08/28/2025
Here are some interesting facts about Gus and Fiona our Maremma Sheepdog 🐾🐑
* **Ancient Guardians**: The Maremma Sheepdog (also called *Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog*) has been guarding flocks in Italy for over **2,000 years**. Romans described dogs very similar to them in old writings.
* **White for a Reason**: Their fluffy white coats aren’t just beautiful — shepherds bred them this way so they could blend in with sheep and stand out against wolves or predators at night.
* **Independent Thinkers**: Unlike many breeds that wait for commands, Maremmas are bred to make **decisions on their own** while protecting livestock. That’s why they can be a bit stubborn with training.
* **Family Protectors**: While loyal to their flock, they’re also **gentle giants** with their families — especially protective around children.
* **Not Just Sheep**: In Australia, some Maremma dogs were famously used to protect a colony of **little penguins** on Middle Island. Their guarding instincts saved the population from fox attacks.
* **Big & Fluffy**: They are large dogs, weighing **65- 180 lbs**, with a thick double coat that helps them handle cold mountain weather.
* **Quiet but Alert**: They don’t bark unnecessarily — but if they sense a threat, they’ll sound the alarm quickly and fearlessly stand their ground.
