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DogsPlanet » Breeds » Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog

Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog

Cane da pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, Maremma Sheepdog

The Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog is and will remain essentially a guardian and protector. If he can live in an environment adapted to him, he will be able to live with his family, but at the same time have his vital space where he can guard and protect his own in complete freedom. Respect and freedom are not an option, they are part of his temperament and of his deepest nature, and will have to be respected by the family who owns him.

Height 60 to 73 cm

Weight 30 to 45 kg

Life expectancy 12 to 14 years

Home country Italy

Index

Personality Appearance Tips Health History

Quick Overview of the Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog

Temperament

Strong character and stubborn
Refuses training
Imposes respect
Calm and tender (outdoors)

Appearance

Distinguished and majestic appearance
Big and strong
White and uniform dress
Rough and long coat

Health

Excellent health
No particular problem

Temperament of the Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog

This magnificent white specimen has a strong character and is very stubborn. Primarily intended as a guard dog or to protect herds, the Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog has a natural aptitude for the great outdoors.

Imposing respect by his stature, he will growl at anyone who tries to disrespect him. He is not really suited for family unless the family respects his nature and allows him to live according to his specific needs.

Refusing to be trained, this great, proud sheepdog has a tendency to be insubordinate rather than obedient. His education is possible but training is not part of his rather stubborn nature.

Imposing respect to his entourage, this sheepdog is by no means a companion dog. He will not entertain the crowds, and could even bite those who try to convince him otherwise.

Even if he looks like a big doggie, it is very difficult to educate him. You have to be gentle, patient but also very firm. His education will be possible if it is done respectfully but his training will remain impossible. He will always assert his character.

Essentially a guard or protection dog, he is nevertheless very attached to his family. He is gentle and respectful with his family as long as they treats him with respect and tenderness. He is suitable for children if they know how to love and respect dogs. It is preferable for others children to avoid him completely.

He is rather calm and soft if he lives in the open air and in complete freedom. He will tend to become nervous and could bite if he is forced to live as a city-dog in an apartment. Even if he can enjoy a daily walk, it will be insufficient for his need of fresh air and freedom.

berger de maremme et des abruzzes personnalité

Breed Appearance

This large size dog has a hardy appearance, but is also distinguished and majestic. He looks nothing like any other dog. Of a large and strong build, his silhouette reminds a little bit of a polar bear.

Height

Between 60 and 73 cm (23.62 to 28.74 inches) for the male
Between 60 and 68 cm (23.62 to 26.77 inches) for the female

Weight

Between 30 and 45 kg (66.14 to 99.21 pounds) for the male
Between 30 and 40 kg (66.14 to 88.18 pounds) for the female

Color

His dress is white and uniform.

Hair

His rough coat is long, thick and tight.

Morphology

His large head is more reminiscent of a polar bear than a dog. His eyes are ochre or dark brown and the eyelids surrounded by black. His ears are triangular and drooping in v-shape. His nose is big and all black. His tail is low and hanging at rest. It is bushy and thick but without a fringe.

According to the FCI breeds nomenclature, this breed belongs to group 1, section 1 and is #201

Tips About this breed

The Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog must live outside. Bred in Abruzzo, his characteristics as a guardian and protector of the flock stick to him and his strong character of the past is still entirely part of his temperament.

This magnificent specimen of immaculate whiteness is not every owner's dog. Hating anything that reduces him to obedience or submission, he will refuse any kind of training.

Health of the Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog

Very robust and majestic, the Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog generally enjoys excellent health. No particular problems affect this great breed. His special characteristics from his ancestors are still present today and make him a strong and very resistant dog.

GROOMING

Despite his white and beautiful coat, the Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog does not require special maintenance. His grooming is very easy and is limited to a good brushing and a normal regular maintenance for the majority of the dogs.

History of this breed

His history goes back to a remote time. A very long time ago, the white Asian dogs used to defend herds arrived in Europe. It is known that the Romans already owned white sheepdogs about 2,000 years ago, but it is not officially known how they entered European territory.

It is possible that the Romans brought him back from Asia during the Asian conquests or he may have simply arrived during the migrations of the Asian peoples to Europe.

Until 1958, two varieties existed, the Maremmano and the Abruzzese Sheepdog. Having finally considered that these two breeds were in fact one and the same, they merged into a single breed. However, the standard was not issued until 1989.

Used for herding during centuries, the white coat was selected to make it easier for the shepherds of the time. The Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog was easily identifiable and the shepherds could distinguish him from the wolves in the event of an attack on the flock.

This magnificent dog with a jovial appearance remains above all a sheepdog. His character and all his aptitudes make him essentially a cattle keeper even today.