Maremmas - Italian Sheepdogs - NZKC Dog Breeders @ Whangarei, NZ, Vangelo Kennels

VANGELO KENNELS - WHANGAREI - NZ

Boutique Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Whangarei Northland New Zealand

En route to the Tutukaka Coast & the world-famous Poor Knight's Marine Reserve

MAREMMA - ITALIAN SHEEPDOG

'Beauty in repose and in action, intelligence, dignity, natural guarding instincts - are all very positive qualities; but there is something more to our big white fellows than is usual to the species - a vein of the wild, and a natural habit of treating man as equal and friend not as master. If you want obedience and submission, keep away from our breed, but if you appreciate friendship given and received, a trace of humour and much teaching of the lore of the wild, a typical Maremma is the best you can have.'
Don Tommaso Corsini

APPEARANCE

The Maremma Sheepdog is a medium to large dog - imposing and majestic of appearance. He is strong, active, very agile and lithe for a dog of his size. Rugged and hardy, he loves to be outdoors in all weathers.
Males are bigger, tougher with a large ruff around the neck, and the females are more elegant and diffident. Colour is white, sometimes with markings of lemon, fawn or biscuit usually on the ears. The Maremma is double-coated and when wet, the dirt will cling to legs and underbelly but will not penetrate to the soft undercoat, and as he dries the dirt will fall away from the outer coat as if by magic!
By nature, the Maremma has very clean habits, but should be groomed regularly starting from young as lots of handling is important. Bathing should be minimal - only when extremely dirty, to speed up the moulting process, or for a show. The male will cast his undercoat once a year and females generally twice, after each season. The eye rims, lips, nose and footpads should be black and general care should be given to these areas, as well as toenail clipping if necessary.

HISTORY

The Maremma Sheepdog is an Italian Working breed which can be traced back over 2000 years. The breed's native title is Maremmano Abruzzese named after two regions in Italy, both claiming this dog breed as their own. This dog's job is to guard flocks and property of the shepherd from marauding wolves, bears, thieves and feral dogs. He remains loyal to his master, but his main allegiance is to the flock. Several Maremmas are often left on guard in sole charge, never abandoning that which has been entrusted to care. The Maremma has strong guarding instincts and is responsible for making his own decisions. These instincts remain in the breed as we know it today.

TEMPERAMENT

The temperament of the Maremma is very especial to its breed, and significantly different to most other breeds of dog. The tough, harsh existence and heavy responsibilities to which these dogs have been accustomed over several centuries make them ideal property and family guardians. Wonderful with their own family and children, and other family members, friends, children once they get used to them. The owner should make a formal introduction between dog and guest and remain on hand until the guest has been accepted as friend. Maremmas are normally tolerant of other breeds and will live happily with them. Rarely picks a quarrel, slow to anger but can be provoked and fight like he means it. Feed separately as there will be trouble if another dog interferes with his food.

DIET

Puppies are fast developers and require a varied, plentiful diet of nourishing food such as meat, eggs, milk, puppy pellets with calcium and vitamin supplements. Adult dogs like a good variety including pasta - about 1 kg of food daily. Fresh water should always be available.

TRAINING

After the puppies have had their final inoculation they are now able to be lead trained at home and then socialised with the rest of the public - before they are 6 months old. The Maremma has an active mind of above intelligence, and if not trained will quickly become bored. He will easily learn to sit, heel, down, and stay. He won't be 100% obedient like a German Shepherd or a Border Collie because -
a) Subservience is not in his nature, and
b) He thinks independently which causes him to consider all instruction before acting. His slow responses should be excused as it's not likely to be bad behaviour. Obvious bad behaviour should be checked by a firm 'no' right from the start. Puppy kindy/school and obedience training classes will be extremely beneficial to owner and dog.

HEALTH

This breed is typically healthy and not prone to illness or disease. It is relatively free of any hereditary abnormalities. Usual vaccinations are required to be administered by a vet at 6 and 12 weeks. Extra shots may be required at that time according to the NZ region in which the dog is living. Worming at 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks of age, and thereafter at 3 monthly intervals is necessary to maintain good canine health. Puppies are large, active and happy. They grow exceedingly fast, and long walks or formal exercise is best avoided until they reach 6 months. Baby Maremmas will drop to sleep where they are when they have exhausted themselves running/playing, and should be left undisturbed. From 6 months, exercise is essential for correct muscle development and growth which is why free running in hilly areas is very beneficial.