Maremma Sheepdogs stop growing by 18 to 24 months of age. By about 12 months, most Maremmas will have reached their adult height (or close to it), but they will continue to gain muscle mass up until their second birthday. Regular exercise and a balanced diet throughout this early growth phase support their development.

Maremma Sheepdogs are always white or cream. Their light color is one of the defining characteristics of the breed.

Maremma Sheepdogs are large dogs, most weighing 66 to 100 pounds and standing 23 to 29 inches tall.

Maremma Sheepdogs are moderate to heavy shedders. Twice a year, Maremmas blow their coats, a noticeable period of heavy shedding in the spring and fall. Regular grooming, bathing, and a balanced diet will help keep their coat looking healthy.

Yes, Maremma Sheepdogs are good with kids. These protective pups are good at keeping children in their families safe. They are playful and gentle when playing with younger children, but they might miss the subtle differences between ordinary roughhousing among kids and a genuine threat to “their” children. 

As with any breed, supervise your child when interacting with your Maremma Sheepdog to keep everyone safe and happy. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Yes, Maremma Sheepdogs are good with cats, especially if they are socialized early and introduced with care and intention. With the right approach, Maremmas can peacefully coexist in a family with cats.

No, Maremma Sheepdogs don’t bark a lot. As guardians, they bark to alert their families and communicate a perceived threat. Just like any breed, proper training and attention to their mental and physical needs can discourage barking.

Yes, Maremma Sheepdogs are good family dogs. They are reliable, protective, devoted family companions who bond strongly with their humans and remain aloof to most others. They do best with plenty of physical and mental stimulation, as they are a strong, independent breed who is happiest when allowed to roam free outdoors.

Yes, Maremma Sheepdogs are a little hard to train. These intelligent dogs are willful and independent, a combo that can make training a little tricky. One helpful hint: Because they bond so closely to their human, it’s best if the pet parent can do the training. A clear, consistent approach that is firm, as well as sensitive, with a lot of positive reinforcement is key for this breed. 

Be patient and expect gradual progress. Training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed. Enlisting the help of a profession with experience training guarding breeds can offer some extra support.

Yes, a Maremma Sheepdog can be a house dog, provided they have ample space, regular exercise, and consistent training. They will be happiest, for example, in homes with a large yard or access to outdoor areas where they can roam freely and patrol. With attention to their needs, this large, independent dog can adapt to indoor living.

Yes, Maremma Sheepdogs are intelligent. Their smarts are geared toward independent thinking and problem-solving rather than strict obedience. By engaging their natural ability to guard and protect and respecting their independence, you can effectively harness a Maremma Sheepdog’s intelligence.

Yes, Maremma Sheepdogs are friendly, especially to their families, to whom they are devoted and closely bonded. They are typically wary of strangers due to their protective nature, but they will warm up once they perceive a new person is not a threat.

Yes, Maremma dogs are rare, especially outside their native Italy. While the Maremma Sheepdog gained international recognition for its role in wildlife conservation efforts, such as protecting Little Penguins in Australia, this hasn’t significantly increased its numbers globally. Maremmas are not as popular as other working breeds, and enthusiasts and breeders are more likely to be found in Italy, where the breed’s historical and working roles are well understood.

Maremma Sheepdogs (also known as Maremmas) are from the Maremma and Abruzzo regions of central Italy. In this rugged and agricultural landscape, Maremma Sheepdogs were originally bred to guard livestock, particularly sheep, from predators like wolves and bears. For anyone seeking a reliable guardian and a loving companion, Maremma Sheepdogs make a loyal addition to any home.

Yes, Maremmas are working dogs. Historically, their primary role was protecting livestock in Italy. More recently, Maremmas have taken on the role of conservationists, guarding the once-endangered native Little Penguin colonies from red foxes on Australia’s Little Island.

No, a Maremma is not the same as a Great Pyrenees. While both breeds were bred as protectors of livestock, there are many differences between them. For one, Maremmas are from Italy, while Great Pyrenees are from the Pyrenees Mountains in France and Spain. Great Pyrenees also tend to be bigger, have longer coats, and are typically less reserved with strangers.

Maremma Sheepdogs live 10 to 14 years. Individual lifespans will vary based on genetics, overall health, diet, exercise, and quality of veterinary care.

Like most older breeds, the Maremma Sheepdog has very few inherited health issues but may be prone to a few, including:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Maremma Sheepdog, have them checked out by a vet to see if they are prone to dysplasia.

• Others: Gastric dilatation-volvulus, a sudden, painful, and life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen; and sensitivity to anesthesia.

No, Maremma Sheepdogs are not hypoallergenic. (No dog is.) Maremmas have a dense double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. Their coat consists of a thick undercoat and a longer outer coat, which can contribute to the spread of dander and hair — common triggers for allergies. Frequent grooming can help minimize allergens in the home. For those concerned about allergies, spend time with a Maremma Sheepdog before bringing one home for keeps, or consider consulting an allergist.