THE BREED

The Maremma and Abruzzes Sheepdog or Maremmano-Abruzzese is a breed of large dogs traditionally used in Italy for protecting sheep from wolves and other predators. It is one of the five white livestock guardian breeds the origin of which is in the Tibetan areas. The Maremma and Abruzzes Sheepdog, shortly PMA, has a solid, muscular conformation, thick white coat, large head and black nose. Its weight is typically between 77 to 110 pounds (35 to 50 kg) and standing from 23 to 29 inches tall (60 to 73 cm) depending on sex. Some dogs grow to even more massive proportions. The Maremma and Abruzzes Sheepdog is strongly built and of a rustic appearance but at the same time majestic.  On the whole his shape, of average proportions, is that of a heavy dog, whose body is longer than the height at the withers and is balanced as much in size as to the profiles.

The principal function of the Maremma and Abruzzes Sheepdog as a guard and defender of flocks and property in general asserts itself in the manner it accomplishes these tasks, with perception. He can also show a devoted attachment to his master and all his entourage.

Despite his large size the Maremma and Abruzzes Sheepdog can be a good companion dog but only in areas with adequate open space. Centuries of breeding the dogs to be gentle with lambs but fiercely protective of their flock has created a breed that will bond to families and show a calm, intelligent disposition. However, the PMA may display hostility towards outsiders and he is by no means suitable for urban areas and for apartment life due to his large size and independent character. This breed needs space, both mentally and physically. Accustomed for centuries to wide-open spaces the PMA is ideal in the countryside where it needs at least a large yard.

Known in Italy as Cane da Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, a name derived from the Maremma area of Tuscany and the region of Abruzzo where the dogs guarded sheep in the Transhumance, a centuries-old seasonal migration from mountain grasslands in Abruzzo and Molise to lower pasture land in Apulia. Descriptions of sheepdogs similar to the current Maremma and Abruzzes Sheepdog can be found in ancient Roman literature and depicted in 15th century paintings, which suggest the breed's origins are equally ancient. While the Italian Transhumance is fading away, the PMA continues to be widely used by Italian sheep farmers, especially where sheep are grazed on open land.

These white dogs are today far less common in the Maremma of Tuscany where sheep farming has declined and are quite prevalent in Abruzzo. Today, the Maremma and Abruzzes Sheepdogs continue to be used as livestock guardian dogs in Abruzzo. They are also more widely used as LGDs in Australia and the United States. The Maremma and Abruzzes Sheepdogs along with other breeds of livestock guardian dogs are appreciated by environmentalists because they make it possible for livestock to coexist with endangered species such as wolves and coyotes reducing their predation efficiently.