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The Maremma Sheepdog originates fromItaly and is a very ancient breed going back some 2,000 years. He is a large white dog who was used to protect goats and sheep from predators from early times. When danger threatens he will gather the animals together and place himself between the threat and his flock, and is quite capable of dealing with a wolf, fox or dingo. This dog is very inteligent and is able to make decisions for himself. As such he will treat his human companions as an equal. Some people belive that in order to work properly he should have very little human contact. This is entirely untrue. In Italy the dogs lives with the shepards and his family when he is not working. The Maremma will also bond to poultry and other animals.Many working dogs today no longer do the work that they were bred for and the same is true of the Maremma. The Maremma will settle down quite happily in a companion situation provided a few basic requirements are met. A daily walk is a must. If adults are out at work all day and the dog is left alone with nothing to do it will bark alot and get into mischief. It is not recommended to have this breed in that kind of situation. The ideal situation for a non working Maremma would be a family where at least one person is home most of the time. The Maremma is very loving and will guard the family and property against strangers.They are possive with ther food so other animals and young children should be kept away when they are eating. Socialisation as a puppy is very important both for pets and for working dogs.This will in no way stop the dog from working with stock later. 00007522 Visitors |
