Bear

Please meet Bear, a handsome purebred Maremma with a sweet and generous heart. He was born on 16 December 2023 and weighs 27 kgs.

Gentle and intelligent, this boy has a relatively relaxed and calm temperament...relaxed enough to allow his foster mum to "spruce" him up with washable dye for the photo shoot! But not so relaxed that he doesn't love doing "zoomies" in the paddock or chasing a rabbit that invades his territory.

Still regarded as a "teenager" in the Maremma world, Bear will become less exuberant with age - like all of us. He enjoys a walk, but like most Maremmas, he's an independent thinker and the idea of walking nicely on your left side doesn't sit well with him. He prefers to walk ahead to the extent of the leash and wander from left to right across the pathway, as the spirit moves him.

Bear thrives on human companionship, making him an ideal dog for a family with older children or a retired couple or singleton. A dedicated "Velcro" dog, he loves being close to his humans, often shadowing whoever happens to be around.

His beautiful double-coat coat requires regular brushing to keep it beautiful and he sheds heavily during spring and autumn.

True to his breed, Bear is innately loyal, nurturing and protective. Although initially reserved, his trust will build steadily and with love, patience and understanding, will blossom into unbreakable affection and loyalty towards his family, while maintaining a natural aloofness to strangers.

Alert and ever-conscious of his surroundings, Bear is an excellent watchdog, but is in no way aggressive.

Because Maremmas are highly intelligent dogs and were bred to make their own decisions, they have a strong independent streak. For example, recall is not Bear's strong suit. If he is busy sniffing the perimeter of his property, he may choose not respond to your call. That's the Maremma way.

Bear is not suited for working roles. He would be content in a home where he's regarded as an integral member of the family.

With a careful introduction, he is cat-friendly towards a feline with good dog-manners. He is very dog-friendly.

If you're ready to welcome this gentle boy into your life, please contact us today by completing the online adoption application at https://southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-adopt/