Amarcord Kennels

I live nestled into the foothills of the Border Ranges, on the Far North Coast of N.S.W. - AUSTRALIA.

I moved to my current small farm at the end of 1990, and was immediately notified by the local Rural Lands Noxious Animal Vet, that I was in the middle of a high predation area, and our Toggenburg Dairy Goats were at great risk. Neighbours had lost hundreds of goats, sheep, calves and even young bullocks. The biggest threat I face are packs of domestic dogs let wild, that were breeding from Rottweillers, German Shepherds, Bull Terriers and the like. They are formidable, and cunning. They soon learn to avoid baits and traps, and roam a territory of hundreds of miles up and down the Border Ranges. I was locking the goats into a secure shed at night, but the threat of a day time attack was just as real.

To cut a long story short, the Maremma won my research, and I ordered a pup and waited, anxiously watching my goats. When Nero (Sanrowan Giottonero) arrived, at 7 weeks old, you would have thought he wrote all the books on maremmas himself. He behaved like nothing I had ever seen in a dog. I became quite enchanted with the incredible behaviours he displayed, and fell quite in love with the breed, and purchased Dione (Robenia Dione) to be his mate.

Sha (Zaeme Bianca Sha), was the daughter of Nero and Dione, from Dione's third litter.

I hope to assist people with this site, who are researching the Maremma as an answer to some predator situation of their own. There is a large volume of information available from this site, allowing you to gather your information easier. The maremma is still a fairly rare dog in Australia, and the bloodlines narrow. Care in our breeding strategies will be essential for the breeds future.

For those who knew my old site, you may be wondering what happened to ZAEME. Due to my marriage separating, I am now breeding under the prefix AMARCORD, and operating under the registered business name of AMARCORD KENNELS.

Briana, Nero, Katrina and Narky.

Amarcord pups are only occasionally available, and you are advised to order in advance if possible as litter orders are taken all the time. I am not a puppy farmer, but I do breed some litters.

At AMARCORD, I am most interested in breeding the Maremma as Livestock Guardians, however I do acknowledge that they may be suitable for home guarding in some circumstances.

If you are wanting a maremma for a 'pet', please read carefully throught this entire Web Site, and be sure that you understand and respect the type of animal this is.

In the right situations, I have found that the Maremma makes a companion dog,that is possibly second to none.

AMARCORD KENNELS is dedicated to the breeding of REGISTERED Maremmani that have Correct Temperament, and that comply with the Breed Standards.

Pups are sometimes selected for possible show homes, but at this point I do not show my dogs. My Maremmani are guarding livestock - Toggenburg Dairy Goats, and I do not wish to override and confuse their duties with Obedience training away from the stock, and leaving the stock regularly to attend shows. (There are however, people successfully showing their working dogs...) Dione has never left the farm, and is the alpha bitch of the pack. Narky also is a full time guardian of the goats with Dione. Briana is the full time "house area" guardian, sleeping inside the house at night for the protection of myself and children. Briana sometimes comes out on family trips to a beach allowing dogs, and takes great delight in frollicking in the surf with the family. Maremmani can be successfully Obedicence Trained, providing you understand their temperament well, and do not expect your maremma to be the same as a labrador or border collie.

All my dogs are registered with the NSW Canine Council, and are microchipped.

This page is not intended so much as a Puppy Sales Advertisement, as it is intended as a reliable information source. Pups are occasionally available to selected suitable homes.

Genetics is an important topic whether you are showing your dog, working your dog, having a companion, or breeding your dog.

The history of this breed is incredible, and its survival, especially outside of Italy will only succeed if great attention is paid to the recording of all matings. Our gene pool in Australia is very small, and animals bred without knowing the genetics is a dangerous practice.

No matter how lovely they may be, and how well they may do their job, you are not contributing anything worthwhile to the breed by breeding from them with no genetic record.

If you are considering buying a maremma then I would urge you to ONLY buy from a registered breeder who displays a sound knowledge of the breed and is able to provide you with rearing and training information and support.

Briana showing how a maremma can frollick in the surf...don't get that tail wet!

And below you can see how much she loves her family

Relaxing on Christmas day, content and just playing gently - our maremmas are part of our family