From the Abruzzi to the Maremma plans of Southern Tuscany, the Maremma has been protecting flocks of sheep for over 2,000 years, a “melium” around his neck (a stout leather band studded with nails) to protect him from the bites of predators.

It’s always disconcerting to us to read of dogs kept in zoos (the New Guinea Singing Dogs, the Basenji, and three of the native Hungarian breeds were once exhibited in zoos), and the same occurred with the Maremma who appeared at the London Zoo in 1827 – 1828 under the name, “Italian Wolf Dog.”  Queen Victoria would come to own a pair named, “Ruffo” and “Boldia,” and in 1936, the breed was officially recognized by England’s Kennel Club.

Image of a Maremma found on Pinterest is one we’d very happily credit upon receipt of information