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Maremma Sheepdog
Maremma Sheepdog
Origin
Italy
Size
Large Breed
Ideal Space
House with backyard
Ideal Weather
10º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
10-14Â years
Cost of buying
₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000
Top 5 Traits
Protective
Loyal
Intelligent
Fearless
Disciplined
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 4,900 - ₹ 7,650
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 6 Aug 2025
Quick Introduction To Maremma Sheepdog Breed
Maremma sheepdogs are muscular, large, and sturdy dogs used for herding sheep since ancient times. They work independently and are best suited as protectors. They are friendly with people of family and children whereas naturally wary of strangers.
Want to learn more about where this dog breed is originally from and their history?
Maremma Sheepdog History
Originally hailing from the Abruzzo region in Italy, these dogs are around for 2000 years. This breed is said to be the cross between the shorter coated Maremmano and the longer backed Abruzzesse dogs. In those days wolves were a problem for the farmer and to protect their cattle, goats, and sheep, Maremma dogs were bred. Even today they are one of the most popular breeds in Italy.
Lifespan of Maremmas
- Maremma Sheepdogs can live up to 10-14 years on average. With proper diet, care and exercise they can outlive their peers.
Temperament & Characteristics of Maremma Sheepdogs
Physical traits
- Adult males can be 65-73 cm tall and weigh up-to 35-45kgs.
- Female dogs can be 60-68 cm tall and weigh up-to 30-40kgs
Temperament of Maremma Sheepdogs
- Independent - These are pretty independent and challenging to train dog breeds.
- Alert - They are originally protectors and hence stay alert at all times.
- Intelligent - These dogs are intelligent and do not follow you blindly. Hence, early age training is a must.
- Vocal - Maremmas are quite vocal dogs as they bark. They have strong guarding instincts as they are alert all the time.
- Difficult to train: These dogs are originally bred to kill wolves. You can imagine the predatory instincts these dogs carry. If you are up for an authoritative training then you can get this breed.
Here you can find the Full Breed Standard of Maremmas given by the FCI.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
An Overview of the Maremma Sheepdog Price
Cost of buying
₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000
The cost of a Maremma Sheepdog puppy in India can vary from ₹ 50,000 - ₹ 1,00,000. Several factors should be considered while purchasing a Maremma Sheepdog puppy -
- The most essential thing when purchasing a pet is choosing a trustworthy breeder. Ensure that any breeder treats the dogs appropriately and follows the moral breeding procedure.
- Ask the breeder to provide health certificates and lineage papers to ensure that the dog is healthy and purebred. Visit the kennel to confirm that there is no in-breeding taking place.
- The cost of a Maremma Sheepdog puppy depends on many variables like ancestry, the possibility of show quality, and breeder reputation.
Adopt
There is another way to get a Maremma puppy home, i.e. to Adopt
- Give a homeless pet all the love with adoption. Maybe breed-specific rescues, a local animal shelter, or other rescue groups have a puppy up for adoption.
- Adoption fees usually cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial medical care. These fees vary, but they are generally lower than they would be to buy from a breeder.
Here are some of the breeds that are similar to Maremma Sheepdog
Prerequisites to pet a Maremma Sheepdog
Access to Veterinary
Appropriate Climate
Financial Capability
Space and Environment
Time and Effort
Now that you know what it takes to raise a Maremma Sheepdog, are you ready to take the next step to get one home?
Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues, temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if the Maremma Sheepdog breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.
Find reputable sources: Before buying a Maremma Sheepdog puppy, look for a trustworthy breeder who practices ethical breeding. Also, check out the local rescues or shelters if you are planning to adopt.
Visit breeder/adoption centers: Make a plan to visit the kennels or adoption centers before going to buy or adopt the dog. Know about their behavior, health, immunization, history, and lineage.
Ask for documentation: Do not miss the health certification, vaccination record, and any other related document from the breeder before buying the puppy. If you are adopting, make sure you inquire about the behavior and past and recent health conditions.
Prepare your home: You must make a comfortable living space for the dog before bringing it into your life. So make sure you are well aware of the requirements, such as space, time, and commitment needed to have a dog at home. Ensure you have enough supplies, grooming tools, a bed, a food bowl, and other necessities.
Nutritional Guide to Maremmas
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 3,000 - ₹ 4,500
Calories per day
Puppies:Â 1800 kcal
Adults:Â 2000 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Fibre
Vitamins
Minerals
List of foods
Chicken
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Home made meals
Vegetables
Dry Dog Food
- Maremmas are large dog breeds and have an equally bigger appetite. Hence, providing a balanced diet is always very crucial for their overall well-being.
- Fortunately, Maremmas doesn’t have particular requirements when it comes to nutrition and they do not get fat easily.
- It is always recommended to choose a high-quality dry food that contains all the nutrients.
How much to feed a Maremma Sheepdog?
- Generally at puppy stage they need to be fed often. Hence, break the food quantity into different portions and feed them high-protein food that helps in their rapid growth.
- An adult Maremma dog consumes around 500 grams of dry food. Break that down into two portions because overfeeding is more dangerous than feeding food with less nutrition.
- For senior dogs, you can find specific food specially designed that constitutes all the necessary nutrients.
- Food must contain nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins in adequate amounts.
Note: These are general guidelines. Consult a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your dog.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Guide to select the right food for your Maremma Sheepdog
- Choose a protein-based dry food for them to maintain stamina and muscle growth.
- Select foods like chicken, meat, fish, and egg that are high sources of proteins.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help maintain a dense coat and joint health. Include food items like fish oils, salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
- You can also provide boiled vegetables like carrots, beans, and cucumber which provide minerals and vitamins.
- Provide probiotics that help in the digestive process.
- You can also feed your dog fruits like blueberries, bananas, apples, watermelon, and strawberries that provide nutrients without added sugar.
Foods that are harmful to Maremma Sheepdog
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Alcohol
Avocados
Cherries
Cinnamon
Coffee / Tea
Dairy
Fruit seeds
Garlic
Grapes
Lemon
Mushrooms
Onions
Salt
Sugar
Some food items can cause serious damage to your dog’s health. Here we have listed some of them that you must not include/provide in your dog’s diet -
- Avoid resins, grapes, chocolates, avocados, and cherries that can cause serious problems to their digestive system and sometimes can be fatal.
- Choose carefully those foods that are protein-based and avoid anything that has artificial flavours, preservatives, and colors.
- Food items, like onion and garlic, can cause serious damage to their digestive system and hence, avoid them at any cost.
- Processed food with low-quality fillers like fried stuff should not be given as this leads to weight gain.
Healthcare Guide for Maremma Sheepdogs
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,950
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Hip Dysplasia
Heartworm
Skin Allergies
Canine Influenza
Patellar Luxation
Parasites
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Well being
Exercise
Bonding
Socialization
Agility Training
Games
Energy Level
High
Exercise routine
60 - 90 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Excessive Panting
Decreased play
Reluctance to move
Increased laziness
Some common health problems found in Maremmas
Maremmas are generally healthy dog breeds compared to other larger breeds. However, these dogs are prone to some common health issues that are listed below -
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a common health problem related to the hip joints. The hip bones are not properly developed and this causes pain and leads eventually to arthritis. This can be treated by medication and surgery depending on the severity.
- Bloat: This is a serious condition in dogs caused because of filling the stomach with gas. This needs immediate veterinarian intervention and can be treated with medication.
- Obesity: This is also a common condition in larger dog breeds. Hence, daily exercise and physical activities are necessary to maintain their weight and overall health.
- Entropian: An eye condition where eyelids roll inwards and cause irritation. This needs to be addressed by the veterinarians and relevant medication can be prescribed.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 Weeks
Distemper, Parvovirus
10-12 Weeks
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
16-18 Weeks
DHPP Booster
Annually
Rabies
Senior dog care tips for Maremmas
- Regular Vet Check-ups: As they age their medical needs also change. Taking them to regular vet checks helps to detect age-related diseases at the early stage.
- Balanced diet: It is very important to provide a balanced diet to your dog as their food needs change as they age. There are some pet food brands that have come up with specialised food for senior dogs. It is recommended to get vet suggestions before designing the diet for them.
- Daily exercise: Maremma dogs are generally energetic breeds and need regular exercise to maintain their weight and overall well-being. Give them mild exercise and make sure they are not made to do heavy exercises, because their stamina and energy decreases as they age.
- Mental stimulation: Keeping them mentally active is all very crucial as they age, often this is neglected. Give interactive toys, puzzles, and engaging games to maintain their mental health.
- Socialization: Take them on walks and maintain socialisation as this can lift their mood.
Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.
Grooming guide for Maremma Sheepdogs
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 700 - ₹ 1,200
Shedding Level
High Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Brushing
Ear Cleaning
Nail Trimming
Eye Care
Teeth Care
Benefits of Grooming
Quality of life
Cleanliness
Odourless
Low Shedding
Prevents Bad Breath
Prevents infections
Maremmas have a double coat that helps them survive in the harsh winter. They are high shedding especially it is more during seasonal changes. Here are a few simple yet effective tips that can help you groom your dog -
- Brushing: Regular brushing is a must to remove excessive hair maintain the coat and avoid matting. Use natural oils that can keep their coat shiny and healthy.
- Bath: Maremma Sheepdogs need a bath only when get get messy, bath them to avoid bad odor and to maintain hygiene.
- Dental care: Cleaning their teeth a few times a week helps to maintain hygiene and avoid dental issues. Use only vet-recommended dog tooth pastes and please keep in mind not to use human toothpaste as they can be harmful to your dog.
- Nail trimming: Overgrown nails can cause discomfort for them while walking, so trim their nails regularly.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much exercise does a Maremma Sheepdog need?
A Maremma Sheepdog requires a significant amount of exercise, typically 60-90 minutes per day. They thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation, making regular walks, playtime, and activities like agility training essential for their well-being.
How often should I groom my Maremma Sheepdog?
Due to their very high shedding, Maremma Sheepdogs need regular grooming. They should be brushed several times a week to manage shedding and prevent matting. Bathing should be done as needed to maintain cleanliness, and regular ear cleaning and nail trimming are also important.
What are common health issues in Maremma Sheepdogs?
Common health issues in Maremma Sheepdogs include hip dysplasia, bloat, heartworm, and parasites. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and preventive care can help manage these risks and maintain their overall health.
