Maremma Sheepdog
Group: Pastoral
Size: Large
Coat length: Medium
Grooming required: More than once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Large House
Garden size: Large
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: More than an hour per day
They are a very large dog with a dense double coat and a bear-like head. The coat is quite long, harsh, has a slight wave and comes in shades of white and cream.
They originate in Italy where they were used for guarding sheep and are still used for that today. As flock guardians they are brave, an excellent guard dog and naturally independent so are not an easy dog to obedience train but they are affectionate, loyal and intelligent. They are normally good with children, other dogs and other animals but may be a little wary of strangers. They much prefer to be outside and do not fair well in hot conditions. If not living outside, they need long daily walks.
The thick hair needs regular grooming but there are no known health problems.