italian Maremma first came to Europe with either the Phoenicians, the Greek colonists, the Romans returning from expeditions to Asia, or the Tartars.

The Maremma is undoubtedly related in some way to other flock guardian breeds such as the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Kuvasz; they are all white, similar in size, and have similar temperaments. No one will ever know for certain, and it may be that all of these entry routes occurred and that the different breeds developed through the mixing of dogs brought in by the different routes. Another possibility in the development of this breed is hinted at by the alternative name Maremmano-Abruzzese. One theory states that a long-bodied mountain breed, the Abruzzese, was bred with the short-coated sheepdog Marremmano, and that the result was the Maremma.

Physical characteristics:

The Italian Maremma is a large dog. Height: 25 - 29 in (63.5 - 74 cm). Weight: 70 - 100 lb (32 - 45 kg). The very thick coat is not long, and can be straight to slightly wavy. It is longer on the tail and there is a thick ruff of hair around the throat, the thicker the better. The main coat color must always be white, but the ears can be pale ivory or fawn.

The Maremma is a heavy-boned dog but does not have a massive body, as it was bred for agility combined with power. Maremma heads are long, but don't appear elongated because they also have width between the ears. The head is often described as conical and is said to resemble the head of a polar bear! Their eyes are rather small and perfectly almond-shaped; the ears are also small, triangular, and only slightly rounded at the tip.

Behavior:

This large dog performs its role of flock protector very well indeed. It requires a considerable degree of independence and is quite capable of making its own decisions. This natural independence means that this dog may be difficult to train. It is best to gently encourage and praise this dog to get the best results. As it is highly territorial, the Italian Maremma makes an excellent watch-dog and guard dog. It can get along very well with other dogs, but they may be a little scared on their first meeting because of the Italian Maremma's size.