Tralee

Hey Finn About ten years too late for me lol They used to have a couple of obedience clubs in Redcliffe. There is are beaches in Scarborough as well as Clontarf that are off leash too. I prefered Scarborough because it is sheltered. Good Luck

That's kinda sexist. No its not. Its feminist, if anything I might agree if you had said selected by males rather than handled by males. One is nature the other nurture. 'tis a good point that you make there, steve. But it would be inclusive, I might have thought. I missed posting this earlier this week but, no biggy really.

That's kinda sexist. No its not. Its feminist, if anything

I don't understand what you are trying to say here. You dont doubt that Maremma are losing their trait, or you don't worry about it? Hmmm. I can see how that could be confusing. On reflection, I don't doubt that they are losing their traits if the American and British cases are to be believed. But it happened here in Australia as well. The standard in conformation and temperament went right off when the entrepeurs got hold of them and bred anything with anything. Notwithstanding, the Maremma are thriving in Italy and have very competent people controlling them. Despite what the odd visitor to Italy might say, the Italian dogs are world class. They are world beaters in fact, both in the show ring and in the paddock. so I don't worry or fear that they are at any risk. I don't go much on pride, but I am proud to have some Maremma in my care.

An interesting discussion. A few points I can bring to the fore. The Maremma is traditionally a shepherdesses' dog. The title: "I Cani del Pastori Maremanno-Abruzesse" means; The Dogs of the Shepherdesses etc. So, their rearing would have endowed them with the quality of being less aggressive than if they were handled by males. Secondly, similar to the second YouTube clip by espinay2, the dogs were corraled at night with their humans. They could not have, and would not want, 'combat' type dogs in the corral. Also, while Maremma have been bred for over 2000 years to protect the lambs from the wolf, bear and thief, the correct temperament is alert but not aggressive. The Maremma is a last resort responder. They warn by barking, chase off by rushing the fence, and even if they need to bite they will nip to tell the interlopper to push off. However, I would not like to see what happens when an intruder ignores the Maremmas demands. Lastly, during WWII the Germans shot them on sight because they were so ferocious as guarddogs. It is important to also consider that there is rumoured that the Americans have raised their dogs to be too aggressive while the British have brought their dogs up to be too placid. This I think is steve's point. The true character of the Maremma can be, and is being, compromised. Steve, I have yet to follow up your query about whether the dog on the podium is working. But I know that the question: "Is the dog working" is a constant refrain with you. However, I don't doubt, worry, or fear that the Maremma are at risk of losing the central trait for which they were originally bred. It is nevertheless, an issue that needs to be continually raised. Here is Anna Albrigo again, with yet another World Champion from a few years back.

This is Anna Albrigo of Selvaspina (Forest of Thorns) Kennels. As well as continuing a long tradition of breeding BOB and BIS Italian and European Champions, she is also an International Judge.

Well, its not hot spots, so that can be eliminated. Although, the treatment may be similar, I don't know.

That may be the case and its you prerogative how your husband your dogs. But that's not advice I'd be willing to give others, if I was thinking of others, of course.

Why? Isn't that taking out the true nature of the breed just for the show ring? That would be like taking the boldness from a Stafford or the drive from a GSD. Please don't misunderstand me Clyde. Dogs have two spirits. Left to their own devices they will indeed become feral, that is not what we want. Whether they are in paddock most of the time or around the house they should be able to revert to a calmer nature. "The 'true spirit of a dog' can be employed in our rearing and management practices to turn an undisciplined pup into a virtuous, well mannered dog. For example, it is perfectly acceptable for a Maremma Sheepdog to work a flock in its paddock against dogs, foxes and thieves. But, they must also be able to leave their "guardian demon'' behind when they venture into other less officious situations." What do you mean by 'protective kennelling'. A kennel that attacks? A kennel that protects the dog from the elements? I have kennels scattered all over my property and they are barely used. They prefer to lie out in the open so that they can see what is going on around them. Well, your dogs are fine away from interlopers and other nuisances. But Maremma are susceptible to interference and disengagement by passersby and others who will deliberately enchroach on your rearing practices. I have first hand experiences of a neighbour on farm who was interfering with the dogs in my absence. That is my point, they need to be kept away from fence where kids can run a stick along the sides, stirring up the dogs. This is what I meant by protective kennelling. The only persons who determine your dogs character should be those who have been afforded the privelge.

That is good to hear Bisart Dobes. I should be following them more closely. I just wonder how Arawn Caergwydion Florenza has faired as her owner moved and we have not been in contact since. But it doesn't surprise me that they are doing well, there are some very nice Mareemma people in Victoria. I know many of them personally. Thanks for the heads up.

A good point Pav Lova. It is paramount that a Maremma be able to leave its 'guardian demons' behind when it is taken from the paddock for less officious duties. And it is this point that must be made, clearly and effectively, to all existing and potential owners of Maremma. As such, keeping Maremma in suburbia is challenging and complex. It is not for the half-hearted, indolent or irresponsible. As I pointed out to blitz3: "People need to think ahead with Maremmas and be willing to put the work in. They need character development and protective kennelling." I say this honestly, even the Italians battle with their innate sense of working and their guardian instinct. I can name several who are very watchful with their dogs at Show. By the same token, there are just as many who can be shown reliably. Again, your observation is well made and your comment very astute. Thank you

Hi blitz3. :) He may be a real softee now, but their temperament cannot be taken for granted. He may be like my big girl who is ridiculously gregarious for a Maremma or he may require constant and continual work. You need to think ahead with Maremmas and be willing to put the work in. They need character development and protective kennelling. All the best to your friend.

Any place on the Podium will do.

Hi All. :) I thought it might be time to promote the Maremma in the Show Ring. Their numbers are increasing so the correct breeding is even more paramount. You never know, the odd Judge may look in and get a real idea of what they should be puting up. Its just a matter of time now.

The regulations are there to prevent consecutive matings. A third mating is allowed with prior permission. Therefore, the precedent is set for accidental matings. Although, let's be honest, it does not look good for your kennel management. Nevertheless, the council may choose to make an example out of it but personally I don't see what they would gain. They would not be able to make the regulation more stringent because of it. Using the same dog to produce is exactly the point of breeding. A kennel is built up with good breeding bitches. Finally, who hasn't made 'stuff ups' The regulations are there firstly as a guideline. Good Luck

Best in Show Again Looks like Brace, at the Italian National, no less.

luv this Beach so jealous!

If you have not seen, or signed this petition, then I know you too will join this campaign. Make a Difference My apologies. Goal Met

Wagga Wagga you say! I will be travelling down soon to give a talk to the Seminarians and could bring one or two dogs (Maremmas) if I decide to drive.

Similar. Mine have a chicken wing or a drumstick in the morning. At night they have a proper meal. Weekends they get a bone, red meat offcuts or a chicken carcass.

It is the breeders responsibility to keep the dog for the extra two weeks. That would common practice. My pups are not homed until 10 weeks anyway. So, you should be negotiating with the breeder. Personally I would not be charging a fee but I cannot see how the breeder would not give you something, gratefully. What I would do is ensure there is a complete understanding that in the event of some misadventure you have covered all your bases. The puppy could fall, be stolen get lost, whatever. And, since the breeder is a friend I don't think there should be a fee.

I assume you are calling Animal Rescuers loonies IMB that constitutes the promotion of neglect and omission and the blind ignorance of injustice towards senitient beings less fortunate than ourselves. It would be interesting to see what you really meant and how I must have miscontrued the acurate sense of your response.

Thanks Pres Just when I was having a great dau and thought things couldn't get any better. Thank you Thank you Thank you

I dread doing their nails I will invest in a battery operated nail dremmel one oneday.

Where was the tick H? I had the same thing happen and it was hidden in a paw. You must check twice a day. Why not add some Malaban or if you're game, Maldison, to your arsenal? Its odd Advantix has not been working. Maybe the ticks become more virulent as they move further north. Most other living things are bigger up north. I hope HHH recovers completely. P.