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AmeriDogs.com |
Maremma Sheepdog
Old dogs, like old shoes, are
comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the
edges, but they fit well.
- Bonnie Wilcox
Lacy's Grishom
For more information on the characteristics and care of the Maremma Sheepdog please contact any of the breeders listed below or:
Maremma Sheepdog Club
of America
Lake Odessa, MI 48849
(616) 374-7209
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Originally from Italy, the Maremma Sheepdog has been a livestock guardian for centuries. Primarily used to watch over sheep and goats, today they will provide protection for any type of livestock. The Maremma used to spend day and night with his charges and his white coat provided the perfect disguise when bedding down with the sheep. The Maremma bonds very closely with his flock before he is even six months old. However, he is slow to mature and is not fully responsible until at he is at least two years old! As an adult, he assumes an almost parental protectiveness over his flock.
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| The majestic and sturdy Maremma stands up to
29 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 65 and 100 pounds or more. He has a profuse
coat with long, straight hair that is white or cream colored. In spite of
the thickiness of his coat, the Maremma requires virtually no
grooming. Even after being in the mud, his coat will be back to its
normal color within a day. Once a year, the Maremma
"blows" out their coat.
The intelligent, alert, and lively Maremma is the undisputed leader of his livestock family. Courageous enough to take on a thieving wolf, but not aggressive, the Maremma needs a strong human leader to whom he willingly plays a secondary role. However, the Maremma is an independent dog who will accept the leadership of humans and be their loyal, devoted, and affectionate friends, but not their slaves. Think twice if you are considering the Maremma as a pet. The Maremma is independent, possessive of his territory, and defensive of his possessions. A dog bred to spend long hours in the solitary guarding of a flock, and who thinks and makes his own decisions in the absence of humans is sometimes unwilling to take orders! The pet Maremma, without livestock to guard will gradually become more and more possessive of his bonded humans, his limited territory, and his possessions. This is a dog that needs a job to do. |
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Photos
displayed above courtesy of: |
AmeriDogs.com
Breeders
| New York |
Kennel/Website |
| Jackie and Tom
Church 1698 County Road 11 Gouverneur, NY 13642 (315) 869-8866 Email: windancefarm@earthlink.net |
| Virginia |
Kennel/Website |
| Dr.
Karen T. and Tom Lacy 9400 Tunstall Road New Kent, VA 23124 (804) 932-4413 (804) 357-8059 Email: drklacy@aol.com |
