Maremma Sheepdog
馬瑞馬牧羊犬
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Maremma Sheepdog descends from the ancient flock-guarding dogs of the Maremma and Abruzzo regions of Italy; the two regional types were treated as separate breeds until about 1860 and have since been crossed to the point of being one. It is a big, strongly built, rather rustic white dog of about 60–73 cm and 30–45 kg, heavily built and slightly longer than tall, with a somewhat long, harsh, close-lying coat that forms a collar around the neck. The UKC standard is clear that its principal function is as a flock and property guard: perceptive, assertive and devoted to its master.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 59.7–73cm |
| Weight | 29.9–45.4kg |
| Role | Guardian |
| Coat | Long coat |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia screening
The Royal Kennel Club breed page for the Maremma Sheepdog lists hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme as best practice before breeding, alongside prioritising genetic diversity. Ask your vet or breeder about hip scoring for a dog of this size.
Behaviour
A flock and property guard first
The UKC standard says the principal function of the Maremma Sheepdog is as a flock and property guard, and describes the breed as perceptive and assertive and devoted to its master.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
United Kennel Club — Maremma Sheepdog breed standard
UKC Guardian Dog Group standard: Italian origins, principal guarding function, coat, and height and weight (males 25.5–28.75 in / 77–100 lb, females 23.5–26.5 in / 66–88 lb).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Maremma Sheepdog
Royal Kennel Club breed page: lists BVA/KC hip dysplasia scheme testing as best practice before breeding and prioritising genetic diversity as good practice; the breed is in Breed Watch category 2.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Maremma Sheepdog — Official UKC Breed Standard — United Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Maremma Sheepdog — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.