In the United States, we know this breed as the Maremma Sheepdog (pronounced: ‘mare’ as in a female horse, and ‘Emma’ as in the girl’s name), but within its native Italy, it’s known as the Maremmano-Abruzzese.
It’s thought by some that the breed descended from two great white LGDs (Livestock Guardian Dogs) of the Middle East, breeds that in Italy were known as the Abruzzese, a long bodied, longer coated dog, and the Maremmano found on the plains. The thinking is that in the 1950s, the two were combined to create a single breed with a hypenated name.
The Maremma Sheepdog Club of America, itself, indicates that the Maremma-Abruzzese can trace its origins to the Tibetan Mastiff from which many similar LGDs descended, i.e., the Kuvasz, the Akbash, the Great Pyrenees, and the Tatra. Though these breeds are from different countries, they share similarity in form, function and structure. Some of the breeds haven’t served in their original roles for years, though this is changing quickly as farmers and ranchers learn how effective (and “green”) using LGDs is at controlling predators. In its native land, however, the Maremma-Abruzzese sheepdog never stopped working because the wolf never disappeared from the central Italian Apennine Mountains, the Abruzzo in particular, and use of these dogs has been necessary.
Image photo credit: Arbyreed Keeping Watch via photopin (license)
I wish sheep farmers of New Zealand would learn and value this breed. It is amazing.
We tend to be optimists, Carol. We can’t help but think that in time, the truth will out and the sheep farmers will take notice. We have very fond memories of our time in New Zealand. A rather remarkable sheep named “Shrek’ was in all the news at the time…Christchurch hadn’t been hit by a devastating earthquake, and the All Blacks beat the Lions. We were mesmerized by the Haka, staggered by the landscape, and to this day, the most beautiful place on earth,we think, is the semi-deciduous rain forest at the base of Mt.Cook. Carol, you live in an incredible country.
I live in New Zealand and breed these dogs, but the Sheep Farmers of New Zealand do not know or understand the value of this breed. We do not have natural predator such as the wolf or bear, but we do have rustlers of stock.
Love this breed! Live in upstate NY and have combined livestock. Threats include coyotes, red fox, weasel, raccoon, Hawks, and domestic wandering dogs. Luna is well aware of them all and knows how to deal with it. Sometimes with watchdog bark, more serious a charge, and more serious finish the threat. Now interesting enough is that she is able to distinguish “our animals” from threats. Also unlike the Great Pyrenees the barking seems less excessive and that’s important when you have neighbors. Also I find the wandering bug to be less than the Great Pyrenees. Little slighter bodies make them fast! A bit more aloof with strangers although it’s never a full on charge. Loving and devoted, but VERY independent! Not a breed for beginners.
A really excellent comment, Aimee, very helpful especially as it comes from an actual owner!