Mia - 6 Month Old Maremma (Trial)

Some background on Mia's breed (Courtesy of Pedigree ©2024 Mars or Affiliates) -

Although the Maremma Sheepdog is classed as a rare breed in Australia it has been known in its native Italy for 2000 years.

The main function of the dog was to guard the flocks against wolves and bears, and more recently from thieves and wild dogs. The dog was left to use his own initiative in making decisions and that sense of independence is still strong in the dogs of today. In Australia, where the Maremma has been used as a stock guardian, farmers have reported a 35 percent reduction in losses from foxes, wild dogs and birds of prey. Maremma’s live to about 12 years of age.

The Maremma is typical of a livestock guardian, possessing a natural protective instinct. They are friendly and loyal to their own family but can be wary of strangers. They like children in their own family but need to be supervised when other children come to visit. They use their size and voice as a deterrent, and are not usually an aggressive dog.

The Maremma gets on well with all animals be it the household cat or expensive livestock. If it is to be used as a guardian it should be introduced to its future charges as a puppy so that a strong bond will develop. Care should be taken to supervise the bonding initially, using young animals, so that the puppy doesn't get hurt while it is still too small to protect itself, and it is not advisable to leave a Maremma home alone with nothing to do.

The Maremma has a double coat which is both weather resistant and water repellent and can quite happily live outdoors. The long white coat sheds copiously twice a year and at this time needs a thorough brushing, paying particular attention behind the ears and down the back legs. At other times the coat stays remarkably clean and free from tangles.

In suburbia daily walks are a must. Maremma’s are very intelligent dogs and need to have a purpose in life or they become bored and destructive. These dogs love water and will happily roll over in a puddle.

The Maremma is very independent but devoted to their family. They will not abdicate pack leadership but may allow you to be equal. Always smiling they make a good companion as well as a working dog if you are happy to have a 'gentle giant' occasionally throwing its weight around. They are also wary of people they do not know, so do not expect them to be enthusiastic with visitors.
Courtesy of Pedigree ©2024 Mars or Affiliates

Still Interested? Then read on about Mia!

Hey everyone, I’m Mia and I’m on the hunt for my forever home and boy I’m going to be popular!

I’m only young but I have mastered going to the toilet outside, going through the doggy door as well as sit and waiting patiently for my food. I love my food, so apparently that is really helping me do lots of other things that my foster mum wants me to learn. Something about setting me up for life?

I don’t jump up much, so not going on the couch or on the bed is ok by me. I sit on a mat outside the kitchen so I don’t get tripped over when they are preparing my yummy food.

I might be small for my age but I am still growing. I did not get the best care before coming into DRN. So far, I am 51cm tall and 16.5kgs.

I absolutely LOVE cuddles, I will bury my head in your lap when you are sitting and I will roll and flop to the floor without a care in the world, lapping up the attention.
Guess what! I have a toy box and will pick my toys to play with. I haven’t mastered putting them back and I don’t think I will. I play well with my foster brothers but sometimes they get tired and I go to my crate to sleep. I love my crate it’s a happy place toys and treats. I can stay in there quietly all night long.
Don’t I sound awesome?

BUT I guess I should tell you some other things that you should know. Although I have not been around many other pets, the chickens are interesting but there are other things to sniff in the paddock unless one runs past me and I want a quick play, I don’t get too far as something else grabs my attention.

Oh yeah, I hear things…Things that no one else can hear, even my foster brothers, I need to tell someone, so I bark, until I find something else to do. I hope you have good neighbours, he he he.

Although I look like a polar bear and soooo soft and Floofy, I do need regular brushing and a wash, especially after I play in the water or mud. I just love that stuff, my foster mum says a clean freak should not apply for me. I’m not sure what that means?

I also need a job to keep me busy, all I want is to look after someone by being by their side or keeping an eye on other pets or animals for you. A big yard is a must and at this stage I prefer to sleep inside but that may change as I get older or it gets warmer. I can be left alone when everyone goes out. Sometimes, I’m in my crate, but other times I’m just outside, my foster carers do a quick run around to pack away things I might find interesting like plastic plant pots or shoes. As long as you don’t mind me aerating your lawn, we could be a perfect match.
What do you say?

Mia's adoption fee is $1000. She has been desexed, treated for fleas and worms, and is microchipped. She is in foster care in Port Stephens area, NSW.

To apply to meet Mia, please fill out our Adoption Questionnaire https://tinyurl.com/drnadopt

If you have any questions, you can send an email to
jd.drnadoptions@gmail.com

You can see all our available dogs at www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au