Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 11 and 13 years. A controlled diet, regular activity without excess during growth, a stable weight and preventive veterinary monitoring help preserve its mobility and quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its solid build, powerful bone structure and protective coat make it a hardy dog, suited to outdoor life when it has a dry shelter and remains integrated into its family group. Its robustness does not exempt it from regular monitoring, especially during growth and with advancing age.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
As with any large dog, particular attention must be paid to growth, joints, digestion and body condition. Screening of breeding dogs and prompt observation of any lameness, pain or abdominal distension help to limit the risks.
Hip dysplasia: Its large size can promote poor congruence of the joint; screening breeding dogs, controlled growth, and maintaining a healthy weight reduce risk factors.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: Like other large deep-chested dogs, it may be exposed to this emergency; splitting meals and avoiding intense exercise around feeding time are prudent measures.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its abundant undercoat allows it to withstand cold and humidity well. It tolerates high heat less well: in summer, outings must be scheduled during cool hours, with shade, water available at all times and without intense effort. Clipping is not recommended, because the double coat contributes to thermal regulation.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its weight must remain within a range compatible with its size and musculature, without visible overload. The ribs must be able to be felt without being prominent and the waist must remain perceptible. The ration must be adjusted to the level of activity, age, neutering and season, with regular weighing to prevent excess weight that would put strain on its joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the dog examined at least once a year by a veterinarian.
- Monitor any lameness or stiffness, especially during growth.
- Maintain a stable weight in order to preserve the joints.
- Brush weekly and inspect the ears after outings.
- Limit intense exertion and jumping during growth.
- Seek emergency consultation in case of a swollen abdomen, agitation, or unproductive attempts to vomit.
Vaccination
Maremma Sheepdog vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Maremma Sheepdog need? Like all dogs, Maremma Sheepdogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Maremma Sheepdog vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Maremma Sheepdog booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Maremma Sheepdog need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Maremma Sheepdog
Before breeding, radiographic screening for hip dysplasia is recommended, ideally supplemented according to veterinary advice by an evaluation of the elbows. On a daily basis, monitoring includes an annual examination, vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments adapted to the lifestyle, weight control, and checks of the teeth, ears, skin and mobility.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
