THE FUNCTION OF A MAREMMA AND ABRUZZES SHEEPDOG

The main task, or better, the coming into being of a Maremma and Abruzzes sheepdog is the defence of livestock from predators, especially from wolves because they have always been a risk for cat-
tle and flock. The use of a sheperd dog has always been a typical custom of the Appenines area and it is still the most efficient and enviromental-friendly method to limit the damages caused by wolves to sheep-breeding. Nowadays eco-friendly systems are welcomed, so that Maremma and Abruzzes sheepdogs are popular, because their presence grants a better relationship between man and wolf which, in turn, allows the latter its permanent residence in a certain geographical area. The Maremma and Abruzzes sheepdog has been efficiently used also against other wild predators, such as bears and in America it has successfully been used against coyotes and pumas. It can also be used against grown wild dogs which often attack in large packs, so that they are more dangerous that wolves (80% casualties are due to dogs). Often wolves are blamed for their attacks and this fact creates an unfair hostility against wild animals.

HOW A MAREMMA AND ABRUZZES SHEEPDOG HAS TO LOOK LIKE

A good Maremma and Abruzzes sheepdog has to possess a strong sense of protection and “devotion” towards the sheep, as well as a total absence of predatory instinct. Its size is big, its constitution strong. Its fur is white, as this makes it better accepted by the flock and allows sheperds to distinguish it from a wolf even by the moonlight. Its fur is long and thick as a protection from bad weather conditions. A good Maremma and Abruzzes sheepdog must be brave, but its boldness must also be counter-parted with a balanced character. This dog must be resourceful so that it can act independently, without the sheperd’s command. The “moral” qualities it has to be endowed with have been patiently bred throughout the centuries and they are written in its genetic code. Therefore they can be considered as “innate” and they develop spontaneously during its growing. We can safely say that a Maremma and Abruzzes sheepdog can perform its protective function instinctively, provided that it is properly integrated with the flock at the right age. The master should limit his intervention to few basic teachings, which are necessary to control the dog’s boldness and to affirm mastership. At the same time, however, the dog’s autonomy and independence must be respected.