Maremma Sheepdog

Maremma Sheepdog

Breed: Maremma
Temperament: Friendly with family, wary of strangers
Cost: $500-$2000
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Maintenance: Low
Recommended for: Flock protection

These large white dogs are bred to protect flocks, they are friendly to their family but aloof and wary of strangers.

Appearance: This is a large, strongly-built white dog weighing up to 45kg (100lb) and standing to 73cm (28"). It has a heavy double coat, thick neck ruff and a thickly-plumed tail held curled over its back.

Temperament: The Maremma is said to be aloof, independent and protective of its family and territory. The breed was developed to protect herds of sheep and most will bond quickly with the designated flock be it angoras, chickens or sheep and defend it against all-comers. Breeders report a high proportion of animals are sold for flock protection. They say potential owners buying the dogs as pets for city living should be aware of the dogs tendency to bark which might disturb neighbours.

Health:

Large breed apparently without hereditary bone diseases; Temperament in early strains is "touchy". It is important to meet the parents before selecting a pup and to socialise the pup.

Uses: Maremmas are shepherd dogs which bond with their flock and protect it. Breeders say they are not herding dogs as the flock would need to be scared of the dog to achieve this function, which is not the case. They can be bonded to almost any vulnerable flock animal, sheep, angoras, chickens, and more recently, alpacas. One breeder reported foxes took up to 30% of new lambs before he introduced Maremmas to his flock. He has not lost a lamb to predators since.

Training: This is not a breed known for its submissive attitude to humans. Breeders say it is an independent thinker and will be aloof to most people. Basic leash training is recommended because the Maremma will need to be controlled or separated when the flock is mustered. Most breeders find their dog will bond easily with their human family. The dog's working career begins when the pup is penned with its flock until it is three months old, then it is allowed into the paddock with the flock.

Ideal owner: Generally this is a working dog used by farmers. Individual Maremmas sold as pets in highly urbanised situation have not always succeeded. As pets they need about 30 minutes exercise a day. Owners also report once off the leash Maremmas don't always return promptly. However, most working Maremmas are good family dogs.

Grooming: Even working Maremmas should be groomed occasionally to remove burrs and grass seeds which can irritate the skin if neglected. Bath when necessary.

Popularity: In the past decade Maremmas have jumped from just 10 registered with the Australian National Kennel Council in 1986 to 288 in 1996.

History: The Maremma is essentially an Italian sheepdog, and is named after the region where it was developed.

Further information

ACT
Canberra Kennel Association
PO Box 815
Dickson 2602
Phone: (02) 6241 4404

NSW
Breeder: Mandy Miles
Phone: (02) 4657 2644

QLD
The Canine Control Council (Qld)
PO Box 495
Fortitude Valley 4006
Phone: (07) 3252 2661

The Maremma Sheepdog Social Club of Qld
Secretary: Sandy Toleman
PO Box 26
Rosewood 4340

SA
South Australian Canine Association
PO Box 844
Prospect East 5082
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

TAS
Tasmanian Canine Association
PO Box 116
Glenorchy 7010
Phone: (03) 6272 9443

VIC
Breeder: Rosemary McCarroll
Lurgenglare Maremmas
Phone: (03) 5865 5267

Pastoral Breed Group
Ann and Daryl Sim
Phone: (03) 5433 6300

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