Maremma dogs

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My other half keeps saying he wants a Maremma when we move to the new farm. We have horses, a few cows, and I'm still debating whether or not to get sheep. The dog would be mainly a deterent to people, not a livestock dog, as there are a few unsavory people(druggie types) in the vicinity of the new farm. What keeps going thru my mind is one description that says "destructive to intruders". I'm afraid that a Maremma may be too dangerous to have running loose on the farm. I'd be happy if the dog tore stray dogs and coyotes to shreds, but I certainly don't want a dog that will bite a human at the slightest provocation. I'd like to be able to show the horses to visitors without having to lock the dog up. I'd rather have a Mastiff, as most people are leery of them- and most won't bite unless threatened- but he keeps saying Maremma. Can any of you share your thoughts/ experiences with Maremmas?

-- shakeytails in KY (shakeytails@yahoo.com), March 20, 2002

Answers

I was first introduced to the breed when my friend got a Maremma for a LGD. She was a sweetie, very protective, would allow me to look at the goats with Marilyn, but was also very watchful. If i got near them she would send a warning growl if Marilyn wasn't around.

We eventually got a maremma/komondor mix for a LGD, he is wonderful, he will let folks know he is on duty, but if we are around he is fine. He really seems to understand folks who are OK vs those who aren't. He growls a lot and sort of sends this message to them, but he doesn't attack. I suppose he would if they tried something. he is very protective yet very good at being careful too with folks. We also ahve some anatolian/catalouh (sp?) for anothe rpasture, i really like them too, they are alot like furby.

I suppose you have to be careful in case a dog bites a person, but seems weird that if the dog is protecting its own, and a sign is posted, you can still get sued. I have a hard time understanding that logic.

-- Berncie (geminigoats@yahoo.com), March 20, 2002.


I know people who raise sheep. They have 900 ewes in three herds rotated on permanent pasture. These sheep are guarded by two Maremmas which place themselves between their sheep and any intrusion. They bark a lot as a warning and an alert. If pressed they move the sheep away and present a defense. The owners reported the two dogs were effective in driving off a mature mountain lion. When I visit, the dogs bark at me until their owners bring them in to give me a sniff and a greeting. Then they are watchful, but calm. I have been impressed with these dogs and would recommend them for their purpose ... guarding!

-- Winston Bearkiller (wbearkiller@hotcity.com), March 21, 2002.

All livestock guardian dogs need some additional training once you get them, even those that come from breeders who train well. The dog's job is to protect the stock. If you're not home, that's exactly what the dog will do. A well trained dog will not attack visitors with you there if you give the dog the proper signals. Do some research before you get ANY dog. The best dogs for the job come from working parents. They're out with the stock and grow up learning from their mom and dad.

A good breeder not only has well trained dogs, but will teach you what to do and be there for you whenever you have questions.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2222@hotmail.com), March 22, 2002.


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