It is very interesting to see how all
the dogs bred by breeders for many generations, far from the world of
the shepherds how they retain these characteristics, and they remain exactly
like the dogs who still work with the sheep. Maremrna dogs want a level
relationship with their owners, and only in these conditions will they
give the owner the greatest satisfaction. I repeat once more they are
not for everyone, they will never be dogs for those people who look for
a 'slave dog or a robot', or a dog that gives blind obedience.
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From a life where they can play at the beach like any other dog to their typical role working together in a pack to guard livestock these dogs display the same temperament - in fact one of these dogs is in both photos! |
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As far as
food is concerned, as they are very rustic they eat very little, are never
greedy and are not thieves. They like to sleep outside even if the climate
is very bad, they are completely indifferent to all weather conditions.
They are a very clean animal, and even puppies go as far as they can from
the nest to attend to their personal needs, even to hiding themselves.
These dogs spend a lot of time cleaning their coats just like cats, and
although the coat is white it does not need any special care. It renews
itself twice a year, after losing all the dead hair, which becomes yellowish
just like wool. When it rains and the dogs are wet, the coat becomes the
colour of the earth but as soon as it dries it becomes whiter thanit was before.
In this breed,
the difference between dog and bitch is very evident, and not only physically.
The dogs are bigger, tougher, and have a big collar like a lions mane.
He is more extrovert, stronger in temperament and sometimes aggressive,
particularly to dogs who invade his territory. The female on the other
hand can be a few inches smaller, is more elegant, and can be feline in
her movements, she is much more gentle altogether more shy and diffident
though. But! very rarely would a stranger be able to touch her, even,
when the owner was present.
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The difference between the dog and bitch are evident in these photos of a dam and her son, both as mature guardians |
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In a house
which is not the natural environment for them, these dogs will cause no
trouble, they are never invading, and they make themselves small, trying
to become a part of the household. In particular, when it is dark, they
like to lay across the doorway with the head towards the outside, and
they are always alert.
This article has been broken down into sections for your convenience
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The history and origins of the maremma sheepdog |
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Description of the maremma temperament |
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Description of the characteristics of the maremma sheepdog |
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Structure of the maremma physically and temperamentally |
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Protective behaviour of the maremma sheepdog |
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