Maremmo-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog: description of the breed, feeding and care

Among the many types of dogs found in different regions of the planet, the Maremma-Abruzzi Shepherds stand out for a number of features. They are not the most widely known, but they deserve a thorough consideration.

Maremmo-Abruzzi Shepherd - one of the dogs of Italian origin. This breed fell into the international cynological classification in 1956. Maremma (this is exactly its common name) was bred in the regions of Maremma and Abruzzo. At least that is the dominant version. She was nominated by the University of Florence professor Giuseppe Solaro in the mid-1860s.

The earliest reliable mention of this breed dates back to the 1st century AD. e. Maremmas in their entire long history have not undergone changes in appearance and behavior. Even today, these dogs meet the most stringent requirements for the protection of grazing herds. A characteristic feature - the white color of the coat - appeared not by chance. Such animals are easiest to find in the night darkness.

In the old days, when shepherds were constantly at risk of encountering many dangerous predators, they could accidentally strike a faithful guard. Therefore, dogs with a white color were selected for breeding. This made it possible to accurately recognize them in a matter of seconds, even with a tense battle. Another important factor in the selection naturally became the endurance of shepherd dogs.

There is a legend according to which the Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd was brought to the limits of modern Italy by fugitives from the Troy taken by storm. Professionals dismiss this assumption completely. They have reliable facts that make it possible to connect a modern shepherd dog with Asian ancestors who were bred in the Tibetan foothills. In the second half of the XIX century, Maremma-Abruzzi breed began to be exported to foreign countries. The breed standard (at the club level, but without official registration) has been in force since 1924.

The height of adult animals, depending on gender, ranges from 0.65 to 0.73 and from 0.6-0.68 m. Mass will be 30-40 and 35-45 kg, respectively. Important characteristics of the breed are its strength and endurance. This is not surprising, because initially the shepherd dogs were used for shepherding needs. The only acceptable color is white, while light red, lemon and pale beige shades may occur in addition to it.

The large muzzle of this breed is outwardly the same as that of a small bear. An important feature of the Maremma-Abruzzi breed is the flat structure of the head. It ends in a low, dome-shaped forehead. The transition from the muzzle to the forehead occurs at an obtuse angle. Dark almond-shaped eyes are also mentioned in the description of this dog; the teeth and the rest of the mouth are securely covered with thin, dry lips. Both the lips and the nose and eyelids of the shepherd must be exclusively black - any other tone is recognized as a deviation from the purity of the breed.

Her teeth should be large and strong with a scissor bite. A characteristic feature of the standard of the Italian cattle dog are large hanging ears in the shape of the Latin letter V.

The withers look impressive and strongly protrude above the level of the back. The back is straight and muscular. A slight protrusion is noticeable in the lumbar region. A large width of the sternum is characteristic, which from the bottom can reach the elbows of the forepaws. Paws are distinguished by a rounded configuration and massiveness. Fingers as if gathered in a bunch. The back of the paws is closer in shape to the oval. The hips of a dog are distinguished by a pronounced relief of strong muscles.

The tail of white color is densely covered with hair and is located very low. When a shepherd moves or shows any emotions, its end is located just above the contour of the back. The coat of maremmo has medium elasticity.

Maremmo knows how to recognize subtleties and nuances in the current situation. She will take into account everything that she sees from her owner and around him. If the owners just talk with certain people, then the shepherd dog may not remind of itself in any way. But should she notice something suspicious or potentially dangerous, the reaction will follow immediately. There is no doubt that aggressive people will be distinguished even from a large crowd.

Any maremma is covered with thick hair, and the undercoat is also dense. Thick, durable coat allows you not to be afraid of either frost or intense heat. It also reliably protects animals from precipitation and piercing wind. In the summer months, maremma often rests under tall, shady trees.

The coat is slightly shorter on the ears, below on the limbs and on the head. On the rest of the body, it reaches 0.1-0.11 m in length. On the shoulders and withers, wool creates a lush collar. The hairline of the animal allows it to comfortably exist both at -45 and at + 45 °.

Maremmo behaves with a person emphasized independently. This breed is characterized by the perception of the owners as peers, and not dominant in the hierarchy. Not a single example is known when such a shepherd would turn into a simple puppet. Such features are organically connected precisely using the breed for conservation purposes. There, clear performers are simply not needed; animals are required that are able to take reasonable initiative.

During the day, the animal will ignore all movements of family members and friends of the family, regular visitors to the house in the territory adjacent to it. But after dark, only the owner is guaranteed to get out without consequences. The point is not in some exceptional aggressiveness, but, on the contrary, in the intellect exclusively developed by the standards of dogs.

Good regular acquaintances can not be afraid of any aggression or barking. Otherwise, it happens if someone appears in the field of view of the guard for the first time. In this case, wariness immediately appears, and the new guest is constantly monitored closely. Security behavioral settings are triggered necessarily if those who come try to go "somewhere in the wrong place."

The attitude towards children is patient and good-natured, their dog clearly separates from adults. The shepherd allows the little one to play with them in tamers, doctors or dog handlers. At the same time, rare patience and composure are manifested. But still, the dog will constantly monitor what is happening around.

Powerful security features are not in doubt. Both the owner and all his relatives are perceived as meritorious members of the pack. The dog will continuously monitor everything that happens around them. Even a minute weakening of vigilance in the presence of the owner is excluded. If the maremmo discovers the slightest danger, then without any hesitation will do everything possible to save the owners.

These 2 varieties of dogs were bred to solve the same range of problems. In external parameters and behavior, they are quite similar. The difference is in the shape of the head and body. Even in the Pyrenean Wolfhound, a specific expression of the muzzle is found. No other breed looks at the world in the same way as the Pyrenees. For more accurate recognition, keep in mind that:

• in maremma, ears are planted higher than in the Pyrenean breed;
• the Spanish variety is slightly more aggressive towards strangers than the Italian;
• Pyrenees worse trained and more likely to maintain wild forms of behavior.

The attractive features of the breed contained in various descriptions make it very popular among many people. But it is important to understand that a serious dog means no less serious responsibility. The best place to live is an aviary. Every day you have to walk with maremma, especially during the period of active growth. For adults, systematic motor activity is not so important.

Despite the ability of the wool to clean on its own, it will still have to be washed and combed periodically. For combing, you will need to use hard brushes made of metal. Softer materials are unable to scrub hard coat. When the dog returns from a walk in snowy or rainy weather, he will have to immediately wipe it with a towel. But even on a nice sunny day, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the pets.

In the summer, Maremmo-Abruzzi shepherds should more often be in the shade. Important: at this time you need to ensure constant access to clean water.Due to the powerful undercoat and thick coat during intense heat, quite serious problems can arise.

Combing is required at least once every 7 days. When the time comes for molting, the dog will have to be combed more often. Forced swimming is impractical because water can damage the unique film on fur hairs. Such a danger is even greater with the active use of detergents. The solution is to replace water procedures with dry shampoos.

Have to regularly check the ears of the shepherd. All kinds of pollution accumulate abundantly in them. Given the constant activity of the breed, additional clipping is discarded. They already grind themselves on contact with the ground or with hard surfaces. Increased activity makes it inappropriate to maintain maremma in urban apartments, regardless of the available area.

These pets will be quite happy and healthy only in a large country house with a significant local area. The enclosure is placed where direct sunlight will not fall. Even if there is a vast yard, preferably 1 or 2 times a day to go on long walks with your pet. This imposes strict restrictions on the schedule of the hosts. If they cannot ensure compliance with such requirements, it is better to look for a less demanding breed.

Feeding a Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog is not too difficult. You will only have to control the entry into the diet of the full composition of the necessary vitamins and minerals. Particular attention should be paid to admission. enough calcium. After all, the dog must actively move, and without the normal functioning of the skeletal system, she will not be able to do this. It’s not necessary, however, to add calcium directly to the feed, The use of tablet preparations also gives good results.

Both dry and natural foods are allowed. But when choosing feeds made at the factory, one must carefully check that they are of high quality. Not all manufacturers really make feeds that saturate the body of the shepherd with the required substances in full. From natural food, you can come in handy:

• lean meat;
• kefir;
• cottage cheese;
• various vegetables;
• porridge cooked on meat broths.

Meat should be given raw or cooked. It should account for 50% of a single meal. Beef bones with cartilage and meat residues can be given, but only occasionally. The disadvantage of a natural diet is that you will have to add calcium and vitamin preparations in bowls. Even the most careful selection of natural food does not allow to circumvent this requirement.

In the first 24 weeks of life of puppies, Maremma should be fed 5 or 6 times a day. Then they are systematically (without sudden jumps) transferred to 3-times feeding. Adults need to be fed twice a day at the same hours in order to tune the body to rhythmic work. Never mix natural products and dry feed. And also all types of smoked and fried foods, products with a significant proportion of sugar and salt fall under the ban.

This topic deserves special attention. Maremmo-Abruzzi shepherds are characterized by a strict nature and even stiff behavior. Once established stereotypes are extremely difficult to change, or even more so to alter into opposing behavioral attitudes.

The slightest mistake or inconsistency, slight uncertainty or inconsistency in training are recognized by gifted animals very quickly. They will immediately take advantage of this, and then no subsequent efforts will be sufficiently effective.Italian Shepherds can be defiantly slow and even stubborn. Attempts to develop aggressiveness and viciousness for the sake of self-affirmation give very bad results for both pets and their owners.

The first step in the training process should be to build trust and respect. If a person does not prove his leadership characteristics to a pet, there is no chance of success. Already at the age of 2 months, you can teach your puppy the commands "Sit!", "Come to me!", "Lie!", "You can’t!" All orders must be given in a calm, even voice without screaming. Teams learn one at a time. After waiting for one order to be firmly assimilated, we must move on.

All successfully executed orders must be rewarded with praise and delicious food. Categorically it is impossible to allow the shepherd to evade the execution of commands. If necessary, they are repeated until complete success. If this is not done, already small puppies will quickly realize that it is not necessary to follow the will of the owners. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to use gross physical effects: they only irritate dogs and cause them anger.

Novice owners of Maremma-Abruzzi shepherds are very rare in our country. Nevertheless, the fee for 1 puppy, depending on the kennel and breeding class, is only 30-80 thousand rubles. For those who are not going to actively attend exhibitions, puppies with certain defects in the exterior are suitable.

Breeders and dog handlers agree that such dogs will have to be trained as early as possible, otherwise it is impossible to develop sufficient authority for the owners and instill discipline in the pets. Of the negative properties of the breed, stubbornness, which greatly complicates training, is most often called.

External heaviness should not be misleading. Italian Shepherd dogs are agile and highly mobile. It is not difficult for them to run many kilometers or climb steep cliffs. Adult individuals are characterized by poise and composure. At an early age, dogs are prone to active hours of play, which is especially important when breeding in a family.

The attitude of the shepherd to other pets is calm, there is no harm to them. Even cats or other dogs living in the same house feel safe. There is no risk for cats that accidentally enter the yard, for chickens or rabbits. The dog does not like to hunt them. Some dog handlers still do not recommend having this breed as pets when the family has small children.

However, in practice this opinion is disputed by many. The experience of most people suggests that you can safely leave the child under the control of the Abruzzi Shepherd. She will not allow outsiders, and will prevent the unauthorized departure of children from the yard. But keep in mind that the shepherd is friendly only to the children of the owners. Neighboring or other people's babies may well be perceived as a threat or source of irritation.

In the next video, you will be able to familiarize yourself with the unique abilities of the Maremma-Abruzzi Shepherd Dog in training.