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.
Build
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.
Watch points
What to watch 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
Cold and heat tolerance
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
Tendency to gain weight
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.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it 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 vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Maremma Sheepdog? Like all dogs, the Maremma Sheepdog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Maremma Sheepdog is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based 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 diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based 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 vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Maremma Sheepdog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting 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 provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
