ALL ABOUT LIVING WITH MAREMMA SHEEP DOGS

Sarah Letts is a Maremma lover and breeder. She homesteads with the breed on her ranch in California. Where she raises sheep, chickens, turkey and cattle. Her dogs defend her property and possessions from a predator load that includes coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and other vermin.
A Maremma is a livestock guarding dog, bred in Italy for centuries to guard large flocks of sheep on the plains and in the mountains. Other Old World breeds with similar temperament are the Great Pyrenees in France, the Komondor and the Kuvasz in Hungary, the Tatra in Poland, the Shar Planinetz in Yugoslovia, the Anatolian and Akbash in Turkey, and the Tibetan Mastiff in Nepal and Tibet. The Maremma originally lived day and night with its flock, and its white coat mimics the coat of the sheep in its flock. It was bred to take responsibility for keeping the flock safe from 4-legged predators, primarily the wolf, and from 2-legged thieves; and kept proficient at its job by frequent life-and-death battles with the wolves.

[@Questinia1]

I had the privilege of unwittingly adopting a Maremma (she was described as a golden retriever). She was pure poetry. She lived to 14 and I'm still not over it.

[@guimendonca123]

i have a friend who lives in brazil he is german but he doesn't get along with many people, very stubborn so he lives on a distant farm with his maremanos (pastor from abruzzo) he must be about 10. comes to the city once a week to buy bone and butcher meat for the dogs. I think the dogs just take a shower in the rain and live in a very primitive way, they hardly see other dogs, let alone people. I went to the farm a few times, and he told me not to get out of the truck. Here in Brazil it is very hot and dry at certain times of the year and these dogs are embarrassed, dirty and bloody. at times there are many fights in the pack, but it is sinister how the lack of contact leaves man and animals wild.(sorry for My english)

[@flyingbanjo1]

I got one too unknowing about the breed. She is a family pet. Sweet and gentle but yes protective of our space.

[@staceyw.6608]

I love this. We just acquired one too as we were looking for a Golden or Lab. Our Tesla dog is amazing! Looking forward to life with her.

[@ericgigliotti2632]

We had a stray show up and start hanging out at our house when I was a kid. When we finally decided to adopt him officially the vet told us he was a golden / white lab mix. But I'm now convinced he was a maremma. He also lived 14 years.

[@linaulnes7498]

​@@staceyw.6608they are nothing like golden or lab tho 😅 I know both breeds. I also have a Maremma, love him so much ❤

[@Bobobaggins93747]

My maremma does well in rural Ontario, Canada. She protects our chickens and goats, and my 4 year old son. She's caught foxes and fended off coy-wolves. She is a true gentle giant and the queen of our forest 💗

[@juanasazias1323]

Until one month we had a Maremma female as a companion dog and she became 12 years old and 2 months. She was the most beautiful dog inside and outside. Now that we lost here we’re devastated. Her name was Gioia. The lady in this documentary explains exactly the way they are! I recognize every inch. The most beautiful dogs in the world. I will never ever forget her beautiful being, her beautiful soul. I’m very grateful she has been by our side all those years. She stays in my heart forever!

[@bretjessicayanish1432]

I unknowingly got a maremma and I would not trade her for anything she has been the best to come into my life

[@velvet5922]

Hands down this is the best information on Maremmas so far. Thank You !

[@KnivesandPins]

It's nice seeing this breed getting some recognition. You love to see it.

[@jellybee68]

my daughter came home with a Maremma dog, we had no idea what it was (us being cat people) but fell in love with the pile of fur. I researched it and the first thing I found was ...1. do not get this dog if you are a first time dog owner and 2. do not get this dog if you live next to a park. well strike both of them off. I freaked out. We had to make him an inside dog because we live next to a park and are semi rural and the dog would bark all night at the wild animals...foxes and kangaroos. So he comes inside at night...he barks at everyone walking in the park because he can see them and thinks they are in his territory...he knocks on the door when he wants to come in and knocks on it when he wants to go out...he is extremely protective over his humans and any stranger without permission of any of us who tries to enter...he has bitten. Basically he has made us all his bitch LOL He does love (overly) little humans...strangers as well as his family. Not sure why, maybe he thinks they are his flock. Anyhoo....after being a cat person for over 50 years, can now say I dont know what I'd do if my baby were to go before me.

[@savagegtalks5912]

you let him bark on the people in the park outside.. simple as. When you say "he does overly love humans", I translate that to English reality = you let him get overly excited over something or someone. Key words: overly excited You aren't the first human to confuse an overly excited dog with "love". Typical owner mistakes when they aren't being leaders. Or just naive humanoids.

[@staceyw.6608]

I'm American, but living abroad in Italy. We just acquired a cross breed mixed with Maremanno (Maremma). She's the most intelligent dog/puppy I've ever met. I cannot believe how quick she is to learn! So cool to see someone from SoCal has taken to the breed and that they are being recognized there. I was a pro groomer/vet assistant in the Los Angeles area for nearly 20 years prior to moving to Italy, and this was a breed I'd never heard of!

[@warrendebary2225]

Love these LGDs. Beautiful dogs! We had a neighbor that raised chickens and had three of them. They'd cross our property in the fog of dawn and they were just majestic! White against the green pastures and fog laden air. Perfect

[@andymercedes8388]

It's great to see someone who has working dogs doing actual work.

[@rd6416]

Your dogs are beautiful but omg THAT HOUSE AND THAT VIEW!! ❤

[@bigwhitedogphotography]

I've been a companion Maremma mama for almost 18 years. They are magical, life-changing creatures. My current girl, Bella, indeed has a job. She is the chief model for my dog photography business and she works for treats, peanut butter, snuggles and naps.

[@--mellow--]

We’re looking at getting a male Maremma as a companion household dog. Do you have any tips on how to help the adjust to this lifestyle?

[@CalledUntoHoliness]

Beautiful. This breed is indeed very consistent with their temperament.

[@sc0ttishlass]

We just adopted a 6 months old Maremma pup from an animal rescue org in Italy. We live in the countryside and she is learning to protect the house and our chickens. She is a dream.

[@solinvictus1234]

Amazing dog breed. For me the best livestock guardian of them all. A Maremmano is incredibly aware of his protection borders (and often during the day and night they goes on the perimeter alone to check the situation). Are also fierce and scary dogs when they defend their territory and livestock, no fear at all even of they would have in front a bear.

[@metalfacedoom4820]

I love my Maremma, he loves us too.

[@JustCruxxer]

I’m italian and since I subscribed i hoped that u were doing a video about this breed. Thank u my man 🇮🇹

[@linhmukbang]

The dogs look like angels

[@carsonthiel9397]

Keep it in your pants.

[@christines173]

This was so incredibly helpful. This woman answered all my questions & ones I didn't know I had.

[@grahammabberley5380]

Well I must say what a wonderful job you have done they look absolutely beautiful. The way they glide and look into your eyes could tell from the camera work. Love my shepherd dogs. First I've seen wow. Thankyou for showing really enjoyed the content edited was top notch. 👌

[@ab935]

7:00 true, mine woke up out of a deep sleep on the driveway to chase off a feral cat that was eyeing my pet birds. They generally only need a 4' fence. Beautiful film Zeke

[@edithcordero5816]

The characteristics that you described are on spot. I love those qualities in my Luna 2. Her moms name was also Luna. The Meremma is as special as you have ascribed and I am eternally grateful for having her.

[@quinnhen2325]

Love Maremmas!! I have a big Pyrenees that’s absolutely wonderful. Two of my favorite breeds!!

[@dinahburch9607]

I’ve been researching this breed for sometime now. I truly appreciate your knowledge and insight in your video. Your ranch is beautiful! I’m going today to pick up my little maremma girl today. I was hoping to get two, but will wait until the next litter. Her new work home will be a ranch in Oklahoma. Lots of cow and calf pairs for her to see after.

[@sometimesiwander7146]

I got a “purebred Great Pyrenees” lol. That turned out to be 10% more maremma than Great Pyrenees. I love her. Her name is Sugar. Blessed to have found her imo.

[@duckmama]

This woman is living the DREAM

[@darlenelarochelle4011]

Isn't she! Lovely farm. Worth millions no doubt, where its located. I wonder if she would adopt me.

[@BigdawgG89]

Zeke always coming through with the heat 🔥

[@sarahletts5917]

Thank you Zeke for making this beautiful video! You are a true artist!!

[@chiararosati2162]

Favourite livestock guarding dog of Coppinger, every dog lover should read his book "Dogs", even though now it's a bit old

[@notsosilentmajority1]

I love the breed, they are excellent dogs but when I hear someone say that a reason to choose any breed is because they are not on the list of insurance companies I immediately (rightly or wrongly) think they reside in CA or another similarly governed state. It's a shame that when considering a livestock guardian breed to protect your land and your animals you have to price out the insurance company guidelines instead of getting the actual breed you may want. This just reinforces the recent report that America has 60% of the entire worlds attorney's. It's actually sad. This woman is definitely a champion of the breed. I would buy a dog from her if I were looking for a less aggressive livestock guardian dog. They are good looking dogs as well.

[@darlenelarochelle4011]

I fully understand her insurance comment. I had people living next to me with pitbull. 2 days after they moved in, their dog jumped over my6ft solid board fence, into my backyard and killed my 2yr daughter's kitty cat. For 2 more years we fought these loose dogs off. I finally started calling home insurance companies until I got the right one. Told them what they were insuring. The insurance company told the owner if these people and their bad dogs didn't go, they would NOT renew the policy. That a big deal. Insurance companies do not like paying claims. So they know damn good and well what dogs are overtly aggressive. YOU are responsible for your dog. But the Homeowners insurance often foots the bill. By the way, I'm in Washington, and I don't think this has anything to do with lawyers. It's got to do with responsibility, and just how dangerous a dog do you want to be liable for? That's why you do this type of research.

[@notsosilentmajority1]

@@darlenelarochelle4011 It's really a shame that society has come to any of this. You know, neighbors that have bad dogs, insurance companies having their hands in our lives and just the litigious society that has happened in America.

[@richardandre866]

We just got a Maremma/Great Pyrenees female puppy. Gorgeous dogs.

[@haidehollins]

Zeke this is awesome and I appreciate everything I've learned from your channel!

[@jtarr671]

Great video! I would love to see a similar one on Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

[@msalaheldeen]

Great summary about the breed , thank you.

[@adriantaylor3018]

Thank you Sarah, thoroughly enjoyed the information you shared. I'm a registered breeder and showed Westhighland Terriers for 20 yrs. We now live on a property in Tasmania, Australia and have a hobby farm. We have our first registered and health checked girl named Lexie. We no longer get breed Westhighland Terriers for 5 yrs now but are hoping to breed our girl in time.

[@bigrudd9346]

Thank you for educating me on this beauty.

[@veradarbyshire5577]

On to my 4th Maremma. Magnificent creatures I am obsessed with.them. if I could have 20 I would.

[@jybuys]

I've got a dog from Spain which is probably a mix with a Maremma dog. She is beautiful and very sweet. Almost 13 now.

[@mighty233long]

Had mine almost 3 years. Amazingly good looking and a perfect gentleman around the house 👌🏽

[@marvona3531]

Thanks for sharing, very nice documentary👍🌸👍🌸👍🌸

[@evankokoska1206]

Love it. Thanks.

[@michaelnunn6520]

All Maremmano-Abbruzzese lovers pls. use the full name, that is Maremmano-Abbruzzese. It's only one word more, but all breeders in the Abbruzzi Mountains are satisfied when you use the full name. Grazie tanto.

[@darrensanimalsreptilesfish30]

State Farm insures any dog breed. Just so y'all know

[@antowalk2743]

I am very impressed with the ability of this breed.

[@shontelleanne8878]

I love them 💕

[@esterhall4679]

Very interesting breed love it

[@MoniqueBlairASMR]

Beautiful property

[@edithcordero5816]

Your video is really exciting. I have a Meremma She’s 3. I also have a pyr. Both are 3 and the Meremma is a month older

[@judyhenson6329]

What an informative video. I would love to have one for my small 3 acre homestead. They are not easy to find.

[@darlenelarochelle4011]

Check with Maremma rescue. Maremma Sheepdog Club of America Rescue.

[@gratitude7397]

Great video..So interesting and beautifully shot. Did u sell dogs to Gold Shaw Farm? He has beautiful Maremmas from California

[@AuroraJadefyre]

Toby dog!

[@trystanfranziskus]

Been waiting for this one lol

[@robinfoster2696]

such pretties

[@cutejapanesecatsandanimals5338]

Healing Effects of Animals The effect of \"being healed by animals\" is actually something that has a scientific basis. Recent studies have shown that interacting with animals releases a hormone called oxytocin, which is effective in reducing stress and anxiety. So interacting with cute animals at an animal café or playing with a loving pet can help relieve daily stress and lead a healthy life.🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶😻😻😻💖💖💖💖

[@BigdawgG89]

🔥

[@fgconnolly4170]

great video, I don't know how you find these people

[@louisagainerbridges439]

I miss seeing Capetan .

[@YMC123]

Didn't know this breed. Love them. Check Romanian raven shepherd. Similar but black

[@tyrannotherium7873]

Never heard of this breed before

[@renogreg]

Hi Everyone, moving to a farm soon and I just got 2 puppies. Question: what is the best food for those dogs on a farm? Thanks!

[@kadenboleyn8291]

You should do a video about east European German Shepard’s aka vostochno evropeiskaya!!

[@alphacat9302]

This video is fantastic. Question - we have a 6 month old female pup. She's good with the chickens already, and great with her small flock (and our kids). We tried having her sleep with the sheep in their pen at night but she'd sometimes chase them around a bit too much. So now we tether her outside, because we're not quite sure that she's ready to be off leash all night. Does this seem right? Should we just unleash her? Or should we keep her in the pen?

[@solinvictus1234]

6 months is too young to be unleashed at night. Teach them during the day to go around your home/farm natural or artificial borders. The Maremma is a dog that is guarding 24/7. The night they want to stay out and circle around your home/farm borders to be sure that there's no predators around, that's why they pretty much don't like staying closed in a pen.

[@alphacat9302]

@@solinvictus1234 thanks! So just keep them safely penned even if they're unhappy and barking? Feels bad, but I also want them safe.

[@user-gu6cx7us6g]

I have a Maremma he's very very loud

[@srossmiller]

I live in Kansas and I love the Maremma! Been looking for one for a while. I have chickens, ducks and geese.. If you know of anyone in Kansas that breeds them Please let me know.... Thanks

[@Idance5225]

I live in Kansas and my friend just got a maremma puppy in Lees Summit

[@1ericamichelle716]

I live in Italy and was able to adopt a dog the is mixed with this breed. She is the best thing to happen to our family so far. Protective but not aggressive, kind and gentle with smaller animals. Right now we live in a rural area. she loves to run about in her fields and check on them. I do worry about when we move back to the states. I am praying we find a place the will have enough property for her. I don’t think she will do well with just a backyard

[@mariatorres2026]

My is same golden sheep dog

[@Ghost-xn9wg]

Brother can u please do more on Roscoe ,he looks very well balanced dog ,dark athletic rotty that boy is ,please show more

[@andrewwian4921]

I'm buying a puppy tomorrow here in Australia

[@martinrios3317]

Hey boss man watch all your videos you do great work looking on getting a good German shepherd with excellent health would you be able to recommend me a breeder looking for something close to the original dog that was created

[@jeremydumoit4487]

These guys look exactly like my English cream goldens

[@Lollhff]

very dangerous dogs when they are grazing freely with the flock ... in Italy they are used a lot but if you happen to find yourself in front of them perhaps during an excursion you are at risk of life! They are fantastic in their job

[@dodoniaeagle6807]

In Albania we have a ancient lgd the Illyrian Molos grandfother of Maremans

[@WTHHYBLTITSOAK]

I like your videos, please do a video on therapy dogs. Specifically in these current times people are needing personal therapy dogs for anxiety and ptsd. Please specify the Great Pyrenees as a therapy dog because people think they have 1 job, LGD. They're actually excellent therapy dogs, many KZbin videos showing that they are therapy dogs to all age ranges and forms of people from school children, elderly, and sick people. When these dogs have the ability to love and protect a person or family that dogs job is fulfilled because guarding is instinctual.

[@eponymoususer8923]

Had an accidental Anatolian Shepherd as a foster. This may be a good breed to explore. He never left my side, looked imposing, and grunted to alert. I’d imagine he would put an anxious person at great ease. Very attentive, sensitive guy. My heart broke when the rescue placed him.

[@guimendonca123]

i have a friend who lives in brazil he is german but he doesn't get along with many people, very stubborn so he lives on a distant farm with his maremanos (pastor from abruzzo) he must be about 10. comes to the city once a week to buy bone and butcher meat for the dogs. I think the dogs just take a shower in the rain and live in a very primitive way, they hardly see other dogs, let alone people. I went to the farm a few times, and he told me not to get out of the truck. Here in Brazil it is very hot and dry at certain times of the year and these dogs are embarrassed, dirty and bloody. at times there are many fights in the pack, but it is sinister how the lack of contact leaves man and animals wild.(sorry for My english)

[@sfaldy]

Pastore Maremmano Abruzzese… such a beautiful dog! I used to have one, Thor. It has been an amazing guardian and friend. Loyal, proud, atavistic, protective and yes, also sweet!! 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹😁👍

[@xavierolvera7243]

When are you going to have Chihuahua breed Zeke?

[@Andy-ok7ev]

I. Want. 2. I'll. Start. With. 1

[@stephaniemcavey4637]

So I shouldn’t get this dog as just a pet, companion?

[@quickestscoped7603]

komondor when

[@chalisblur]

Anyone know what breed she uses for her home guardian dogs? Thanks!

[@geof971]

She said they run the perimeter, must be something like an Akbash or Pyrenean Mastiff (probably not Anatolians since she suggested they might bite).

[@olivertaresch489]

absoute goon on the quad

[@Poorpixie]

Does anyone suggest what “job” I should give my dog if she doesn’t live on a farm?

[@michellestoppa6162]

Would love to chat when you can about my girlfriends Maremma that we’re trying to get adjusted to her sheep he’s a year old he’s a sweetheart, but she’s not letting him with the sheep alone

[@Falconer22]

This dog breed is uncomfortably intelligent. You think you'd want as smart a dog as possible, until you've lived with a Maremme.

[@conniewolf7300]

Yea well it helps to have a lot of money!!

[@ibnBobby80]

4th

[@guimendonca123]

Pastore di abruzzo

[@lindaowens933]

Ilovaremmas lostmymarmmamattafter13years

[@DineshKumar-wt5xd]

Dog puppy avalible is india

[@seanconti1696]

Great dog but sheds like no business beware

[@robinfoster2696]

yr rich! 5 dogs! go woman, especially if you got it on yr own. no woman wants "he gives" these days. i attack like a maremma treated thst way.

[@c4f3b4b3]

Sorry yo say, the breed is not called: Maremma-Abruzzese, but Maremmano-Abruzzese. Also they are from central Italy and not South. I found that ignorant from someone who says yo have researched this breed.

[@chiararosati2162]

That's the name that UKC recognize, not the FCI, they're american, not European. Also yeah...central Italy, I'm actually from the Tuscany Maremma, I see lot of these dogs, but every expert will tell you that the real Maremma-abruzzese is the one from Abruzzo, so in the south of Italy

[@Giovis968]

@@chiararosati2162 hahaha 😂 yes is right abruzzo is culture south , central geography , but you oh right 👍 I'm from abruzzo is complex inferiority, Chiara in abruzzo exist mastiff abruzzeze for wolf ,beers is gigantic and good guard too, saluti

[@tomreed-oe7hi]

@@chiararosati2162 years ago Abruzzo was considered il meridione look up you r history

[@robertmoffattrob122]

barsted of dogs

[@jenniferkeenan6909]

I can't believe this lady actually endorses breed discrimination. Any dog ca be aggressive at any time.

[@YSLRD]

Lol. Breeds are different. Certainly exceptions happen. Take off your blindfold. Get your fingers out of your ears and look around. Labs fetch, terriers dig( and kill small animals), spaniels cuddle and retrieve birds, and LGDs guard. They are born to it.

[@darrell1955]

I had two that was half and perirenese were brothers and one was more wolfy acting. They were two and one half yrs old. One looked more perirenese and very gental but his brother was wolfy and distrusting. Over couple years we had a mutual agreement. Me and him. He was agressive. I'm Darrell wisdom 107 Gordon waters lane. Gower mo. 64454