First draft of the Maremma Sheepdog profile General Chat

Discussion in 'Maremma Sheepdog' started by Alphatest, Oct 22, 2011.

  1. Alphatest

    Alphatest Adminstrator

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    First draft of the Maremma Sheepdog profile

    As always, feedback welcome - and if anyone could hunt out the health issues that would be great :)

    Maremma Sheepdog

    Recognized by: KC, AKC, FCI

    KC Group: Pastoral

    Size: Large

    Height: Dogs: 65 - 73 cms (25.5 - 28.5 ins); Bitches: 60 - 68 cms (23.5 - 26.5 ins)

    Weight: Dogs: 35 - 45 kgs (77 - 99 lbs); Bitches: 30 - 40 kgs (66 - 88 lbs)

    Coat: Fits outline of dog and is long, plentiful and rather harsh. Slight waviness, not curliness, permitted. Forms thick collar on neck. Hair short on muzzle, skull, ears, feet and front of limbs, forming slight feathering on rear limbs. Thick, close undercoat, especially in winter. Tail well covered with thick hair.

    Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

    Colour: All white. A little shading of ivory or pale fawn is permissible.

    Grooming: Moderate

    Health issues:

    Origin: The Maremma Sheepdog is an ancient breed, hailing from (and getting its name from) the plains of Maremma in Italy. They most likely descended from the white working dogs of the Magyars, who arrived in Italy and Maremma around 901. They were used to guard flocks, a job which they carried out with some panache - and to this day, are still being used in many parts of Italy for the same purpose. The Maremma Sheepdog first arrived in the UK in 1872, but did not really become popular until 1976. The breed is called the Pastore Marammano-Abruzzese in its native country, and was actually two separate breeds to begin with, the Maremma and the Abruzzese. The Abruzzese was more of a mountaineer with a longer body and the Maremma had a shorter coat. In 1950 they were established as a single breed with a hyphenated name. While not as common in the rest of the world, the Maremma Sheepdog is the most popular sheepdog in its homeland, Italy.

    Character: The Maremma Sheepdog are massive dogs with large heads and jaws. They have a weatherproof coat and like to make the most of it - preferring to live in the great outdoors. They are intelligent and have a natural tendency to guard, and so with their ample courage they can carry out such a task well - and will protect their charge against wolves, bears and other predators or thieves. They were bred to work in cold weather so aren't too keen on hot climates. They are loyal and courageous dogs, but not aggressive unless protecting their keep, of which they do impressively well.

    Exercise: The Maremma Sheepdog is content to wander its land checking that all is well, but they can turn on the energy if a game is offered or something unusual happens which needs investigating. A daily walk to provide new and interesting smells and sights, plus some interactive games, will help keep the The Maremma Sheepdog fit and healthy both in mind and body. Puppies should not be taken on long walks or involved in any vigorous exercise whilst their bones and joints are developing. Over-exercise in such a large breed puppy can cause long-term and crippling problems in later life.

    Training: It is important that the Maremma Sheepdog receives at least basic obedience training from an early age. Good verbal control must be established as it would be difficult for most people to restrain a Maremma Sheepdog intent on pulling or lunging on the lead. Also, in the interest of safety and good manners, the dog should be taught the ‘sit’ and ’drop’ and to refrain from jumping up on people to greet them. Training should be carried out by positive reinforcement of good behaviour with rewards of treats or a favourite toy to play with. Harsh negative methods are unnecessary and will result in a dog who is nervous, anxious and confused. Socialisation with people, other animals and to accustom the dog to various situations and social experiences will help to prevent unwanted aggression or fearfulness.
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 12, 2011
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  3. WhichPets

    WhichPets New Member

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  4. Murf

    Murf New Member

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    I have seen them working in a tv doc ,,
    they were living almost feral with the alapacas(sp) the rancher had..
  5. scout75

    scout75

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    scout
    Maremmas made my life hell in Italy! :lol:

    I was in the mountains in Abruzzo and every single house had at least one Maremma.

    The only thing I can contribute is don't believe stories that they won't leave the sheep to come after dogs as they will!! We got chased by a pack of 9 out on the mountain plains, they came right over the side of the mountain after my dogs and the sheep were miles away. :?

    (Luckily I was close enough to get my dogs back into the car but they will chase and attack a car with dogs in too)

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