Herding Dog Group - Maremma Sheepdog

The Maremma Sheepdog has two names in its native Italy because for centuries it spent the summer in the Abruzzi mountains, where there was good summer grazing, and the winter in the Maremma. It has never worked sheep like the Border Collie, but defended the flock against wolves and bears.

Coat: Long, plentiful, and rather harsh; never curly.

Color: All white.

Features: Head conical in shape and appears large; bold eyes; ears small; strong, well-muscled body; tail set on low.

Size: Height: dogs 25½ - 28½ in, bitches 23½ - 26½ in. Weight: dogs 77-99 lb, bitches about 66-88 lb.

Care: Should be regularly groomed using a wire dog brush and, occasionally, a good cleansing powder.

Character: A natural guard that will never forget a kindness or an injury.