Description. The Maremma Sheepdog is a big dog measuring 23½- 28½ inches in height and weighing in at between 66 and 100 pounds. They have a distinctive look to them and are noble in appearance with a large head sat atop their muscular ample body. Their jaw is very strong and closes in a scissor bite. Their black nose can alter color with age to a pinky brown. Their ears are comparatively undersized and are shaped like a V, hanging to the sides of the head. Their eyes are bright and intelligent but are quite small. The low set tail is abundant with hair and feathering. Their back legs are powerful and muscular, as is the entire body. The Maremma Sheepdog has a substantial coat that is double, being a soft dense undercoat covered with a harsh long outer coat. They can come in a variety of colors being, ivory markings on a mostly white coat, a subtle yellow or a light orange about the ears.

History. Many years back this dog was considered a separate breed from the Abruzzese but in the 1950s it was official considered as one breed and called The Maremma-Abruzzese. There were slight characteristic differences between the two dogs but these were considered insignificant enough to class as one breed. These were flock guarding dogs and appear to be close relatives of the original eastern sheepdogs that worked their way across Europe more than two thousand years ago. The actual bloodlines of this breed can be traced back to the Pyrenean mountain dog, the Kuvasz, the Komodor and even the Turkish Akbash and Karabash dogs. The country of origin is credited to Italy and with the exception of the UK it is classed as a rare breed in all countries apart from Italy. They do have a certain stubbornness in their nature which can make training hard but they are natural and instinctive herd guarding dog.

Temperament. The Maremma Sheepdog is a happy and fairly sociable dog, with a certain amount of reserve about them. They can be good companions but will work rather than play every time. They are very intelligent and you must gain this dogs respect, they must see you as pack leader or you will have a dog that ignores you and does whatever it feels like, at this size that is far from ideal. They are sensitive to mood and voice and will not be shouted at. They will respond to firm consistent and fair training, but will not be happy to perform pointless tasks. Whilst they are an overall friendly and loyal breed they are not particularly attached to their owners, but will respect you and enjoy the company. Be aware this is a powerful dog that was bred to kill wolves, so may not know its own strength. They are generally very good with children, as long as they are not abused or teased. They should be supervised with the very young as they can be a little playful at times and could knock small or frail people over while playing.

Health issues. With a life expectancy of 11-13 years the Maremma Sheepdog is a generally healthy breed.

Grooming. Grooming is normally a simple task of brushing or combing regularly. The Maremma Sheepdog may require stripping during their shedding season.

Living conditions. The Maremma Sheepdog requires at least a large fenced garden. They can live outdoors if adequate shelter is provided. However this is a herd guarding dog so will probably revert to instinct, when dark, and bark at anything that moves. They are used to large open spaces and require a lot of walking; they are not at all suited to life in an apartment.