Maremma Sheepdog
The Maremma Sheepdog is an ancient Italian livestock guardian breed with a heritage stretching back thousands of years.
Originating from the Maremma plains of Tuscany and the Abruzzo mountains, these impressive dogs were developed to protect sheep flocks from wolves and other predators across challenging terrain.
30-45kg
Weight
Large
Size
10-13yrs
Lifespan
About the Maremma Sheepdog
Their distinctive white coat served a practical purpose, allowing shepherds to identify them at distance whilst providing natural camouflage amongst the flock. Physically imposing, Maremmas stand 60 to 73 centimetres tall and weigh between 30 and 45 kilograms. They are characterised by a thick, slightly wavy white coat with a dense undercoat and a prominent neck ruff. Regular brushing is essential to manage their considerable shedding. In temperament, Maremmas are calm, loyal, and remarkably self-reliant, reflecting their guardian heritage. They form strong bonds with their family or charges but remain naturally reserved with strangers, requiring early socialisation and experienced handling. These are working dogs that require considerable space, regular exercise exceeding two hours daily, and a clear purpose to thrive. They are poorly suited to urban living and flourish in rural environments where they can fulfil their natural role as devoted protectors.
Maremma Sheepdog at a Glance
- Group
- Pastoral
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 30–45 kg
- Height
- 60–73 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–13 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Maremma Sheepdog Lifestyle
The Maremma Sheepdog is happiest in a spacious home and really benefits from a large, secure garden. They tend to do best out in the countryside.
Dog Food for Maremma Sheepdog
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Maremma Sheepdog
Maremma Sheepdog Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Maremma Sheepdog weighing around 38 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£6.25 - £6.66
Per month
£188 - £200
Per year
£2282 - £2433
Maremma Sheepdog Characteristics
The Maremma Sheepdog needs at least one good run or long walk every day and trains well and tends to enjoy learning new skills. They love children and tend to get on brilliantly with them, but cope reasonably well on their own as long as they're well exercised first. The coat is manageable with a regular brushing routine and produces a surprising amount of hair for its size. They are a highly intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Maremma Sheepdog Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly intelligent with strong independent thinking, well suited to a livestock guardian role
- Calm and gentle with their family when their working needs are properly respected
- A natural and reliable watchdog, alert when it matters without barking unnecessarily
- Less prone to separation anxiety than many breeds when their lifestyle needs are met
Cons
- Needs a substantial amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain settled
- Can be reserved and wary around strangers without thorough early socialisation
- Matures slowly, and owners should expect notable personality changes around 18 months
- Sheds heavily during seasonal changes, requiring frequent grooming at those times
