Maremma Sheepdog In Australia
The Maremma Sheepdog was first introduced into Australia in 1982 and has become quite popular, not only for its traditional use as a Livestock Guardian
when bonded with domestic animals like sheep, goats, horses and alpacas, but also when bonded with domestic birds, particularly chooks (chickens) and turkeys.
Livestock guardian dogs must have supervision and training. You cannot just throw them out with the stock and expect to have the puppy become a perfect guardian without guidance from either you or another mature, trustworthy LGD. This means supervised interaction with the stock every day, several times a day if possible, where you can correct any unwanted behaviour and praise appropriate behaviour.
The Maremma Sheepdog is typical of a livestock guardian, possessing a natural protective instinct. They are friendly and loyal to their own family but can be wary of strangers. They like children in their own family but need to be supervised when other children come to visit. They use their size and voice as a deterrent, and are not usually an aggressive dog.
The Maremma Sheepdog has a double coat which is both weather resistant and water repellent and can quite happily live outdoors. The long white coat sheds copiously twice a year and at this time needs a thorough brushing, paying particular attention behind the ears and down the back legs. At other times the coat stays remarkably clean.
Barking at real or perceived threats is a strong trait which generally makes them unsuitable for a suburban environment. Maremmas are very intelligent dogs and need to have a purpose in life or they become bored and destructive.
Health: Common ailments: Bones (Developmental) - Hip dysplasia, Bones (Developmental) - Patellar luxation, Skin - Dermatitis - Acute moist ("wet eczema" or "hot spot"), Skin - Matted fur - Hypothyroidism
The Maremma Sheepdog was first introduced into Australia in 1982 and has become quite popular, not only for its traditional use as a Livestock Guardian
when bonded with domestic animals like sheep, goats, horses and alpacas, but also when bonded with domestic birds, particularly chooks (chickens) and turkeys.
Livestock guardian dogs must have supervision and training. You cannot just throw them out with the stock and expect to have the puppy become a perfect guardian without guidance from either you or another mature, trustworthy LGD. This means supervised interaction with the stock every day, several times a day if possible, where you can correct any unwanted behaviour and praise appropriate behaviour.
The Maremma Sheepdog is typical of a livestock guardian, possessing a natural protective instinct. They are friendly and loyal to their own family but can be wary of strangers. They like children in their own family but need to be supervised when other children come to visit. They use their size and voice as a deterrent, and are not usually an aggressive dog.
The Maremma Sheepdog has a double coat which is both weather resistant and water repellent and can quite happily live outdoors. The long white coat sheds copiously twice a year and at this time needs a thorough brushing, paying particular attention behind the ears and down the back legs. At other times the coat stays remarkably clean.
Barking at real or perceived threats is a strong trait which generally makes them unsuitable for a suburban environment. Maremmas are very intelligent dogs and need to have a purpose in life or they become bored and destructive.
Health: Common ailments: Bones (Developmental) - Hip dysplasia, Bones (Developmental) - Patellar luxation, Skin - Dermatitis - Acute moist ("wet eczema" or "hot spot"), Skin - Matted fur - Hypothyroidism