Maremma Sheepdog Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

34-45 kg

Height

65-75 cm

Lifespan

12-13 years

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About the Maremma Sheepdog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Are you looking for a canine friend to add to your family? Maybe you’re considering a Maremma Sheepdog? If so, this breed guide contains everything you’ll need to know about these huge fluffy dogs.

From grooming and feeding to temperament and training, you’ll find it all right here! Once you’ve finished reading this guide, you’ll know exactly whether this dog breed is for you or not.

What is the history & origin of the Maremma?

Originating from the picturesque scenery of Italy, Maremma Sheepdogs have a fascinating history! These fluffy pooches are famous for guarding livestock in the Abruzzo and Maremma regions.

Although they have called Italy their home for thousands of years, the breed’s history may date back even further. Before arriving in Italy, there are a few theories about the true history and origins of the Maremma Sheepdog.

Some believe that these Sheepdogs arrived in Italy through the Mediterranean on Phoenician or Greek ships. Other theories are that they travelled from the North along with the Tatars. There’s also a theory that they were bought back from Asia by the Romans!

What is a Maremma breed?

The Maremma Sheepdog is a rare breed of large working dog. It’s instantly recognisable by its thick, white fluffy coat.

This breed is considered to be “Old World European” and shares ancestry with Eastern European guard dogs, especially the mountain breeds such as the Kuvasz and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, as well as descending from the Tibetan Mastiff.

Who is a Maremma best for?

With over 2000 years of being bred and trained as livestock guarding dogs, the Maremma is happiest when it has a job. For this reason, they’re not the best choice as a family pet. They prefer outdoor living rather than the pampered lifestyle of an indoor dog.

With that said, it is possible to socialise and train them to become house pets, but this will require a lot of time and effort. You’ll need to rewire their brain so that their guarding instinct becomes weaker.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-train family pet, unfortunately, the Maremma won’t be suitable. They’re also not a good choice of dog for first-time owners as they are very intelligent and difficult to train. They require a very strong but fair owner who can give them the right training.

Maremma Grooming & Shedding

Thanks to the Maremma’s full outer coat, regular bathing isn’t needed as they’re generally very clean dogs. They may need a quick wipe down, particularly if they’ve found some puddles to splash in, but professional grooming isn’t always needed.

However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that this breed is low-maintenance. This is because they shed – a lot! With such a thick coat, brushing will need to be done every day. Fortunately, the Maremma Sheepdog loves attention and will relish daily grooming.

Their ears, however, are fairly easy to look after. Because they lay flat against the dog’s head, the chance of ear infections is very low; just be sure to check them once a week to make sure they’re clean and healthy.

Do Maremmas bark a lot?

Unlike other dog breeds, Maremma Sheepdogs don’t tend to bark much. They usually only bark if they feel there’s a reason to, and this is down to their watchdog instincts. However, young puppies can be quite vocal, especially when they’re playing together.

Barking would have been the Maremma’s way of alerting its humans that something is wrong, such as a lamb getting stuck somewhere. They also bark as a way of deterring intruders or predators to warn them that their territory is out of bounds.

What is the average weight & height of a Maremma dog?

The Maremma Sheepdog is a large breed of dog. Males usually reach heights of around 65-75cm, and females usually measure between 65-66cms. Males will usually weigh around 34-45kg, and females can weigh between 29-39kg.

Are Maremmas easy to train?

The Maremma Sheepdog has skills that are inherent. This means that they were bred to be put in a field to guard livestock on their own. The more independent they were, the better.

Although these skills are fascinating, it also means that training a Maremma can be tricky. Experienced owners will never let their puppyies off the lead in case they decide to wander off. You probably won’t see these dogs being signed up for agility events either!

Here are a few things to remember when training your Maremma:

Be sure to give lots of praise. Your Maremma will build a strong bond with you, so plenty of verbal encouragement will be needed.
Keep training sessions short and consistent. A Maremma’s focus can fade after a while, so maintaining their attention can be difficult if the session goes on too long. Short but effective sessions are always better than long but poor ones!

How do Maremmas behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Maremma Sheepdog is dedicated to its job and is fiercely loyal to its own family. They thrive on having lots of space to be independent and active. Early socialisation and training will help them to adapt to a new living environment and family.

Keep in mind that, although Maremma’s aren’t very mischievous or destructive, they do think independently. They’re also natural watchdogs, so they don’t tend to appreciate strangers. If a new guest is introduced to them in a friendly way, the dog may accept them, but they’re unlikely to become best friends with that person!

Does the Maremma have any common health issues?

Maremma’s are usually very healthy dogs, and many won’t ever develop health problems during their life. But, as with all purebred dogs, there are some health issues you may need to watch out for that are common amongst large breeds. These include:

Elbow Dysplasia: A genetic condition affecting the elbow joint, which can lead to pain and mobility issues.
Hip Dysplasia: A common hereditary condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit properly in the hip joint, potentially causing arthritis.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): A serious condition where the stomach expands and twists, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Eye Problems: Various conditions, such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy, can affect vision and require monitoring.

Sensitivity to Flea or Tick Sprays and Anesthesia: Some dogs may have adverse reactions to these substances, necessitating careful management during treatments.

It’s worth noting that elbow and hip dysplasia can be avoided if your dog is given a proper diet. Don’t overfeed them as they could grow too fast. Too much exercise at a young age can cause dysplasia problems too.

What is the lifespan of a Maremma?

Considering it’s such a large dog, the Maremma has a surprisingly long lifespan of around 12-13 years. You can help your dog live a long and happy life by providing it with a healthy lifestyle as well as regular health checks by the vet.

How much does a Maremma need to be fed?

An ideal diet for your Maremma should be created for this big dog with a lot of energy. It’s super important to feed the correct amount and type of food to avoid bloat and weight gain.

Just like other dogs, your Maremma’s dietary needs will inevitably change over the years. Always talk to your vet about which changes you’ll need to make to ensure you’re meeting your pooch’s needs.

How much can you expect to pay for a Maremma in Australia?

A Maremma Sheepdog typically costs between $600-$800. Although they’re rare, Maremma’s aren’t as expensive as other dogs such as “designer breeds”. If this is out of your price range, adopting a dog in need of a good home could be a great option for you.

Maremma FAQs

Do Maremma Sheepdogs get along with cats?

Yes, generally, Maremmas can get along well with cats and other pets. However, you should socialise your dog from an early age so that their guarding instincts don’t turn into possessiveness.

Aggression is rare with Maremma Sheepdogs, but they must be exposed to other animals and strangers as early as possible. They also don’t have strong prey drives, so they’re very unlikely to chase the family cat up a tree!

How often do Maremma Sheepdogs go into heat?

Normally, female dogs come into heat twice a year. Some can come into season up to 4 times a year, but this is quite rare. Be aware that females can breed even during their first season, around 7-15 months old. But at this young age, they’re not mature enough to look after a litter.

If your female is in season, it’s very important to keep her away from males for 3 weeks from when her season starts. If you want to avoid an unintended litter of puppies, it’s best to have your female spayed.

Are Maremma Sheepdogs hypoallergenic dogs?

No, unfortunately, the Maremma Sheepdog is not hypoallergenic. This is because they shed a lot, making them unsuitable for those suffering from allergies. Although no breed is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds that shed less are more suitable for allergy sufferers.

Do Maremma Sheepdogs roam?

Certain guarding breeds have a tendency to roam, wanting to check their boundaries all the time. The Maremma Sheepdog prefers to stay close to the herds they’re protecting rather than roaming its boundaries.

They’re known as nurturing or “close-in” guarders. Although you’ll need to have a secure yard fence, it’s very unlikely you’ll catch your Maremma scaling the fence to escape!