Breed of the Day: Maremma Sheepdog

The Maremma Sheepdog-
PHOTOS AT: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/maremmasheepdog.htm

The late Don Tommaso Corsini wrote : "Beauty in repose and in action, intelligence, dignity, natural guarding instincts are all very positive qualities, but there is something more to our big white fellows than is usual to the species - a vein of the wild, and a natural habit of treating Man as an equal and a friend, not as god and master. If you want obedience and submission, keep away from our breed, but if you appreciate friendship given and received, a trace of humour and much teaching of the lore of the wild, a typical Maremma is the best you can have."

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
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.
Height, Weight
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.
Exercise
This breed needs space - mentally as well as physically. 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 freedom and space, it will be quiet in the house.
Life Expectancy
About 11-13 years.
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.
Origin
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. In the 1950's the two were officially established as a single breed with a hyphenated name. This is a classic European flock-guarding dog, probably a close descendant of the great, white Eastern sheepdogs that slowly spread across Europe over 1,000 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.
Group
Flock Guard
Recognition
CKC, FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC



CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club

 

Gorgeous dogs!!! OMG ! They are amazing.

Great pick.

 

VERY similar to the Great Pyr.

I've heard of these dogs before... very great dogs from what I hear...

GREAT breed of the day.

 

What a awesome dog! Who do you tag to do tommorrows breed of the day?

 

I was also going to say looks like a miniature pyr even though they can still get to 100# very pretty dog

honeybear

 

I've never even heard of that breed. I think this "breed of the day" thing is going to be a nice learning experience. :wink:

 

Love those dogs i have never heard of them before either and i agree it will be a great learning experince.

Rene

 

No one's been tagged yet... ???

Who shall step up to the plate?

 

What about Sara for Breed of the Day?

 

Ahhhhh Ha Ha Ha Ha.....


I feel like I'm hogging it but I'd be glad to if no one else is going to... I've got a couple more breeds up my sleeve to post about on here...LOL

 

OH, I'm sorry! I didn't even realize you kept getting tagged! Want me to nab someone else?

 

I tagged myself a couple times.... :roll: I like doing it...just wondered if I was stealing anyone else's thunder... I think it's GREAT fun posting information about different breeds...LOL

 

I agree! Maybe you and I can just trade off everyday!!!! (kidding!)

 

Okay you twisted my arm... I'm getting a post ready for another breed of the day today....LOL...!!!

Old Yeller anyone?