Roderic

Following on that ... is it a myth that a dog gets a "taste for blood" which would lead to further deaths?

Thanks for your replies here. I suppose what I am asking ... are there any instances of the maremma breed attacking sheep or chickens when it is renowned for protecting. Sadly it is too late for such a wonderful dog. The latest I have heard from this man is he has another large wolfhound that has recently ruptured an ACL in his back leg. He believes that the pain the dog suffering now justifies putting this dog down as well. I see beautiful stories of dogs living long lives after having the leg amputated or even a set of wheels used for mobility.

A friend of mine recently put down his maremma as he said it attacked one of his lambs as he found blood on its mouth. Can anybody let me know of any instances where a maremma dog has actually attacked the owners sheep?