TEMPERAMENT
The Maremma is an intelligent guardian, trustworthy, devoted and courageous. One of his rare characteristics is his ability to bond to different species, thus giving him a strong inborn sense of protectiveness and loyalty to his bonded family or “clan”. He is also affectionate, gentle and placid, making him a good pet or companion dog, but will never give you blind obedience. He thinks for himself, and is constantly aware of what he feels is his main responsibility, and that is the protection of his “family” from any predators, which can now include; foxes, dingoes, crows, stray dogs, eagles and intruders. Indeed, anything which makes a sudden movement, or unsuspected appearance, the Maremma will see as a potential threat. He will ascertain the degree of danger, and act accordingly, but should never show aggression unless his family is threatened. |
Flockmaster Maremmas are ideal as pets! |
In this breed, the difference between dog and bitch is very evident and it is not only physical. The males are bigger, tougher, more extroverted, stronger in temperament and more aggressive to threats. The females can be smaller, more gentile and sometimes shyer. Both however, are strongly built and very agile and will defend anything they feel needs their protection. What constitutes successful guarding of livestock in particular, is the absence of stock losses to predators, not the dead body count.