Meet the Abruzzo Shepherd dogs
The Abruzzo Shepherd Dog, traditionally known as the Maremma-Abruzzese Sheepdog, has been an important part of pastoral life in the mountains of Abruzzo for centuries.
Bred to protect sheep from predators such as wolves and bears, these powerful white dogs accompany shepherds during the seasonal movement of flocks between the Apennine mountains and the lowland pastures.
Their thick, weather-resistant coat helped them withstand harsh winters and long periods outdoors. The fibres from these dogs reflect a long heritage of livestock guardianship and rural craftmanship, that remains closely connected to the landscapes and traditions of Abruzzo, Italy.
Martino
Pack LeaderMartino is 3 years old, he was adopted from the Canile (dog shelter) in Chieti. Found in a village in an emaciated with sores and mange all over his body, he was brought back to health.
We adopted him 2 weeks after we arrived in Italy, after speaking back and forth with the Canile a month before we arrived.
He enjoys sleeping and burping after eating! He can be grumpy when the sun isn’t shining. Particularly after a few days of rain.
He does his job very well, even refusing to come inside during cyclones and during storms. We have to encourage him inside with packs of ham!
He absolutely enjoys being brushed for this project, and snorts contentedly.
Thor
Deputy Leader of the packDeputy leader to Martino, Thor (named after the God) is one of three brothers that we own and is 2 years old. He really loves his family, and will happy to climb partly into the car if he knows the children have dropped food in it!
Loves the smell of fresh washing and given a chance will roll on the washing! The singer of the group, he leads the chorus to sing his special ‘Maremma’ song
Adores being brushed and contributed different colours of fibre to my project.
Storm
ScoutStorm, brother to Thor is 2 years old. Very intelligent and also enjoys being brushed. He is very alert and is the first to hear any noises at night.
Like the rest of the dogs he gets along very well with our pet cats.
He likes to chew things, so having washing on the line and Storm around don’t mix!
Bandit
Marley's friendBandit, named because of his markings which are similar to a mask. He is the third brother to Thor and Storm. He is 2 years old and the biggest brother. He lives with our elderly border collie called Marley.
He used to live with his two brothers, but as he has grown they had disagreements. Now everyone lives happily. Bandit has lots of fibre to contribute to my project and so far has filled four bags!
He cannot believe his luck as he is getting brushed for hours!
Luna
Family petShe arrived under the light of the moon 2 years ago. A six month puppy, a stray that was hiding in the grass of our house.
Our pack of dogs found her, and we rescued her. Covered in ticks which we removed, we had no idea where she came from.
She lives with us as a family pet, she is extremely nervous and gets frightened easily. We hope over time she will overcome her fears.
She loves her family deeply especially the children. Her best friend Zeus the cat, comes with her on her daily walks.