Maremma Sheepdog / Maremmano-Abruzzese, Pastore Abruzzese, Cane da Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, Abruzzenhund

Breed history:

The origins of this breed are not very well known. It is supposed to descend from the Asian shepherd. It is a very old Italian breed, officially acknowledged since 1915. It looks like the French dogs from the Pyrenees and the Saint-Bernards.

Description:

It is a large-sized dog, robust, well-built, with a long rather than tall body. The head has a conical shape, similar to a polar bear's, with a straight muzzle and almond-shaped, brown eyes, triangular ears, round-ended, drooping and covered with short hair. The tail is carried low with a curved tip. The fur is made of thick, long, rough and smooth hair forming a collar around the neck, white with pearly, yellow or light orange patches.

Personality:

It is a dog with a gentle behavior, caring, loyal, friendly, brave, dignified and well- balanced. It gets aggressive when it guards his master's herd or house, or if it is assaulted. It gets along well with children, it has patience with them. It gets along well with other dogs and pets.

Grooming:

It doesn’t require special care. Brushing is recommended during the shedding period to remove dead hair.

Living conditions:

 It likes life in the open and a lot of exercise to burn its energy. It needs training and socialization.

Training:

 It needs a firm and consistent training but without being tough, harsh. It doesn’t carry out orders if it doesn’t understand them. It needs to be shown affection and respect.

Usefulness:

It is an excellent watchdog for herds and houses, being very devoted. It’s used as a companion dog, being pleasant and guarding his master's property or integrity without hesitation.