The Maremma Sheepdog, also known as the Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog, has been bred for thousands of years to be a guardian dog for livestock. Originating in Italy the Maremma breed worked in more closed conditions, close to villages and people. A similar breed, The Great Pyrenees dog was originally bred to protect livestock up in the mountains, creating their own territory, rather than a paddock system. We like the Maremma breed better for this purpose. The paddock system that we use here on our farm works best for the Maremma breed as they are less inclined to roaming. Known for their white thick coat and large size, they have the strength and ferocity  to take down predators while being fun loving,  and sweet towards humans. We have found our dogs  to be great protectors of our sheep and pigs while becoming great farm companions.