Maremma Sheepdog - Top 10 Facts

The Maremma Sheepdog is traditionally a livestock guardian dog, originating in Italy, where it has been used for thousands of years to protect flocks from predators, particularly wolves. It is sometimes known as the Maremmano-Abruzzi after the regions of Italy where it was originally found.

In this video, we are counting down the top 10 facts about Maremma Sheepdog.

We'd like to thank all the original Maremma owners who let us use their images/clips in the video.

👉 Video Sources:

A Quick Overview:
Group: Working Dogs
Weight: 65 to 100 pounds
Height: 23.5 to 28.5 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years

👉 Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:58 1. Their History
2:06 2. Their Physical Characteristics
2:53 3. They Make Great Guard Dogs
3:24 4. Their Training Needs
4:03 5. They Can Make Good Family Dogss
4:27 6. Their Compatibility With Other Pets
5:16 7. They Have Moderate Exercise Needs
6:08 8. Their Grooming Needs
7:19 9. They Are Healthy Dogs
8:06 10. How To Find A Maremma Sheepdog
8:51 Outro

[pawned]

Our maremma turns 14yo in November (2023). He’s been the most wonderful dog for our household with kids. We got him from a farm in Oklahoma USA.

[ShaePutnam]

My family used to have one he was literally the best! Only thing is is we are the only one out of his brothers and sisters that didn't end up needing to get him put down so make sure you have proper care land and you know what you're doing and the people around you coming in your house know how to act etc he loved people and playful and a beautiful dog definitely would get another one! We were his flock and we were safe and loved!❤ "Rest in peace Ranger"

[r.]

I adopted a handsome large creme Lab mixed with some Maremma Sheepdog from a local shelter. He weighs about 90 lbs and has a long bushy tail. As a gentle giant, he's affectionate and loyal but is wary of strangers. He has a protective nature and makes an excellent guard dog. If a neighborhood coyote comes near the yard, he gets agitated and sounds the alarm.

[lanceg]

These dogs are so epic!!! I worked on a remote goat farm in the mountains of New Mexico with 6 of them. Coonridge ranch to be specific. So awesome, and man can they move. Amazing and extremely loving breeds. Absolutely loved em

[sisterkathryn]

You know, they are much more common in Australia. I had 2 as a kid, and now I'm buying my own.

[jamisonfawkes]

im from canada and my first dog is a quarter maremma. granted we didn’t know that until driving five hours to get him, but i love him so much! definitely a protector ❤️❤️

[birdie]

They're quiet popular in Australian! There's a movie based on a true story called Oddball!
The actual dog was female, and my family got to meet a descendent of one of her litters.

[belindacole]

A Meremma is not like like any other breed. You MUST have a mutual respect .You cannot antagonize them. They respond only to love and respect. They do love to sniff on a walk probably a hundred times. They are happy to go out and happy to come home to their bed. You must have patience and allow them to take the time to think. They enjoy routine but are curious . They are fiercly independent and stubborn. They love attention and praise. Hey, don't we all! They are gentle giants and love children, cats, and other dogs. Amazing, beautiful creatures!

[rachelspencer]

My wife and I were fortunate enough to get a big beautiful perfect example of a male maremma and then we got a female four years later. Needless to say, we have had some of the most amazing puppies you've ever seen! Proud of my critters! The second batch of puppies started big but the momma separated three from the rest and they were the only ones to make it from the litter, so we haven't been able to Part with any of them. They are just to much fun and they are to beautiful to let go. I sure wish I had the confidence to make a video like this to show them off because after living with my oldest maremma for the last six or seven years, I really want to show him off!

[kathleenmcleod]

Love this video! In my area, southwestern Ontario, Canada, they are somewhat common, particularly in the Mennonite farming areas. I adopted two purebreds from the Humane Society (a few years apart). They are absolutely wonderful beings! I think my oldest, Punchy, ended up in a shelter because he was fired for being too friendly haha (but seriously - screw the people who abandoned him). He is a regular at cafe patios and pet expos, attracting curious children and photo opportunities (a tour group once asked if they could each have a photo with him at the park, and in one hour hanging out on a Starbucks patio, he had four separate photo shoots). He doesn't necessarily care to have a ton of space for roaming around, but he does like to spend most of the day outside in the yard napping with intermittent patrol rounds, then snoozes through the night indoors. He also prefers a few hours a day of privacy. Unlike "eager to please" breeds like retrievers, Maremmas don't want their owners nearby all the time (nothing personal). If they choose to rest alone in a separate room, respect their space. Since these dogs aren't inclined to be very active, it's important to walk them every day and manage their weight, because the hip dysplasia and predisposition to OA is real :(

[gabrielandariana]

I'm glad people put videos up like this because it allows us to see different breeds we've never seen before

[Apoctopi]

I got a dog from a shelter and gave him a DNA test - I'd never heard of this breed before, but my dog is 42% maremma sheepdog! Thanks for the video so I can learn about my pup!

[scttishlass]

A month ago we failed at fostering our Maremma puppy and now Yuki stays. Seh is 6 months old and keeps us on our toes. Beautiful dogs. Yuki has a good 'trainer' in our neighbour's Owtsharka

[frankboblett]

I have a maremma sheepdog she is 5 months old and gets along with the other dogs just fine her best friend is the toy poodle we have

[FunBobbyMarley]

Well, my wife is currently in Rome, Italy picking up our new 3 month old Maremmano sheepdog and bringing him home to Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA. We were in Italy in April 2022 when our son happened to find a breeder with a new litter. We lost 2 of our 3 Golden Retrievers during Covid (unrelated) and our 4 yo needs a buddy. Obviously hoping for the best.

[tylerd]

7:01 "dirt, mud" AND POOP, lmfao my Maremma is always masking her scent by rolling in crap.

[DogsWiz]

What do you like the most about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Let us know in the comments!

[kathleenirish]

Unbelievably strong dog, very handsome. Ours is 145 pounds

[judithpetersen]

We have two at home our girl was raised alone then we got our boy so we can breed them they are great with our cats
We live in Australia and their names are Snowball and Koda

[dakotalandandcattle]

As an farmer / rancher who kept 150+ cashmere goats in the foothills (7400') of Colorado, I kept 2-5 Marremmas for over 25 years. Through that time I raised 8 Maremmas, and they averaged a life span of 12 to 13 years.
They are excellent guardians but need to be started correctly.
They are NOT a dog that should be purchased for a pet if one is inexperienced and not committed to a lifetime with your dog. They do not do well being rehomed.
This is a dog that will love you and die for you if need be and deserves love and total commitment.
If you want a cute white fluffy puppy but are not committed to raising a giant independent dog, get a more socialized dog like a Pyr or a Samoyed.