Mario Massucci is an expert of Italian Mountain dog. During a trip to Italy with photographer Cendrine Bornerand, he brought back 11 Italian Maremmano-Abbruzzese, designated to guard herds in France against predators. He tells us more about this sheepdog, which is becoming more and more popular in France.
This dog, a native from Southern Italia, is probably one of the most ancient shepherd breeds, as his origins can be traced back prior to Roman times. But this type of dog has probably existed ever since man became a shepherd and stopped being nomadic. This breed reached the 21st century while probably keeping his ancient look, and being used exactly the same way as it previously was.
The Italian Maremmano-Abbruzzese sheepdog, as you can guess from its name, originated in the Italian region of the Abbruzzese, considered as the cradle of the breed. But from a geographic point of view, the Savoie region is considered as its second birthplace. Indeed, this as the place where its relocation succeeded at 95%. This dog is especially receptive towards shepherds, and he is full of excellent – some would say perfect – qualities to guard a herd, even if the shepherd is not around. This dog’s character is both strong and affectionate. This means that, as a companion dog, he requires a specific education and adequate conditions of living. One really has to respect and appreciate the Maremmano-Abbruzzese sheepdog for what it is. He doesn’t like repetitive exercises, and he’ll let you know easily that he is bored, by simply not being interested at all in what you want him to do.
This affectionate member of the family will perfectly know how to conciliate and alternate the game, the unavoidable “foolish things” and enthusiastic demonstration of affection, until a very old age!
If you want to know more about the breed, contact the author of the article: Mario Massucci385 route de Vourey - 38140 Rives, FRANCEPhone: 04 76 65 23 94Mobile : 06 03 67 76 99Email : mario.massucci@tiscali.fr
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