Official ICCF Breed Standard Description
Brief Historical Summary
The Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog is an ancient Italian pastoral breed that developed in the regions of Maremma and Abruzzo. Its ancestors were white shepherd dogs used for centuries to guard flocks of sheep from wolves and other predators. The climate of the Apennines and the need for independent work across large territories shaped the breed into a hardy, courageous, independent and devoted dog. The Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog has always been closely tied to traditional Italian livestock farming. In the 20th century, as grazing lands declined, the breed faced the risk of extinction, but it was preserved thanks to the efforts of breeders and associations. Today it is recognized as a reliable working dog and an important part of Italy’s cultural heritage.
General Appearance
The Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog is a large, powerful yet harmoniously built working dog with a noble, expressive outline. The body is strong, slightly elongated, with a broad chest and a straight, firm back. The head is large and dry with soft, calm lines; the expression is attentive and confident. Limbs are strong, straight and well-boned, providing stability and powerful movement. The coat is long, dense, water-repellent, white or almost white, protecting the dog in harsh climates. The overall impression should convey strength, independence and calm confidence. The breed combines power and endurance with a soft, balanced temperament.
Important Proportions
The proportions emphasize the breed’s functionality as an autonomous livestock guardian. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers, maintaining a moderately elongated format. The depth of chest is about half the height, ensuring stability and lung capacity. The head is large, its length about 40% of height. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull but deep and strong. The neck is of medium length, powerful, blending smoothly into the withers. Limbs are straight, well-boned, with correct angulation. The tail is long, reaching the hocks. All proportions must contribute to the image of a strong, steady dog capable of working on open terrain and making independent decisions.
Behavior and Temperament
The Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog has an independent, confident and courageous temperament formed by centuries of pasture work. It can independently guard livestock, assess threats and act without constant human supervision. With close people it shows devotion, calmness and patience. With strangers it is wary but not aggressively reactive; its behavior must be balanced and thoughtful. The breed is intelligent, attentive and mentally stable. It requires respectful, consistent handling and conditions that allow its natural qualities to develop—freedom of movement, observation and territorial protection.
Head
The head is large, dry and noble, well-matched to the substantial body. The skull is broad, slightly convex, with a moderate but clear stop. Cheeks are visible but not coarse. The head lines are smooth and calm, reflecting the breed’s balanced character. The forehead is broad, the muzzle straight, deep and somewhat shorter than the skull. The expression is confident, aware and attentive, without harshness or aggression. The head should convey strength, independence and calm dignity. Overly heavy, coarse or excessively refined heads are undesirable.
Facial Region
The facial region is powerful, dry and well-defined, reflecting the breed’s working purpose. The muzzle is broad at the base, straight, deep and tapering slightly toward the nose while retaining jaw strength and volume. The muzzle length is slightly less than the skull length, with harmonious proportions. The bridge of the nose is straight. The nose is large, black, with wide nostrils; lightening is allowed in elderly dogs but not desirable. Lips are tight, dry, not loose. Jaws are powerful with a full set of teeth and a scissor bite. The facial region should convey confidence, strength and natural determination.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, slightly slanted, giving a watchful and calmly confident expression. The color ranges from ochre-dark to deep brown; light eyes are considered a fault. Eyelids are tight, well-pigmented and offer protection during work in open landscapes. The dog’s expression is always calm, confident and evaluative, becoming alert when needed. Round, protruding or overly large eyes, weak eyelids or signs of irritation are undesirable. Correct eyes reflect the breed’s independence, courage and balance.
Ears
Ears are medium-sized, triangular with softly rounded tips. Set moderately high, hanging naturally and close to the sides of the head, enhancing the breed’s calm, confident appearance. They must be simple and functional, without excessive length or width. The hair on the ears is short and dense, providing protection against wind and weather. Oversized, wide, outward-facing or excessively high-set ears are faults. Correct ears maintain head harmony and highlight the dog’s natural calmness and alertness.
Neck
The neck is strong, sufficiently long and muscular, allowing the dog to hold its head confidently and maintain a wide field of view. The topline of the neck is slightly arched, emphasizing the breed’s noble outline. It merges smoothly into the withers. The musculature is dense but not coarse. The skin is tight, without dewlap, corresponding to the dry working type. The neck must be proportional; too short, too long, weak or overly massive necks are undesirable.
Body
The body is strong, powerful and slightly elongated, reflecting the breed’s working origins. The withers are pronounced; the back is straight, strong and muscular. The loin is short and strong. The croup is slightly sloping, long and provides good drive. The chest is deep and capacious, with well-arched ribs, supporting endurance. The abdomen is moderately tucked up. The body must convey strength, stability and harmony. Narrow chests, weak backs or improper length ratios are faults.
Tail
The tail is long, thick at the base, reaching at least the hocks. At rest it hangs down with a slight curve; when alert it rises but never curls over the back. The coat on the tail is long and dense, helping protect the dog in cold climates. Movement of the tail should be soft and natural. Too short, kinked, high-set or curled tails are faults. The tail contributes to balance and the breed’s typical outline.
Forequarters
Forequarters are strong, straight and well-boned, providing stability on uneven ground. Shoulder blades are long, sloping and well-fitted. Elbows point directly backward. Forearms are straight and of even thickness. Pasterns are short, slightly slanted but firm. Feet are round or slightly oval with strong pads. Weak pasterns, toeing-in, toeing-out or splayed feet are faults.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are powerful, muscular and well-balanced, giving strong drive and stability. Thighs are long and broad. Knees are strong with a well-defined but not exaggerated angle. Lower legs are long, dry and straight. Hocks are low-set, strong and correctly aligned. Metatarsi are short and vertical. Feet are compact and oval with firm pads. Weak joints, straight angles or cow-hocked/bow-legged stance are faults.
Gait and Movement
Movement is free, strong and efficient, reflecting the breed’s ability to patrol large territories. The primary gait is a wide, confident trot with good reach and strong drive. The topline remains steady. The dog must change tempo easily while maintaining harmony. Stiffness, short steps, crossing, weak drive or excessive extension are faults.
Coat
The coat is dense, long, straight or slightly wavy with strong water-repellent and insulating qualities. The undercoat is thick and soft, providing protection in harsh weather. The outer coat is coarser and forms a protective covering. The coat must protect and emphasize the working type. Too soft, short, curly or insufficiently dense coats are faults.
Permissible Colors
The primary color is white or nearly white. Light shades of ivory or pale fawn on ears or body are permitted if they do not spoil the overall clean appearance. White was historically necessary to distinguish the dog from predators. Pigmentation of the nose, eyelids and lips must be black, lightening allowed in elderly dogs. Large patches, pronounced yellowing or colors outside the white range are faults.
Size
The breed belongs to large working dogs. Males: 65–73 cm at the withers, 35–45 kg. Females: 60–68 cm, 30–40 kg. The format is slightly elongated, strong and substantial but not excessively heavy. Chest depth is about half of the height. Excessive heaviness or excessive lightness are faults.
Faults
Faults include any deviations reducing functionality and type: poor musculature, weak back, narrow chest, overly light bone, weak muzzle, light eyes, weak pigmentation, limb deviations or poor movement. Behavioral faults include shyness, excessive suspicion or lack of independence.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include severe aggression or panic-like fear, major bite faults, complete depigmentation of nose, lips or eyelids, very light or heterochromatic eyes, incorrect colors or large patches, and structural defects severely limiting movement.
Important Notes
The Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog is a working livestock guardian; evaluation must prioritize functionality, mental stability and independence. Minor seasonal coat changes, work traces or temporary loss of condition are not faults if the dog remains healthy and capable. The correct dog should be attentive, calm, confident and functional.
Conclusion
The Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog is a breed with deep working traditions, combining strength, independence and devotion. It is a reliable guardian, a confident companion and a hardy working dog suited to harsh climates. Its powerful body, dense coat and confident movement underscore its historical role. With proper upbringing, the breed displays balance, vigilance and strong character. It remains an essential part of pastoral culture and a valued working dog known worldwide.
