Maremma Abruzzo Shepherd Dog
| Maremma Abruzzo Shepherd Dog | ||
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| FCI Standard No. 201 | ||
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| Origin : | ||
| Alternative names: |
Cane da Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese |
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| Withers height: |
Male: 65–73 cm. |
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| Weight: |
Male: 35–45 kg. |
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| List of domestic dogs | ||
The Maremma Abruzzo Sheepdog is an Italian breed of dog recognized by the FCI ( FCI Group 1, Section 1, Standard No. 201 ).
Origin and history
The Maremma Abruzzo Sheepdog comes from the region between western Tuscany ( Maremma ) and Abruzzo . A crossing of the guard dogs of these two regions has led to the Maremmano-Abruzzese as we know it today. In its country of origin, Italy, this breed is still used today as it was in the past to work on the sheep herds . Their main job is to guard the herd and protect it from wolves , bears or other predators.
description
The Maremma Abruzzo Shepherd Dog is a large (bitches up to 68 cm and 40 kg, males up to 73 cm and 45 kg), archaic, strong dog , but never cumbersome. His hair is long, white, and not wavy. Colors other than white are not provided for in the FCI breed standard , although the tints ivory, pale orange or lemon are tolerated to a limited extent. The dogs have a bear-like head with dark almond-shaped eyes and triangular hanging ears. Lips, nose, eyelid rims and claws are black, the neck has a clear mane.
Essence
The dog's behavior depends on its socialization. According to its destiny, a working dog is raised with the sheep and then protects its flock. This ability can also be used for any other animal species (e.g. cattle, horses, poultry). If the dog is influenced by humans, it behaves like an attentive protector towards its family.
Caution is advised when the dog is performing its real task, protecting "its" herd. For example, if a hiker approaches, the dog will stand in front of the herd to protect it, striking loudly. Humans should take this as a warning, because the dog will defend its herd, even against a supposedly threatening person.
Dogs that are to be used to protect the herd are imprinted on sheep at a very young age, much more strongly than on humans, often the puppy ewes are created; therefore they see the sheep as "their family". The shepherd left the protection of the flock entirely to the dog. In the course of breeding history, a good breeding dog was just a working dog that worked independently in this way. This is how the extremely idiosyncratic character of these dogs developed over time.
Its innate behavior patterns are very strong. He is very docile, but most of the time he will not show submissive obedience, because for centuries he was selected to work independently, i.e. without instructions from humans.
distribution
The Maremmano-Abruzzese is a breed that is not very common in Germany. In his country of origin, Italy, he can be found relatively often, mostly as a pure working dog with the sheep herds. There is almost no breeding as a family dog.
According to its origins, it is also used today as a working dog in the sheep herds in the USA , England , Australia , Spain and Switzerland .
literature
- Renate Rosenmöller: Cane da Pastore Maremmano Abruzzese. In: Dog Review. Vol. 8, No. 9, 1994, ISSN 0936-1154 .
