| Country of Origin: | Italy |
| Registries: | FCI, ANKC, KC (UK), NZKC, CKC, FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR, DRA |
| Breed Group: | FCI: Group 1 Section 1 #201, ANKC: Group 5 (Working Dogs), KC (UK): Pastoral, NZKC: Working |
| Occupation: | livestock guardian dog |
| Size: | Height: 60 – 73 cm (23.5 – 28.5 inches) Weight: 30 – 45 kg (66 – 100 lbs) |
| Longevity; | 11-13 years |
| Exercise: | Daily, brisk walks, opportunitinity to run free |
| Training: | Socialization, obedience |
| Grooming: | Average |
| Colors: | Solid white, Ivory, pale orange, pale lemon shadings |
Maremma Sheepdog originates from the middle part of the Apennine Peninsula, native Marem region of Tuscany. This sheepdog lived in Tuscany and around the city of Lazio. After 1860 comes to a natural mixing of the primary breed with other breeds from that area.
Sheepdogs of the same description as Maremma Sheepdog can be found in ancient Roman literature and paintings from the 15th century. The Maremma Sheepdog is a powerful and large dog and an excellent guardian of herds.
The Italian Kennel Club only in 1958 year admitted the breed under its present name – Maremma Sheepdog. Strong and tough-looking, Maremma Sheepdog, is considered to be the best shepherd’s dog of Italy. It has always been fearless against enemies, especially wolves. Apart from that, this dog breed is quiet, sensible and obedient, and very well behaved towards children.
The Maremma Sheepdog has a very impressive body structure – it has a large head which resembles the head of a bear with a strong jaw. Its eyes are usually dark brown or ocher. The ears are short, V-shaped, set high and straight when the animal is in a state of alertness. This dog breed has a very strong neck decorated with a furry collar. It also has a thick tail which is lowered when the dog is at rest.
The hair is white, and sometimes with rusty spots, thick, long and rough to the touch. The undercoat forms a thick blanket, but only in the winter.
The Maremma Sheepdog is calm and gentle dog, an exceptional guard and intelligent, brave and determined, loyal to the master and family members and suspicious of strangers.
This dog breed needs a lot of open space so it is not suitable for the urban environment. Like every other shepherd dog, this dog breed also requires physical activity during the day.
The cold does not bother him and that’s why this dog breed prefers sleeping in the open, away from home. Special care is not needed. Fur requires regular basic combing and brushing with the removal of dead hair.