Maremma Sheepdog
The Maremma Sheepdog, also known as the Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, is an ancient breed from Italy, pre-dating the Romans. Originally classified as two breeds, the mountain dog, the Abruzzese, and the Maremmano with a somewhat shorter coat, they are now considered one breed and were officially designated as such in 1950. They belong to the same family as the Kuvasz, the Akbash, the Komondor, and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. This wonderful sheepdog is a great defender of its flock against wolves, and is valued by shepherds. In more recent years, mostly in England, it has become a companion dog, where it will defend its family and particularly the children.
Height: 23.5 - 28.5" (59.7 - 72.4cm)
Weight: 66 - 100 lbs (29.5 - 44.6 kg)
Coat Type: The coat is a long harsh white coat that lies flat to the body, with a thick undercoat. There may be slight shadings of ivory or very light biscuit, particularly around the ears. This coat requires regular grooming.
Temperament: The Maremma Sheepdog is intelligent and loyal, and enjoys its outdoor work, and thus will need space; hence not a good apartment dog! It also may be somewhat independent and so not the easiest dog to train.
Health Problems: It loves being in the snow and will do well in cold weather. However, this dog will suffer from heat, and so it must be provided lots of shade and water in summer; as well, the coat should never be shorn.
Special Interest: The Maremma Sheepdog in its traditional job as flock guardian spent its summers up in the mountains with the sheep and the shepherd, and its winters at home in the valleys when the flocks came back down to avoid the colder climate.
Classifications:
AKC: Not recognized
CKC: Not recognized
KC: Non-Sporting - Working Group
FCI: Group 9
ANKC: Group 5 - Working Dogs
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