THE BREEDER

I am a Finnish translator and breeder of Maremma and Abruzzes Sheepdogs living on my farm in the eastern part of Finland, in a beautiful lake district, three hours ride from the capital. I also breed on a minor scale Åland sheep, an ancient and endangered Finnish breed.

My guide in breeding is to follow the Abruzzese tradition and to maintain lines as pure "Abruzzese" as possible, to breed dogs that are not only healthy but also typical in both their conformation and character. The only way to succeed in this serious task is to maintain close contacts with likeminded Italian breeders. I am member of the CPMA, the Italian Maremma and Abruzzes Sheepdog Club. As a breeder I am committed to follow the policy and rules of the Finnish Kennel Club.

I only do matings when the female is at least 24 months and the male 18 months old. My females do not have litters from consecutive heats. All my dogs are x-rayed for hip and elbow dysplasia. If one of the parents has HD B or C, the other must have HD A. The ED score of both parents must be 0. The eyes of the dogs owned by me will be examined. The inbreeding percentage must not exceed 3,12. I also give a personal guarantee to the puppy buyer (see Puppies).

A serious breeder has to select with care and far-sightedness and has to have high ethical standards. Accepting to sacrifice the functional beauty for a beauty justified by opportunities in ring is a wrong and irresponsible road to follow. Inbreeding happens always to the detriment of the health and typicality in character and is equivalent to genetic ill-treatment. The typicality can and must be reached with a different approach.

At the moment I have two dogs intended for breeding. I imported a female puppy Guardiano Karlac Acustiqa from Sweden in March 2006. Acu (born 12.10.2005) is bred by Mrs. Anna Eling and she spent her first months with sheep. Acu has an excellent character. Her grandmother is Fiastra dei Giunoni, daughter of the famous Turco.

I imported my second bitch Diva (born 10.3.2007) from Italy in May 2007. She is bred by Mr. Romeo Contestabile in Abruzzo, Celano. Diva is a large, strong bitch with beautiful conformation, coat, expression and an enviable balanced character. Diva is 75 per cent from rustic origins.

From Diva's first litter born in spring 2010 I kept Poppea and Vissi d'Arte alias Sissi from Acu's first litter born in spring 2011, both very promising females. I hope that in due time they will become excellent bitches for breeding.

In May 2011 I imported from Italy Il Corsaro di Bellosguardo bred by Paola Ciampalini.

My next import will take place in 2012. The puppy will represent the best Italian quality.

Guardagregge puppies have been bought outside Finland to Estonia, Great Britain, South America and Australia for livestock guardian and breeding purposes as well as pets.

Do not hesitate to contact me for further information in English. It is always a great pleasure to talk about this noble and majestic white breed which has been known since Ancient Roman times.