Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog: Health, Price, and Puppies For Sale

The Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog is an Italian breed with a strong and loyal character. Let’s find out all its characteristics!

In Central Asia, around the 2nd-1st century B.C., there was a cattle guardian in the great lands of the Roman Empire. This was the Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog, a breed with very ancient origins. The first testimonies of its existence come from the writings of Columella, a Roman agronomic writer who defines this dog as an “incorruptible protector of livestock and a worthy adversary to wolves and bears”.

Thanks to the selection carried out in the regions of the Apennines and Abruzzo, in the following centuries, this Maremma Sheepdog became the dog we know today. As you may have noticed, its name refers to the place where the selection took place.

Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog: Origins

It is a breed that originated in Asia, precisely in the Middle East, which arrived in Italy during the Renaissance period. However, its presence was already known throughout the Italian peninsula for a long time. It was selected to protect cattle from being attacked by certain predators, such as wolves. Its coat color was absolutely functional for its task: Its white coat color allowed herders to distinguish them during wolf attacks and not to confuse them with predators.

Today, the Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog is recognized as one of the best guard dogs for herding animals. It is also used for the defense of territories and houses.

Although we will talk about its temperament later, we will give you a preview: The Maremma Sheepdog is a strong and loyal breed with a courageous and independent character. Undoubtedly, it could survive without human help.

Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog: Characteristics

As you can guess, the Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog is part of the large dog breeds. You just have to look at it to realize how strong, prideful, and majestic it is. It has massive legs and a harmonious body with immense strength. This allows it to survive any weather conditions, be they high or low temperatures.

Although the breed standard allows other colors such as ivory or pale orange, its coat is mainly white. Its coat is abundant, woolly, and rough to the touch. Its tail is held high only when the dog is alert. Their eyes are small and dark. The ears hang in a “V” shape, which is typical of sheepdogs.

To get an idea of its size, the head of the Maremma Sheepdog is very close to that of a bear Fortunately, no particular diseases are common in this breed.

Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog: Temperament

It must be trained in a sensible way as the Maremma dog is an imposing breed with an extremely proud temperament. For this reason, it is not a fan of petting and pampering. But this does not mean that it is not a breed attached to its family: Its independence causes it not to be at the house door waiting for its owner all the time.

Although it is not an aggressive dog, it will become aggressive only to defend its home and family, from which it demands respect in order to give it in return. It is wary of strangers.

We must train it properly from puppyhood. This means that shouting is unnecessary, as are orders or violence. This breed will understand everything through calm and respect This intelligent dog understands with few words. You should keep in mind that the Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog is not for everyone. Whoever decides to have it as a friend, must have plenty of space, but above all a great desire to deal with a proud and respectful dog.

Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog: Health and Feeding

As mentioned above, the Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog is not subject to particular diseases: it is strong and robust. Its average life span varies from 11 to 13 years. It is a breed that loves outdoor green spaces. Apartment living is not a good option for this breed. In fact, living in a house is only recommended if it has a large backyard.

The Maremma Sheepdog prefers to sleep outdoors. You do not have to worry about the cold because its abundant coat protects it from cold. We can say that it loves to be outside the house because it can watch out that no one comes near it.

As for its grooming, the Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog does not need to have its hair cut in summer, but it must have a place in the shade and water to drink. During the moulting period, it will need a good bath and frequent brushing.

As for the food of this breed, rations should be moderate and given 2-3 times a day.

Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog: Price, Breeders, and Puppies For Sale

A Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog puppy costs around 800-1100 dollars, about 700-900 English pounds. As you can guess, the difference in cost varies according to the pedigree and health of the puppy and the vaccinations administered.

You can always ask for the pedigree, which is essential: it allows you to check the purity of the dog’s breed. An animal with a pedigree has certain characteristics of its breed that differentiate it from the rest.

Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.

You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:

• Briard
• Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog
• Greenland Dog
• White Swiss Shepherd Dog
• Labrador Retriever
• Bobtail
• Alaskan Malamute
• Bloodhound
• Bavarian Mountain Hound
• Basset Hound