Shepherd of Maremma and Abruzzo

Other names: Cane da pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, Maremma Sheepdog

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Hair type	Long
Origin	Italy
Template	Big
Head shape	Long

Weight and size
Sex	Weight	Cut
Female	From 30 kg to 40 kg	From 60 cm to 68 cm
Male	From 35 kg to 45 kg	From 63 cm to 73 cm

History of the breed

The breed of the Shepherd of Maremma and Abruzzo is very old, since its existence is attested for more than 2 millennia . Descendant of sheepdogs from the historic regions of Maremma (from Tuscany to Lazio) and Abruzzo (central-eastern Italy), it would most likely be the result of crosses with mastiffs originating in Asia brought by the Mongol warriors thanks to their European conquests.

Contributions from Anatolian Shepherd (Kangal), Slovak Shepherd and Pyrenean Shepherd Dog (Patou) have contributed to give it the current characteristics. Previously, a distinction was made between the long-haired Abruzzo Shepherd and the short-haired Maremma Shepherd. From the beginning of the 1950s, the 2 breeds were merged to form only one due to the virtual disappearance of the Shepherd of Maremma. The Shepherd of Maremma and Abruzzo was definitively recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) on March 13, 1956.

Photos of Shepherd of Maremma and Abruzzo

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Physical features

Its hair: long (up to 8 cm), very thick, rough to the touch, lying flat on the body, forming an important collar, shorter on the muzzle, the skull and the ears. Slight ripple is tolerated. In winter, the undercoat is abundant.
Its color: completely white. Shades of ivory, pale orange and lemon are only tolerated within certain limits.
His head: rather large, broad and flat, reminiscent of a polar bear. The stop is not very pronounced, the muzzle a little shorter than the skull, the jaws powerful and the cheeks moderately visible.
Its ears: set very high above the zygomatic arch, drooping, triangular in shape, ending in unrounded tips, small in size compared to those of the body.
His eyes: not very large compared to the size of the dog. The iris is ocher to chestnut in color. The look is at the same time soft, lively and attentive.
His body: of solid construction. The withers are slightly above the topline and wide between the shoulders. The back is straight, the croup wide and muscular, the chest full and well let down to the elbows and the sternal line raised.
Its tail: set low, covered with a dense and bushy hair, hanging down at rest.

Behavior and character

Behavior with others

The Maremma and Abruzzo Shepherd Dog is an intelligent, courageous, independent dog , endowed with a very strong sense of territory which gives him a natural ease for guarding. Loyal and affectionate , he is very attached to his family and to his master whom he will protect against any form of threat. He is also independent and stubborn.

Education…
Rather strong-headed and rebellious , the Shepherd of Maremma and Abruzzo requires an early and firm education , but without any form of brutality. He must be socialized very early, which in particular promotes his understanding with children.

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Education

Living conditions

The Shepherd of Maremma and Abruzzo is made to live in an environment close to nature , with large spaces. In town, he will always prefer to move in a large walled garden than in a small house. He needs to enjoy great freedom of movement and to express his instinct as a guardian .

Health

The Maremma and Abruzzo Shepherd Dog is a robust and resistant dog. Thanks to its double coat, it tolerates cold and humidity quite well. The breed does not present a particular predisposition to any disease , but its large size means that it is not immune to possible hip dysplasia .

To protect you from these risks and insure your companion in the event of health problems, Woopets recommends dog insurance for Maremma and Abruzzo Shepherds .

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Life expectancy

Maintenance and hygiene

The Maremma and Abruzzo Shepherd Dog remains subject to seasonal moulting , but which does not cause dramatic hair loss. Its maintenance is easy, unlike what might leave the appearance of its thick coat, long and white.

Exits…
He needs exercise and freedom to be happy and balanced. He appreciates long walks without a leash in places where it is possible and as long as he has learned to recall well, which is not easy.

Hygiene…
It is recommended to brush the dog weekly to maintain its rustic coat. During the moulting period, it is advisable to brush it 2 to 3 times a week to remove the dead hair. His coat and the inside of his ears should be examined systematically after outings to prevent deposits of debris that could lead to infections.

Price and budget

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