"Give me a herd; I'll give you my love!"
Maremma Sheepdogs are herding dogs who are fierce enough to fend off nearly any predator. They like to make their own decisions and are very protective of their human and animal friends. This breed is not for beginners, and although they are sometimes kept as a pet, they're best suited to a family who will let them fulfill their intended purpose of guarding a flock.
Maremma Sheepdogs have complex personalities. They are highly assertive and like to be left to make their own choices. They love their families and need lots of affection, but they also need time to themselves. Maremma Sheepdogs make fast friends with most other animals and will quickly add new members to their flock. They are wary of strangers and are prone to interpret many normal activities from non-family members as a threat. When a Maremma Sheepdog feels threatened, they will act aggressively and bark loudly to sound the alarm. You must socialize your Maremma Sheepdog with strangers early and often to prevent them from becoming overly aggressive.
Maremma Sheepdogs have a dense coat that sheds once in the spring and once in the fall. If your Maremma Sheepdog is not exposed to the weather every day, you’ll want to brush them once or twice a week and more often when they’re shedding. Dogs that are used as livestock guardians do not require extensive care for their coats.
Maremma Sheepdogs fit best in rural homes where they are allowed to guard a flock in a rural area where no one will mind their excessive barking. If you do not keep other animals, this breed requires a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They can adapt to living indoors or outdoors, but either way, they need to spend lots of time with their human families to be happy. Maremma Sheepdogs are protective of the children in their owner's family, but they do not enjoy being poked and prodded by toddlers, so supervision is suggested.
Maremma sheepdogs thrive when they are tending to their flock, and they need time to run free in open space to be happy. A simple walk once a day will not do; they need lots of stimulation - both mental and physical. You must always make sure your Maremma Sheepdog understands that you are in charge during exercise time, otherwise they will think they’re the boss.