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MAREMMA SHEEPDOG |
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The Maremma is
directly descended from the first flock guarders that migrated from the
Middle East, probably across the Adriatic from Greece. A first-century
writer, Lucius Colu-mella, refers to the Maremma in his book on Roman
rural affairs, and Marcus Terentius Varro, "most learned of the Romans,"
describes such a dog in 100 BC.
The breed was
used all along the Apennine mountain range, the spine that runs the length
of Italy. The pattern of the Tuscan farmers persisted for centuries. During
the winter months, pasture was adequate in the dry, low areas (like Maremma)
along the sea coast to support the flocks. White dogs protecting these
animals were naturally called Maremmani. The summer heat dried up nearly
every blade of grass in the lowlands so the shepherd, sheep and grand
white dogs climbed the mountains to stay for many months in greener pastures.
Although many
guarded flocks in the Abruzzi Mountains (and thus were called Abruzzese),
they were also known further north and south along the Adriatic coast.
When the shepherd went home at night, the sheep were left in a net enclosure
to prevent wandering. The dogs never followed the master home, but stayed
to protect the sheep. These dogs were also a traditional feature of the
fine country houses of Tuscany. A story about British troops capturing
some Italian soldiers with a Maremma tells of the dog placed in a pen
with six trained Royal Air Force Alsatians (German Shepherds). In the
morning, the white dog was calmly lying in the pen next to six dead Alsatians!
The Maremma
is similar in type to the Great Pyrenees and Kuvasz, though without as
great a bulk. The dogs are
often fed only curds and whey or a mealy pap, and yet they seem well nourished.
Fear of ruination
by "improvement" kept the Maremma away from the public eye
for many years. In the 1950s, a meeting finally took place in Florence,
where a discussion of the types ensued. Although the Abruzzese was often
considered a separate breed, sturdier with a more profuse coat, a decision
was made that these were only normal variations based on climate. A
standard was approved for a single breed, allowing for some variation
of coat length. The official breed name in Italy includes both geographical
labels to keep everyone happy.
These dogs
have the typical flock-guard independence and must be handled with respect.
While it is necessary to establish dominance, a Maremma that is beaten
or ill-used will not hesitate to bite his master. They have a strong
natural concept of their owners' belongings and feel the need to protect
them. In a modern world, this encompasses home, grounds, cars and be-longings,
as well as family members. The Maremma will not allow anyone, even his
master, to interfere with his guarding duties. He feels, often rightly
so, that he knows best! As explained in the Maremma Sheepdog Club of
Great Britain booklet, "It may be inconvenient if they [the children]
deserve a spanking which he will not permit, or when he will not allow
strangers to pick up their toys."
He has had
an active following in Great Britain for more than 50 years, where
the breed may compete for championships and is used to guard country
estates. The Maremma has found favor in Sweden as well. Introduced
into the United States in the 1970s, it serves only in the flock-guarding
programs and is occasionally seen at rare breed shows. In just a short
time, however, the breed has won the enthusiastic praise of stock
owners. Some dogs, in fact, take their work too seriously. The Hampshire
College program placed a six-month-old Maremma with a flock in Arkansas
that had suffered losses from predators. The pup immediately took
charge, ending the kills. "Lady" became so attached to "her"
sheep and their territory that when the sheep were sold and soybeans
filled the pasture, she transferred her protection to the soybeans!
As with many of the flock-guarding
breeds, the Maremma seems plagued with infertility and disinterest
in breeding. Irregular heat cycles are reported, along with female
aggression toward suitors. Researchers at Hampshire College have
two bitches that have never had a litter, even though precautions
were not taken to prevent matings. This modern breeder dilemma
may actually have been a desirable
trait in working dogs to prevent distractions from their duties.
Once they conceive, they are likely to have good-sized litters.
In their native land, working dams give birth under a tree or
in some protective cavity. They have
a great instinct concerning "their" sheep. One working
dog picked up an ill lambin
his mouth, and brought it to his master. An Italian breeder states,
"In Italy sheep raising on the mountains would be practically
impossible without these dogs."
The
Maremma is not as large as some of the other flock guards and
has the ability to appear larger or smaller than it is in reality.
When unhappy, the dog will curl up and appear much smaller than
normal. But when he is threatened or alerted, he draws himself
to full size, flares his ruff, and holds his tail high over his
back, seemingly increasing his bulk. The spiked collar, also used
in Italy, increases the dog's aura even more.
Although
the adult Maremma does not fawn on its master and is hesitant
to show devotion, it will lay down its life to protect its family.
It will remember its master "though many years may pass in
his absence." It will also remember an unkindness.
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