Maremma Sheepdog

also known as Abruzzese Sheepdog, Maremma, Pastore Maremmano, Abruzzo Sheepdog, Pastore Abruzzese, Maremmano, Maremmano-Abruzzese, Cane da Pastore

Pros History


The Maremma Sheepdog is a breed of large, muscular working dog that originates from the Maremma region of Italy. They were originally bred to protect flocks of sheep from predators, such as wolves and bears, and to guard the farm against intruders. The breed has a long history, dating back to ancient Rome, and has played a vital role in the pastoral culture of Italy for centuries.

The Maremma Sheepdog is a powerful, intelligent breed with a strong work ethic and a natural instinct to protect their territory and flock. They are known for their stamina, strength, and endurance, and are able to withstand the harsh conditions of the Maremma region, which is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain and harsh weather.

The Maremma Sheepdog was officially recognized as a breed by the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) in 1952, and by the International Federation of Kennel Clubs (FCI) in 1955. The breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The purpose of the Maremma Sheepdog breed was to create a dog that was able to protect flocks of sheep from predators, and to guard the farm against intruders. They were bred for their strength, intelligence, and endurance, and were trained to work independently and make decisions on their own.

Today, the Maremma Sheepdog is still used for livestock protection and as a working dog on farms and ranches. They are also popular as companion dogs and family pets, and are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and gentle nature.

Breed Information


Type

Is Maremma Sheepdog a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Maremma Sheepdogs originally used for?

Guarding, Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Maremma Sheepdogs Live? What is average life expectancy for a Maremma Sheepdog? How long can Maremma Sheepdogs live?

11-13 years

The average Maremma Sheepdog lifespan is somewhere between 11-13 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Maremma Sheepdog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Maremma Sheepdog?

What is the average height of a Maremma Sheepdog? How big is a Purebred Maremma Sheepdog height? Maremma Sheepdog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 26-29 inches (66 - 73.7 cm) 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) 23.5 inches (59.7 cm) 27.5 inches (69.9 cm)
Female 24-27 inches (61 - 68.6 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) 21.5 inches (54.6 cm) 25.5 inches (64.8 cm)
What is the average weight of a Maremma Sheepdog? How much should Maremma Sheepdogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 75-100 pounds (34 - 45 kg) 62.0 pounds (28 kg) 75.0 pounds (34 kg) 87.5 pounds (40 kg)
Female 65-90 pounds (29 - 41 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg) 66.0 pounds (30 kg) 77.5 pounds (35 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Maremma Sheepdogs get fat easily?

They are known for having a strong tendency to become overweight. It is important to find a balance between providing enough exercise and controlling their food intake. To maintain a healthy weight, it is recommended to increase the frequency and duration of daily walks and to engage in more playtime with the Maremma Sheepdog.

Hypoallergenic

Are Maremma Sheepdogs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Maremma Sheepdog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Maremma Sheepdog personality? What are Maremma Sheepdog dogs best known for?

Alert
Dignified
Intelligent
Determined
Friendly
Loyal

Shedding Level

Are Maremma Sheepdogs heavy shedders? How Much Does a Maremma Sheepdog Shed?

Maremma Sheepdog dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Maremma Sheepdog. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Maremma Sheepdog dog?

Maremma Sheepdogs are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Maremma Sheepdog is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Maremma Sheepdogs come from?

Italy

Ancestry

What are Maremma Sheepdogs descended from?

Mastiff, Native Mountain Dogs

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Maremma Sheepdog breed?

American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Continental Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Maremma Sheepdogs first bred? How old is the Maremma Sheepdog breed?

Unknown

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Maremma Sheepdog?

Working (AKC)
Guardian Dog (UKC)

Maremma Sheepdog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Maremma Sheepdog eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Maremma Sheepdog nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Maremma Sheepdog coat be naturally?

White

Coat Length

How long is a Maremma Sheepdogs coat?

The coat of a Maremma Sheepdog is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Maremma Sheepdog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Maremma Sheepdog?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Maremma Sheepdog have in a litter? How many puppies can a Maremma Sheepdog have in her first litter?

11-13 puppies per pregnancy

A Maremma Sheepdog can have a litter of 11-13 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Maremma Sheepdog dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Maremma Sheepdog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Maremma Sheepdogs have a lot of health problems?

The Maremma Sheepdog is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Maremma Sheepdog?

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Maremma Sheepdogs?

Bloat

Occasional Diagnoses

Eye Problems

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Maremma Sheepdog breed?

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Maremma Sheepdog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Maremma Sheepdogs have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Maremma Sheepdogs may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Maremma Sheepdogs need socialization? How social are Maremma Sheepdogs?

Maremma Sheepdog have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Maremma Sheepdogs get?

The Maremma Sheepdog dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Maremma Sheepdog have? Do Maremma Sheepdogs sleep a lot?

The Maremma Sheepdog breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Maremma Sheepdog drool a lot?

The Maremma Sheepdog is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Maremma Sheepdog, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Maremma Sheepdog dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Maremma Sheepdogs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Maremma Sheepdogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Maremma Sheepdog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Maremma Sheepdog dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Maremma Sheepdogs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Maremma Sheepdog busy?

Petting, Kiss, Brushing, Walk, Play, Run, Swim, Play ball

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Maremma Sheepdog walk each week? How many miles should a Maremma Sheepdog walk every week?

16 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Maremma Sheepdog, it's at least 16 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Maremma Sheepdog should exercise a day? How much activity does a Maremma Sheepdog need?

60 minutes

In general most Maremma Sheepdogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Maremma Sheepdog?

The Maremma Sheepdog is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Maremma Sheepdog?

Daily

Ideally, Maremma Sheepdog should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Maremma Sheepdogs?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Maremma Sheepdog eat?

4.5 cups

For an average 75-100 pound (34 - 45 kg) Maremma Sheepdog feed 4.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Maremma Sheepdog Cost Daily?

$3.50 - $4.90 / day

The average cost of a Maremma Sheepdog is somewhere $3.50 - $4.90 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Maremma Sheepdog Cost Per Month?

$112 - $154 / month

The average per month expenses of a Maremma Sheepdog is between $112 - $154. This makes an average of $1344 - $1848 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Maremma Sheepdog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Maremma Sheepdog?

The Maremma Sheepdog have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Maremma Sheepdogs lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Maremma Sheepdog dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Maremma Sheepdog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Maremma Sheepdog do well in apartments? Are Maremma Sheepdogs good indoor dogs?

Maremma Sheepdogs are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Maremma Sheepdogs good with kids? Are Maremma Sheepdogs good around children?

Maremma Sheepdogs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Maremma Sheepdogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Maremma Sheepdogs good with cats? How friendly Maremma Sheepdogs are toward cats?

Maremma Sheepdogs are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Maremma Sheepdog dogs get along with other dogs? Are Maremma Sheepdogs OK with other dogs?

Maremma Sheepdogs are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Maremma Sheepdog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Maremma Sheepdogs friendly with strangers?

Maremma Sheepdogs are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Maremma Sheepdogs like to play? Are Maremma Sheepdogs playful?

Maremma Sheepdogs have an average level of playfulness. The Maremma Sheepdogs, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Maremma Sheepdog easily trained?

Maremma Sheepdog dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Intelligent
    Maremma Sheepdogs are highly intelligent and are easily trainable, making them a good choice for working roles such as herding livestock.
  • Cat Friendly
    Maremma Sheepdog have a friendly disposition towards cats.
  • Loyal and protective
    Maremma Sheepdogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature, which makes them excellent guard dogs.
  • Rarely barks
    This breed may be a good pick for those looking for a more peaceful dog as they are known for being quiet.
  • Good with children
    When properly trained and socialized, Maremma Sheepdogs can be good with children.
  • Good with livestock
    Maremma Sheepdogs were originally bred to guard livestock, and they excel at this task.

Cons

  • Need for training and socialization
    Maremma Sheepdogs, like all dogs, require training and socialization in order to be well-behaved and well-adjusted.
  • Shedding
    Maremma Sheepdogs shed heavily and require regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition.
  • Potential health issues
    Maremma Sheepdogs are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can be costly to treat.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be cautious when considering a Maremma Sheepdog, as they may cause allergic reactions.
  • High energy
    Maremma Sheepdogs are a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This may not be suitable for those with limited time or energy.
  • Size
    Maremma Sheepdogs are a large breed, which may not be suitable for those living in small homes or apartments.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Maremma Sheepdogs are inclined to have weight issues.
  • Potential for aggression
    Without proper training and socialization, Maremma Sheepdogs may exhibit aggression towards other dogs or people.
  • Expensive to purchase and maintain
    Maremma Sheepdogs can be expensive to purchase and maintain, with costs for food, vet care, and grooming adding up over time.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Maremma Sheepdogs may not be able to handle the distractions of an office.
  • Not suitable for first-time owners
    Maremma Sheepdogs may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners due to their need for training and socialization, as well as their high energy level.