The Maremma: alpine sheep herder
The Maremma Sheepdog is native to the Italian Alps. This is a breed that has an extraordinary ability to work at the highest altitudes. For many hundreds of years, the life of the Maremma sheep, shepherds and dog that tended the flock was structured according to the seasons. From June to October, the herds would move to the highlands of the Abruzzo mountains and from October to June they would descend to the plains and rolling pastures of Maremma. Historically, the work of the Maremma has been that of protector of cattle and sheepdog, being of great value to Italian peasants as they moved their herds of mountain goats and sheep through the high alpine pastures, not only herding but also protecting the herd of predators. The Maremma has the ability to work independently as a flock protector and is noted for its high intelligence. Some of the dogs remained as protectors of the farm and gradually the Maremma also became known as the great white dog that frequented the beautiful houses of Tuscany as a companion and guard dog.
The Maremma is a large white dog with a profuse and abundant coat. The dog could be confused with the Pyrenees or the Kuvasz, an extract from the fact that the head of the Maremma is much larger in proportion to the body and in fact it closely resembles that of the polar bear, conical and massive in shape. In general, of the large white dogs that are the central European and Alpine sheepdogs, the Maremma is probably the breed that exhibits the most independent thinking and is one of the dogs considered to be a very protective dog, working on duality. role as guardian and shepherd of the flock. The Maremma is a large breed, 24 inches at the withers, with a thick coat that is completely white with perhaps a shade of ivory or biscuit on the ears. The coat should be groomed regularly. The correct coat should be weather resistant, providing protection from the sun and cold, this is a dog that should not be shaved.
The Maremma has always been surrounded by people, although its existence has been lonely, it is a race that will not do well without a human to protect or work alongside. This is a dog that struggles to work for its master, but it can also be a difficult dog for simple obedience commands as it is a “thinker” and will get bored with repetition. They are extremely loyal, considered one-person dogs, devoted and protective but proud and worthy. This is a dog that requires an informed owner, as he is not inclined to be subservient, but is more likely to be somewhat stubborn and strong-willed.