Maremma Sheepdog
The Maremma Sheepdog is Italy's great white livestock guardian — an ancient breed documented in Roman agricultural texts by Columella in the 1st century CE.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Italy
Lifespan
11–13 years
Weight
30–45 kg (66–99 lbs)
Height
60–73 cm (24–29 in)
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality large breed food.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Maremma Sheepdog is Italy's great white livestock guardian — an ancient breed documented in Roman agricultural texts by Columella in the 1st century CE. The pure white coat served the same practical function as all white livestock guardian breeds — allowing shepherds and flocks to distinguish the guardian dog from dark-coloured wolves at night. In modern times the Maremma has been famously used in Australia to guard penguin colonies from foxes, following a documentary about a project in Warrnambool, Victoria, where Maremmas were bonded to Little Penguin chicks and dramatically reduced fox predation.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A large, well-muscled, bear-like dog with a thick, flowing white double coat. The coat is slightly wavy and very abundant — forming a ruff around the neck. The head is large and bear-like. The overall impression is of a self-confident, powerful working dog.
Grooming
High
Shedding
High
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Independent, courageous, and loyal to its charges — the Maremma is a true guardian breed that bonds to its flock (or other animals) rather than to its human owner in the conventional way. Affectionate with its trusted humans. Not easily obedience-trained.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Experienced owners or those with livestock. 1–1.5 hours exercise daily. The abundant white coat requires brushing 2–3 times weekly. Not suitable for urban environments.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia. Bloat (GDV). Eye conditions. Generally a healthy Italian working breed.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
The Maremma Sheepdog has been used in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia to guard colonies of Little Penguins (Fairy Penguins) from foxes — the Maremmas bond with the penguin chicks and protect the colony. The project, pioneered from 2006 onward, became the subject of the 2015 Australian film "Oddball."
The Roman agricultural writer Columella described a white livestock guardian dog in his "De Re Rustica" (1st century CE) that matches the Maremma Sheepdog perfectly — making it one of the oldest dogs continuously documented in Western agricultural literature.
