Maremmo-Abruzzo Shepherd: Breed Description, Feeding and Care

Among the many species of dogs found in different regions of the planet, Maremmo-Abruzzo shepherd dogs are distinguished by a number of features. They are not the most widely known, but they deserve thorough consideration.

The Maremmo-Abruzzo Shepherd is one of the dogs of Italian origin. This breed has got to the international dogological classification in 1956. Maremma (this is what its everyday name) was derived in the regions of Maremma and Abruzzo. At least, this is the dominant version. She was nominated by the University of Florence Giuseppe Solaro in the mid-1860s.

The earliest reliable mentions of this breed are dated to I century n. er For their entire long history, Maremmas have not undergone changes in appearance and behavior. Even today, these dogs meet the most stringent requirements for the protection of grazing flocks. A characteristic feature - the white color of wool - did not appear by chance. Such animals are easiest to find in the dark of night.

In the old days, when shepherds were constantly at risk of encountering numerous dangerous predators, they could accidentally strike the right guard. Therefore, selected for breeding dogs with a white color. This made it possible to accurately recognize them in a matter of seconds, even with intense fights. Another important factor in the selection naturally became the endurance of shepherd dogs.

There is a legend according to which the Maremmo-Abruzzo sheepdog was brought to the limits of modern Italy by fugitives from Troy taken by assault. Professionals dismiss this assumption completely. They have reliable facts that make it possible to associate a modern shepherd dog with Asian ancestors, who were bred in the Tibetan foothills. In the second half of the XIX century, the Maremma-Abruzzian breed began to be exported to foreign countries. The breed standard (at the level of clubs, but without official registration) has been in effect since 1924.

The height of adult animals, depending on gender, ranges from 0.65 to 0.73 and from 0.6–0.68 m. The mass will be 30–40 and 35–45 kg, respectively. Important characteristics of the breed are its strength and endurance. This is not surprising, since shepherd dogs were originally used for herding needs. The only color allowed is white, and in addition to it, light red, lemon and pale beige shades may occur.

The large muzzle of this breed looks the same as that of a small bear. An important feature of the Maremma-Abruzzi breed is a flat head structure. It ends in a low dome-shaped forehead. The transition from the muzzle to the forehead occurs at an obtuse angle. Dark almond eyes are also mentioned in the description of this dog; the teeth and the rest of the mouth are securely covered with thin dry lips. Both lips, nose and eyelids should have an exclusively black color - any other tone is recognized as a deviation from the purity of the breed.

Her teeth should be large and strong with a scissor bite. A characteristic feature of the standard of the Italian shepherd dog is large hanging ears in the shape of a Latin letter V.

The withers looks impressive and strongly protrudes above the level of the back. The back is straight and muscular. In the lumbar region there is a slight protrusion. Characterized by a large width of the bulk of the sternum, which from the bottom can reach to the elbows of the front legs. Paws are distinguished by a rounded configuration and massiveness. Fingers as if gathering in a bun. Behind the paws are closer in shape to the oval. The hips of the dog are distinguished by the pronounced relief of strong muscles.

White tail thickly overgrown with hair and is very low. When the shepherd moves or shows any emotions, its end is located just above the contour of the back. Maremmo wool has an average elasticity.

Maremmo is able to recognize the subtleties and nuances in an ongoing situation. She will take into account everything that she sees from her owner and around him. If the owners just talk to certain people, then the shepherd may not remind of itself. But should she notice something suspicious or potentially dangerous, the reaction will follow immediately. There is no doubt that aggressive-minded people will be isolated even from a large crowd.

Any maremma is covered with thick hair, and the undercoat is also very dense. Thick, durable wool allows you to not be afraid of either frost or strong heat. She also reliably protects animals from precipitation and penetrating wind. In the summer months, the Maremma often rests under tall, shady trees.

The coat is slightly shorter on the ears, on the lower limbs and on the head. On the rest of the body, it reaches 0.1-0.11 m in length. On shoulders and on withers, wool creates a lush collar. The animal's hair cover allows it to comfortably exist at -45 and at + 45 °.

Maremmo behaves with a person stressed independently. This breed is characterized by the perception of the hosts as equal to themselves, and not dominant in the hierarchy. It is not known a single example, when such a shepherd would turn into a simple puppet. Such features are organically related precisely using the breed for security purposes. There, clear performers are simply not needed; animals are required that are able to take reasonable initiative.

In the afternoon, the animal will ignore all movements of households and family friends, regular visitors to the house in the surrounding area. But after dark, only the owner will be able to breathe without consequences. This is not a matter of exceptional aggressiveness, but, quite the contrary, in the intelligence developed exclusively by the standards of dogs.

Good regular acquaintances may not fear any aggression or barking. Otherwise it happens if someone comes into view of the guard for the first time. In this case, wariness immediately appears, and a new guest is constantly monitored closely. Security behavioral installations are sure to be triggered if the visitors try to go "somewhere not there."

Attitude towards children is patient and good-natured, their dog clearly separates from adults. Sheepdog allows babies to play with them as tamers, doctors or dog handlers. This shows a rare patience and composure. But still the dog will constantly monitor what is happening around.

Powerful security properties cause no doubt. Both the owner and all his relatives are perceived as deserving permanent protection of members of the pack. The dog will continuously monitor everything that happens around them. Even a minute weakening of vigilance in the presence of the host is excluded. If the Maremmo finds the slightest danger, then without any hesitation, she will do everything possible to save the hosts.

These 2 types of dogs were bred to solve the same range of tasks. In terms of appearance and behavior, they are quite similar. The difference is in the shape of the head and body. Even in the Pyrenean wolfhound reveal a specific expression of the muzzle. No other breed looks at the outside world in the same way as the Pyrenean. For more accurate recognition, one should keep in mind that:

• at Maremma, the ears are planted higher than those of the Pyrenean breed;
• the Spanish variety is slightly more aggressive towards strangers than the Italian;
• Pyreneans are worse trained and more likely to retain wild forms of behavior.

Attractive features of the breed contained in various descriptions, make it very popular among many people. But it is important to understand that a serious dog means at least a serious responsibility. The best place for its habitat is the aviary. Every day you have to walk with Maremma especially during the period of active growth. For adults, systematic motor activity is not so important.

Despite the ability of wool to be cleaned independently, it will still have to be periodically washed and combed. For combing need to use hard brushes made of metal. Softer materials are unable to brush out durable wool. When the dog returns from a walk in snowy or rainy weather, you will have to wipe it immediately with a towel. But even on a pleasant sunny day, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of pets.

In summer, Maremmo-Abruzzo shepherds should more often be in the shade. Important: at this time it is required to provide constant access to clean water. Due to the powerful undercoat and thick coat with strong heat can be quite serious problems.

Combing wool is required at least 1 time in 7 days. When it is time to moult, the dog will have to comb more often. Forced bathing is impractical because water can damage a unique film on fur hairs. Even more such a danger with the active use of detergents. The solution is to replace water treatments with dry shampoos.

We'll have to regularly check the shepherd's ears. All kinds of pollution accumulate abundantly in them. Given the constant activity of the breed, they refuse from additional trimming of claws. They already grind themselves on contact with the ground or with hard coatings. Increased activity makes it inappropriate to keep the maremmo in urban apartments, regardless of the available area.

These pets will be quite happy and healthy only in a large country house with a significant house territory. Aviary set there, where they will not get direct sunlight. Even if there is a vast yard, preferably 1 or 2 times a day to go on long walks with a pet. This imposes strict restrictions on the schedule of life of the owners. If they cannot enforce such requirements, it is better to look for a less demanding breed.

To feed the Maremmo-Abruzzo sheepdog is not too difficult. We only have to check the entry into the diet of the full composition of essential vitamins and minerals. Special attention should be paid to admission. enough calcium. After all, the dog must actively move, and without the normal operation of the skeletal system, it cannot do this. It is not necessary, however, to add calcium directly to the feed, Good results are also achieved by the use of tablet preparations.

Allowed to use and dry, and natural food. But when choosing factory-made feeds, it is necessary to carefully check that they are of high quality. Not all manufacturers really make food that saturates the body of the shepherd with the required substances in full. From natural food can be useful:

• lean meat;
• kefir;
• cottage cheese;
• various vegetables;
• porridge cooked in meat broth.

Meat should be given raw or cooked. It should account for 50% of the one-time food delivery. Beef bones with cartilage and meat remains can be given, but only sporadically. The disadvantage of a natural diet is that it is necessary to additionally place calcium and vitamin preparations in bowls. Even the most careful selection of natural food does not allow to bypass this requirement.

In the first 24 weeks of life, puppies Maremmo need to be fed 5 or 6 times a day. Next, they are systematically (without sudden jumps) transferred to 3-time feeding. Adults need to be fed twice a day at the same time in order to adjust the body for rhythmic work. Absolutely not to mix natural products and dry food. And also banned all kinds of smoked and fried foods, products with a significant proportion of sugar and salt.

This topic deserves special attention. Maremmo-Abruzzo Sheepdogs are distinguished by the severity of character and even the rigidity of behavior. Once laid stereotypes extremely difficult to change, or even more alter the opposite behavioral attitudes.

The slightest mistake or inconsistency, a small uncertainty or inconsistency in training are recognized by gifted animals very quickly. They will immediately take advantage of this, and then no further efforts will be sufficiently effective. Italian Shepherd Dogs can be demonstratively slow and even stubborn. Attempts to develop for the sake of self-assertion aggressiveness and nastiness give very bad results both for pets and their owners.

The first step in the process of training should be to develop trust and respect. If a person does not prove his leadership characteristics to a pet, there is no chance of success. Already at the age of 2 months you can teach a puppy to the commands "Sit!", "Come to me!", "Lie down!", "You can not!". All orders are required to give a calm even voice without a cry. Teams learn one by one. Having waited, when one order will be firmly acquired, it is necessary to move on.

All successfully executed orders should be rewarded with praise and tasty food. Categorically it is impossible to allow the shepherd to shy away from the execution of commands. If necessary, they are repeated up to full success. If this is not done, already small puppies will quickly realize that it is not necessary to follow the will of the owners. In this case, it is categorically impossible to apply gross physical effects: they only irritate dogs and make them angry.

Novice owners of Maremmo-Abruzzo sheepdogs are very rare in our country. Nevertheless, the fee for 1 puppy, depending on the nursery and breeding class, is only 30–80 thousand rubles. Those who are not going to actively attend the exhibition, suitable puppies with certain defects in the exterior.

Breeders and dog handlers agree that to train such dogs will have as early as possible, otherwise it is impossible to develop a sufficient authority of the owners and instill discipline in the pets. Of the negative properties of the breed most often referred to as stubbornness, greatly complicates the training.

External heaviness should not be misleading. Italian Shepherd dogs are distinguished by agility and high mobility. It is not difficult for them to run many kilometers or climb steep cliffs. Adults differ in equilibrium and composure. At an early age, dogs are prone to active hours of play, which is especially important when breeding in a family.

Shepherd dog’s attitude to other pets is calm, there is no harm for them. Even cats or other dogs in the same house feel safe.. There is not even the slightest risk for cats that accidentally enter the courtyard, for chickens or rabbits. The dog does not suit them. Some dog experts, however, do not recommend starting this breed as pets when the family has small children.

However, in practice, this opinion is disputed by many. The experience of most people shows that we can safely leave the child under the control of the Abruzzo Shepherd. She will not allow strangers, and will prevent the unauthorized departure of children from the yard. But we must bear in mind that Shepherd is friendly only to the children of the owners. Neighboring or alien kids may well be perceived as a threat or source of irritation.

In the next video you can get acquainted with the unique abilities of the Maremmo-Abruzzo Shepherd in training.