Animals grazing on rich pasture adds to the beauty of the Italian Alps. Italian peasants would move the stock to the high mountain pasture in June to October and from October till June, the stock will be moved to pasture lands in the Maremma plains. With this kind of setting, a breed of dog that will be the shepherds helper would be most necessary. The Maremma Sheepdog is one of the breeds used by shepherds to protect the livestock from predators.
This livestock guardian dog that is native to Abrazzo's Apennine Mountain region is a heavily built dog with a thick double coat. The noble bear-like head and the thickly ruffed neck is the most distinct feature of this breed. The thick white or creamy coat that is both water repellent and weatherproof enables the dog to stay with the flock it is guarding in any kind of weather.
These working dogs are known to be independent minded. Even without the intervention of the shepherd, this dog would instantly resolve a situation that can be potentially dangerous to the stock it is protecting. The independent nature of the dog can be a cause for concern. Mustering time can be difficult as the dog that would has formed a close bond with the animals would do everything to protect its charges. Apart from being independent minded, Maremma Sheepdogs have a stubborn streak so that the commands of the owners to stop the dog from "protecting" its charges can fall on deaf ears.
A Maremma Sheepdog is first and foremost a working breed. Maremma Sheepdogs possess inherent abilities to guard livestock thus these dogs would be in their natural element if tasked to protect animals from predators. However, more and more Maremma Sheepdogs were taken away from their home turf and utilized in other capacities.
Naturally protective and wary of strangers, these flock guardian has evolved into a dependable protection dogs and home companions. These days, Maremma Sheepdogs no longer roam the great outdoors as they are now established in temperature controlled homes. As mentioned Maremma Sheepdogs are independent minded dogs with a stubborn streak but in the hands of a knowledgeable and strong willed owner, this breed can be molded into a loyal, protective pet that will form a strong bond with all the members of its human family.
This livestock guardian dog that is native to Abrazzo's Apennine Mountain region is a heavily built dog with a thick double coat. The noble bear-like head and the thickly ruffed neck is the most distinct feature of this breed. The thick white or creamy coat that is both water repellent and weatherproof enables the dog to stay with the flock it is guarding in any kind of weather.
These working dogs are known to be independent minded. Even without the intervention of the shepherd, this dog would instantly resolve a situation that can be potentially dangerous to the stock it is protecting. The independent nature of the dog can be a cause for concern. Mustering time can be difficult as the dog that would has formed a close bond with the animals would do everything to protect its charges. Apart from being independent minded, Maremma Sheepdogs have a stubborn streak so that the commands of the owners to stop the dog from "protecting" its charges can fall on deaf ears.
A Maremma Sheepdog is first and foremost a working breed. Maremma Sheepdogs possess inherent abilities to guard livestock thus these dogs would be in their natural element if tasked to protect animals from predators. However, more and more Maremma Sheepdogs were taken away from their home turf and utilized in other capacities.
Naturally protective and wary of strangers, these flock guardian has evolved into a dependable protection dogs and home companions. These days, Maremma Sheepdogs no longer roam the great outdoors as they are now established in temperature controlled homes. As mentioned Maremma Sheepdogs are independent minded dogs with a stubborn streak but in the hands of a knowledgeable and strong willed owner, this breed can be molded into a loyal, protective pet that will form a strong bond with all the members of its human family.
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