Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog
Also called Cane da Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, Maremma Sheepdog, Maremma, Pastore Abruzzese, Abruzzese Sheepdog
From Italy: the Abruzzo region and the Maremma of Tuscany and Lazio.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
FCI (2025): males 40-52 kg, females 35-45 kg. Wikipedia: males 35-45 kg, females 30-40 kg.
Royal Kennel Club: over 10 years.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, harsh, straight, with winter undercoat
A large, powerful and majestic guardian, slightly longer than tall. The harsh, flat-lying outer coat can reach about 8 cm on the body and forms a mane-like collar around the neck, while the hair on the face, ears and front legs stays short. A dense undercoat grows in winter.12
Personality what they are like
A dignified, level-headed guardian that thinks for itself. It is devoted to its owner and the whole household, and naturally keeps watch over the animals and property in its care.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A lot: more than two hours a day, ideally with a large area to patrol. It is happiest with a real guarding job.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush more than once a week to keep the harsh coat clean and tangle-free; expect heavier shedding when the undercoat moults.3
Home where they are happiest
Suits a large house with a big, securely fenced garden, preferably in the countryside; not an apartment dog.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete diet for a large, working breed, with portions matched to its activity level.1
Company who they like around
Bonds strongly with those it lives with, human or animal; puppies raised with sheep from a young age grow up treating the flock as their own.2
The story where it all began
White flock guardians were described by Roman writers such as Columella and Varro, and this breed descends from the shepherd dogs of Abruzzo and the Maremma. Seasonal movement of flocks between the two regions blended the local types, and in 1958 Italy's kennel club formally united them as one breed.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Since 2006 Maremmas have guarded a colony of little penguins on Middle Island in Australia.2
- 2
Working dogs traditionally wore a 'roccale', an iron collar with spikes, to shield the neck from wolves.2
- 3
Farmers in Patagonia use the breed to keep pumas away from livestock.2
- 4
The Maremmano and the Abruzzese were treated as two separate breeds until 1958.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 201, Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs. Definitive acceptance 13.03.1956; current standard dated 03.12.2025.4
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Recognised as the Maremma Sheepdog in the Pastoral Group.3
- ENCI (Italy)
- First registrations 1898; standard drawn up in 1924; the Maremmano and Abruzzese were unified as one breed in 1958.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog, and at what times?
Feed adult dogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can vary with your schedule, but consistency helps. For portion sizes, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete diet for a large, working breed is best, with portions matched to activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others, avoid these entirely. Always stick to safe, balanced dog food.16
How often should I bathe a Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 70 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to protect the coat.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog need brushing?
Brush more than once a week to keep the harsh coat clean and tangle-free. Furry Diary's plan recommends every three days, and daily during heavy shedding. This breed has a dense undercoat that moults, so regular brushing is key.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog need?
This breed needs a lot of exercise, more than two hours a day, ideally with a large area to patrol. Daily walks and play are essential, and they are happiest with a real guarding job. A securely fenced garden is a must.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, or at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste only. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently, never push anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog live?
This majestic guardian typically lives around 10 years. With good care, regular vet checks, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, happy life. Senior years usually start around age 6.3 Furry Diary plan
Is a Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog good with children and other pets?
Yes, they bond strongly with their household, including children and other animals. Puppies raised with sheep from a young age treat the flock as their own. Their devoted, level-headed nature makes them wonderful family guardians.12
Can a Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog be left alone?
This varies with the individual dog and its training. They are independent thinkers but thrive with a job and company. For specific advice on your dog, ask a good breeder or your vet.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 201 Cane da Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese fci.beused for origin, size, weight, coat, colour, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, recognition history, size, history, fun facts
- The Royal Kennel Club: Maremma Sheepdog royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, home needs
- FCI nomenclature: Maremmano-Abruzzese (201) fci.beused for recognition dates
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.