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Some Maremma History...

Maremma Sheepdogs stem from ancient mountain dog breeds originated in Italy. Their deep cultural inheritance for guardianship and flock loyalty is intense. When turned out with a large or small flock, these dogs will follow alongside, communicate with the flock matriarch, and help to keep the flock united and safe while moving from pasture to pasture. Maremmas are not technically "herding dogs" even though they exhibit some control over the state of the flock; they are aware of the needs of the sheep and assist them while keeping watch for any signs of potential threat.

 

As historical working dog packs in the hills of Abruzzi and greater central Italy, Maremmas would be left alone with the flock to traverse the mountains. Maremmas would use cunning strategies and communication to protect the flock from bears, wolves, and foxes as they all moved through dangerous territory. The human shepherds would meet them on the other side of the mountains. Historical references to the use of Maremma packs in this way date back to the 2nd century BC with sculptures such as the Jennings Dog and the marble molossian mastifs of the Belvedere Court in the Vatican, sculptures of original Maremma ancestors. These valuable sheepdogs are still used with enormous free-range flocks throughout Europe and are quickly being adapted to guard medium-sided and smaller flocks throughout the World. Maremmas and their love for guarding have shown advantageous among poultry and other more vulnerable farm animals. Maremmas have even been utilized during ecosystem crisis to protect endangered species, including penguins:

 

http://www.livescience.com/37097-dogs-protect-endangered-penguins.htmlhttp://thebark.com/content/maremma-sheepdogs-keep-watch-over-little-penguins

http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/how-dogs-help-protect-threatened-species

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