Why Maremma Sheepdogs Are Our Favorite Livestock Guardian Dog

We have had many types of livestock guardian dogs over the years. Our favorite breed by far, is the Maremma Sheepdog. You will need to decide for yourself, what livestock guardian dog is the best fit for your family and purpose, but here are a few reasons why they are our favorites:

• The Maremma are slightly smaller than the Great Pyrenees and several other livestock guardian dogs. For us, this makes them easier to manage, especially since we have children helping to manage them at times also.

• Their hair is lower maintenance than the Great Pyrenees.

• The Maremma tends to stay with the flock more. The Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherd guard the area more than the flock. Since our property is less than 50 acres, we need them to stay with the flock more.

• The Maremma guards from within the perimeter more and they have a low wanderlust, whereas the Great Pyrenees likes to guard from outside the territory and has a very high wanderlust. We needed a livestock guardian dog that would stay in the fenced area.

• Maremma Sheepdogs are responsive barkers. They do not bark unless they perceive an actual threat. They focus on deterring predators, but will engage in battle as a last resort if they need to.

• Maremma are low energy and have a low prey drive so they do not chase our livestock. Many other livestock guardian dogs have a high prey drive, which means there is a lot more training involved.

• The Maremma sheepdog are also fantastic with children because of their lower energy. We also do not have any issues with them jumping up like other breeds.

• We love how analytical and intelligent the Maremma Sheepdog are. They are truly amazing! They are gentle with their livestock and family, but discerning and acutely aware of their surroundings. They are ready for action at any moment if it is needed.

• They are so loving with guarding their flock that when their flock is having babies, they will often engage in helping lick the placenta or caring for the babies. They are gentle shepherds.

• Because they are so smart, they do not need very much guidance.

• They are a rare breed in the United States. They are from Italy.

• Our livestock does not see the Maremma as a threat, as you can see from our pictures below.

• A movie about a Maremma, based on a true story: