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Discover everything about Maremma Sheepdog
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Maremma Sheepdog?
At a glance
Maremma Sheepdog overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
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E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Maremma Sheepdog is considered a very robust working breed, but like almost all large dogs, it is susceptible to hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED). Since there are hardly any specific DNA tests established for this breed, buyers must pay close attention to the X-ray results of the parent animals. In addition, this deep-chested breed carries an increased risk of life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Lifespan
11–13 yrs
Height
60–73 cm
Weight
30–45 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Dense, long, with an undercoat
- Origin: Italy
Typical coat colors
- predominantly white
- with occasional light yellow
- orange or light gray markings
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Maremma Sheepdog, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Maremma Sheepdog right for you?
The Maremma Sheepdog is a majestic, territorial, and deeply loyal companion—bred as an autonomous Herdenschützer (livestock guardian dog) that fends off wolves or bears without human command. This centuries-old independence makes him a guardian who always decides for himself when a threat is present.
Perfect for you if:
- You live in a rural area and own a large, absolutely securely fenced property that he can guard.
- You are not looking for a dog that follows orders for dog sports, but rather a confident partner who solves tasks independently.
- You are capable of providing calm, very consistent leadership and never use physical force.
- You appreciate a dog that bonds closely with his family but remains naturally aloof toward strangers.
Less ideal if:
- You live in the city, an apartment, or a densely populated suburb—his job is to loudly and defensively report everything that approaches his territory.
- You have frequent visitors or expect your dog to joyfully greet every guest at the door.
- You demand absolute obedience on command—a Herdenschützer will weigh whether your command makes sense before he reacts.
- vibesCheck
- A Maremma Sheepdog is not a classic companion dog that waits for your instructions—he is the head of security for your property. When you sleep at night, he takes the shift and makes independent decisions about friend and foe. You aren't buying an obedient follower, but entering into a partnership of equals that must be based on deep mutual respect.
- healthProfile
- Maremma Sheepdogs are considered robust, but they have a clear pattern: hips, elbows, and eyes often remain a concern throughout their lives.
- healthDailyLife
- Without conscious management during the growth phase and proper preventative care—such as regular check-ups—health issues and veterinary costs can rise significantly later on.
- healthBreederRole
- Reputable breeders have the hips and eyes of the parent animals checked and use appropriate DNA tests to reduce known risks as much as possible, ensuring the dogs stay healthy and mobile for a long time.
The real vibes check
A Maremma Sheepdog is not a classic companion dog that waits for your instructions—he is the head of security for your property. When you sleep at night, he takes the shift and makes independent decisions about friend and foe. You aren't buying an obedient follower, but entering into a partnership of equals that must be based on deep mutual respect.
Breed Profile
The Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog, often known simply as the Maremmano, is a large and majestic dog that hails from Italy. He has a strong physique that is perfect for the hard work he has traditionally done. His thick, long and white fur, which is often a little wavy, gives him a unique and elegant appearance. His facial expression is alert and intelligent, but also gentle and calm. It belongs to FCI Group 1, which includes sheepdogs and herding dogs. There is no distinction between performance and show lines for this breed as it is traditionally bred as a working dog.
- Height
- 60 - 68 cm (Female), 65 - 73 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 30 - 40 kg (Female), 35 - 45 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 11 - 13 years
- Character
- Independent, Alert, Loyal
- Coat
- Dense, long, with an undercoat
- Coat Color
- predominantly white, with occasional light yellow, orange or light gray markings
- Price
- 1800 - 3000 €
History
The origins of Maremmano go back to ancient times. It is believed to have descended from the dogs that the ancient Romans and Greeks used to guard their flocks. The breed has evolved over the centuries to suit the conditions of the harsh landscapes of the Italian regions of Maremma and Abruzzo. His main task was to protect flocks of sheep from predators such as wolves and bears. To do this, he often had to spend long periods of time alone with the herds and make decisions independently. This independence and ability to assert oneself are still characteristic features of this breed today. The Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog was only recognized as an independent breed in the 1950s. Previously, the dogs from the Maremma and Abruzzo regions were considered two separate breeds. However, the two breeds were brought together due to their similar characteristics and ability to breed with each other and have been known as one breed ever since.
Original Use
The Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog was bred as a livestock guard dog to protect flocks of sheep from predators such as wolves.
Origin
Italy
Date
Antike
Character & Temperament
The Maremmano is a dog with a strong personality. He is intelligent, independent and has a strong protective instinct. This makes him an excellent guard dog that will defend his territory and family without hesitation. But don't let its alertness and courage fool you - the Maremmano is also a very loving and loyal dog that forms a close bond with its family. Its independent nature and self-reliance are the result of its history as a shepherd dog. He is used to making decisions and taking care of himself, which can sometimes make him stubborn and difficult to train. He needs an experienced owner who will train him with loving consistency and patience. The Maremmano is generally a calm and collected dog. He is not hyperactive and does not need constant activity. But he is also not lazy and enjoys being outside and doing physical activities. He is a good companion for long walks or hikes and can also participate in dog sports such as agility or obedience. Despite its independence, the Maremmano is a very people-oriented dog. He is very loyal to his family and loves spending time with them. He can learn to stay alone, but he should not be left alone for long periods of time or he will become unhappy. Its use is primarily based on its strong protective instinct. He is an excellent guard dog and can also be used as a herding dog. But he also cuts a fine figure as a family dog, provided he receives the right training and leadership. The Maremmano does not tend to hunt or catch prey, which makes it easier to get along with other animals. However, he is alert and will react immediately if he perceives a threat to his territory or his family. He is not aggressive, but he is brave and will defend himself or his family without hesitation. The Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog is an impressive breed characterized by its independence, alertness and loyalty. He is a strong and courageous dog who is ready to protect his family, but also a loving and loyal companion who forms a close bond with his family. His calm and relaxed temperament makes him a pleasant companion, but still requires sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. With the right training and leadership, he is a great family dog, but can also be used as a guard or herding dog. A Maremmano needs an experienced owner who treats it with loving consistency and patience in order to develop its full potential. Hello and welcome to our detailed breed portrait of the Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog! If you are interested in strong, independent dogs with a loving nature and great protective instinct, then this Italian handsome could be just the right partner for you. Before we get started, I want to remind you that a dog is more than just its breed. Every dog is an individual with its own character and personality. But now let's get started and take a closer look at this impressive dog!
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Strong territorial instinct — may actively confront intruders. | Very high |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog is so loyal and protective that in Italy it is traditionally used to protect flocks of sheep from wolves and other predators? They're so good at it that they're even used to guard flocks of sheep in parts of the US and Australia!
What Awaits You
The Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog is a vigilant dog that is very defensive. It is not suitable for beginners.
Housing & Care
Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dogs are active and independent dogs that need lots of space and activity. They are therefore more suitable for country life than for city life. They get along well with children, provided they know how to treat dogs respectfully. Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dogs are also compatible with other pets, although their protective instinct means they are more inclined to keep "their" family and "their" defend the household.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Raising and training a Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog can be challenging, especially for inexperienced dog owners. Because of their independence and intelligence, these dogs require loving but consistent leadership and plenty of mental stimulation. They are not hyperactive and do not need constant activity, but they enjoy physical activities and can be trained well in dog sports such as agility or obedience. Maremmanos tend to think and act independently, which sometimes makes them stubborn and difficult to train. It is important that they learn to practice frustration tolerance and impulse control to avoid developing problem behavior. In addition, due to their strong protective instincts, Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dogs should be well socialized from an early age and familiarized with a variety of people, places and situations.
Nutrition & Care
Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dogs have a thick, double-layered coat that protects them from the harsh weather conditions in the Italian mountains. It helps them withstand both cold and heat, and they should do well in Germany. However, this thick undercoat also means that they can shed quite heavily, especially during the spring and fall shedding season. Regular brushing is therefore essential to keep the coat clean and healthy and to minimize hair in your home. In terms of nutrition, the Maremmano, like any large dog, needs a balanced diet tailored to its size, age and activity level. It may be advisable to choose foods specifically formulated for large breeds, as they often contain additional nutrients important for bone and joint health.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Maremma Sheepdog is considered a very robust working breed, but like almost all large dogs, it is susceptible to hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED). Since there are hardly any specific DNA tests established for this breed, buyers must pay close attention to the X-ray results of the parent animals. In addition, this deep-chested breed carries an increased risk of life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
Without conscious management during the growth phase and proper preventative care—such as regular check-ups—health issues and veterinary costs can rise significantly later on.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips and eyes of the parent animals checked and use appropriate DNA tests to reduce known risks as much as possible, ensuring the dogs stay healthy and mobile for a long time.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Maremma Sheepdog
Sabine M., Halterin aus Niedersachsen (Hündin Lotta, seit 2020)
Nachdem unser kleinerer Hund Pepe vor einiger Zeit von einem anderen Hund angegriffen wurde, wuchs in mir der Wunsch nach einem großen, präsenten Hund. Da wir mit unserem Rüden Schroeder bereits jahrelange, wunderbare Erfahrungen mit der Rasse Maremmano sammeln durften, verliebte ich mich mitten im ersten Corona-Lockdown in ein Foto einer kleinen, weißen 'Plüschbirne' bei einer Züchterin. So zog schließlich unsere Hündin Lotta bei uns ein.
Ein so großer, weißer Hund bringt im Alltag ganz eigene Dynamiken mit sich. Während die Leute bei kleinen Hunden oft unachtsam sind, leinen viele ihre Hunde viel schneller an oder weichen uns großräumig aus, wenn sie Lotta sehen. Das gibt uns beim Spazierengehen ein echtes Sicherheitsgefühl. Man darf aber nicht vergessen, dass diese Hunde trotz ihres kuscheligen Welpenaussehens zu stattlichen, eigenständigen Herdenschutzhunden heranwachsen, die eine konsequente Führung und ausreichend Platz im Garten brauchen.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Maremma Sheepdog
Is a Maremma Sheepdog the right dog for me?
The Maremma Sheepdog is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Maremma Sheepdog live?
The average life expectancy of a Maremma Sheepdog is 11-13 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Maremma Sheepdog need?
Maremma Sheepdog grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Maremma Sheepdog good for families with children?
The Maremma Sheepdog can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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