MAREMMA SHEEPDOG BREED STANDARD

(F.C.I. Standard No 201, dated 15.9.92)

Translated by - Mrs Peggy Davis.

Country of Origin - Italy

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY - This ancient breed of dogs which guards flocks, comes from shepherd dogs actually still used in Abruzzes, where the breeding of sheep is still thriving, even in these days, and of sheepdogs which existed years ago in the region of the Tuscan Marrema, and in that of Latium. The seasonal movement of livestock from one region to another, especially since 1860, has favoured the development of a natural crossing of those primitive breeds.

GENERAL APPEARANCE - The Maremma and Abruzzes shepherd dog is a large dog, strongly built of a rustic (hardy) appearance, at the same time majestic and really typical. On the whole, his shape, of average proportions, is that of a heavy dog, whose body is longer than the height at the withers; it is harmonious as to form (heterometric) and relatively harmonious in outline (halloidism). Important proportions: The length of the head is four tenths of the height at the withers; the body length is greater than the height at the the withers by one eighteenth. Depth of the body is slightly less than half the height at the withers.  (For instance: for a dog of 68cm, the depth is about 32cm).

CHARACTERISTICS - It is a shepherd dog used mainly for the protection of flocks and guarding property. (See also under General Appearance and Temperament).

TEMPERAMENT - His principal function as a guard and defence dog of flocks and property in general, shows itself in the manner in which he accomplishes these tasks, with perception, courage and decision. Although proud and not inclined to submission, he is also devoted to his master and all his entourage.

EYES - Not large in relation to the size of the dog; the iris is of an ochre colour, or chestnut brown. The eye, in lateral position, is neither deep set nor protruding. Lively and attentive expression. Eyelid opening is almond shaped, with black eyelid rims.

HEAD AND SKULL - On the whole, the head is large and flat, of conical shape, reminiscent of that of a polar bear.  (Note: the Italian translation says that of a brown bear). Skull: Is of great width with the sides of the skull slightly rounded; in profile it is also convex. The upper longitudinal axes of the skull and muzzle are slightly divergent from each other, which makes the profile of the head slightly convex. The eyebrows are moderately arched. The medial furrow is slight. The occipital crest is not accentuated. Stop: Should not be pronounced. The depression is only slight and the angle is always very open Nose:Rather large, in line with the muzzle, with large, well-opened, moist and cool nostrils, and coloured black. In profile must not protrude beyond the front margin of the lips Muzzle: Its length is one tenth less than that of the skull. Its depth, measured at the level of the corners of the lips, must equal half its length. Its width decreases progressively with the convergence of the sides of the muzzle towards the front. It is slightly chiselled beneath the eyes. Lips: Seen from the front, the upper lips are shaped like a semi-circle of very small radius at the lower edge of their junction point. The lips, being only slightly developed, barely cover the teeth, and therefore the corner of the lips is only accentuated. Consequently, the lower side profile is defined by the lips only at the front part; in its rear part it is defined by the lower jaw and the corner of the lips. The rims of the lips are black.  Jaws:  Look strong and are normally developed. Cheeks: Moderately visible.

EARS - Set very high over the zygomatic arches, they hang down but are very mobile. Traingular shape (in a V), their extremities form a narrow point, never rounded; they are small in relation to the size of the dog. For a medium size dog their length must not go beyond 12 cm ( 3/4 inches). The ear leather is of medium width. Cropped ears are tolerated only in dogs really used as herd dogs.(Not legal in Australia).

MOUTH - Teeth: White, strong. Scissor bite.  Incisors set straight, well aligned, of good size and complete in number.

NECK - Upper profile moderately arched. Its length is not more than eight tenths of the length of the head, which means that the neck is always shorter than the head. It is thick, very strong, muscular and always without dewlap; covered with long and dense hair forming a collar, particularly obvious in males.