Maremma Sheepdog Characteristics: The agile and brave Maremma Sheepdog is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Herding (Rare Dog Breed). The Maremma Sheepdog, is characterized by its imperious, powerful appearance with a large, conical "polar bear" type head and somewhat aloof expression. Other characteristics include medium sized, almond shaped, chestnut brown or ochre colored eyes; high set, triangular ears; a long, sloping tail and a trotting style of gait. The temperament of the Maremma Sheepdog can be described as Active, Determined, Courageous. The coat type of the Maremma Sheepdog is described as medium, weatherproof coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Maremma Sheepdog demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, and guard dog and is known by its nick name the "Italian Sheepdog". The origin of the Maremma Sheepdog breed was in Italy where it was developed in the Ancient Times. Fast Facts about the Maremma Sheepdog: The following facts provide fast information about the Maremma Sheepdog breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Herding (Rare Dog Breed) *** Nick name: "Italian Sheepdog" *** Origin: Italy *** Male Height: 26-29 inches (65-73 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 77-99 lbs (35-45 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: medium, weatherproof coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 6-9 puppies (average 8 pups) *** Health Problems: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia *** Lifespan: 10-13 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Maremma Sheepdog Breed Group and Dog Type - Herding (Rare Dog Breed): The Maremma Sheepdog is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Herding (Rare Dog Breed). Other names for the Maremma Sheepdog: The Maremma Sheepdog is known by the nickname of the "Italian Sheepdog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Marry, Pastore Maremmano, Abruzzese Shepherd Dog, Cane da Pastore and Abruzzenhund. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Maremma Sheepdog" derives from its place of origin in the province of Maremma in Southern Tuscany, Italy Maremma Sheepdog History and Origin: The country of origin of the Maremma Sheepdog breed was in Italy during Ancient Times. The ancestors of the Maremma Sheepdog are believed to be the Akbash (Turkish Mastiff) of Turkey, Kuvasz and Komondor of Hungary and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. One of the earliest descriptions of the Maremma Sheepdog (once named the Italian Shepherd's Dog, was in the book "House Dogs and Sporting Dogs", published in 1861 by the Englishman John Meyrick, who described the breed as "used both to assist in driving the flocks and to guard them from attacks of wolves and foxes". Merrick also stated that the Maremma Sheepdog was found "along the whole slopes of the Appennines from Tuscany to Calabria, and is familiar to visitors to Rome". The powerful, robust Maremma Sheepdog was primarily used as a livestock guard dog by the sheep herders of the central Italian plains to protected their sheep and goats from predators such as wolves and wild boar. Despite its name it was not a gentler, herding type of sheepdog, the Maremma is a livestock guard dog. Maremma Sheepdog Height: The Maremma Sheepdog breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 26-29 inches (65-73 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Maremma Sheepdog Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 77-99 lbs (35-45 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Maremma Sheepdog Coat Type: The coat type is described as medium, weatherproof coat. Maremma Sheepdog Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of White, Grey, Cream and Brown. Maremma Sheepdog Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Maremma Sheepdog is categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited grooming needs of the Maremma Sheepdog are considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming where brushing and combing, is concerned. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Maremma Sheepdog Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 6-9 puppies (average 8 pups). Maremma Sheepdog puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Maremma Sheepdog puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Maremma Sheepdog Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Agile, Active, Determined, Courageous and Brave. Maremma Sheepdog Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Maremma Sheepdog requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a strong, trotting style of gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Maremma Sheepdog Diet: A fully grown Maremma Sheepdog should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Maremma Sheepdog Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Maremma Sheepdog breed include Hip and Elbow Dysplasia . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Maremma Sheepdog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Maremma Sheepdog Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Maremma Sheepdog breed is 10-13 years. Maremma Sheepdog Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Maremma Sheepdog breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Maremma Sheepdog names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Benito *** Arturo *** Giovanni *** Marco *** Tino *** Dante *** Renzo *** Santo *** Bernardo *** Alba. Maremma Sheepdog Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Maremma Sheepdog names are Ceri *** Albina *** Lia *** Sancia *** Esta *** Cara *** Tazia *** Roma *** Fabia *** Gia *** Bianca. Fast Facts about the Maremma Sheepdog: The following facts provide fast information about the Maremma Sheepdog breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Herding (Rare Dog Breed) *** Size: Large *** Country of Origin: Italy *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Maremma Sheepdog Height: 26-29 inches (65-73 cm) *** Male Maremma Sheepdog Weight: 77-99 lbs (35-45 kg) *** Coat Type: medium, weatherproof coat *** Litter Size: 6-9 puppies (average 8 pups) *** Maremma Sheepdog Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Maremma Sheepdog Lifespan: 10-13 years *** | 