Italian Maremma Sheepdogs

Our R2 Hillside Ranch is safely guarded by sisters Aurora & Raela. Two beautiful Italian Maremma Sheepdogs.

The region of Lazio and Tuscany, Italy are the place of origin for Maremmas. This Old World breed has been used for centuries to do exactly what its name implies, to guard sheep, and many of its characteristics stem from its age-old duty. 

In a family, they are affectionate and deeply devoted but tend to be a bit more independent than many other breeds, as they love spending the day and night with the livestock they are guarding. 

Maremmas take considerable training and need a strong, consistent owner to give them direction and even so, still sometimes tend to use their high intelligence and independent nature to make their own decisions. They are constantly vigilant and often take to patrolling whatever space they are put in.

Generally Maremmas maintain a calm demeanor, taking to barking only when necessary to warn off would-be intruders or predators nearby, which is usually a reliable deterrent given the depth and volume of their bark. Amazingly without direction from their owner, they can quickly become protective but usually refrain from anything physical unless pushed to that point and would rather stand in front of what they are protecting and/or bark as measures of intimidation but are significantly fierce when engaged.  

Maremma Sheepdog weighs a healthy average of 80 to 95lbs. The life expectancy of the breed is approximately 10-12 years.

Renee Rogers 

“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.”
~ Orhan Pamuk