Maremma Sheepdog Information

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.

These are large dogs, males standing at 25 to 28 inches tall and weighing 77 to 99 pounds, females 25 to 26 inches tall and weighing 66 to 88 pounds. Their coat is solid white.

Health issues with the breed include Hip Dysplasia and eye disease.