Unfinished Acres is a member of the MSCA ( Maremma Sheepdog Club of America and are listed as Code of Ethics breeders:
OUR MAREMMA SHEEPDOGS
Unfinished Acres is dedicated to preserving the inherent qualities of the Maremma Sheepdog. The Maremma Sheepdog was developed over 2000 years ago as a means of protection for nomadic shepherds and their large flocks of free ranging sheep in the rugged Abruzzi mountain range of Italy. In 1974, the Maremma was introduced to the United States, as part of a study comparing the various breeds of livestock guardian dogs. Although the Maremma historically had been used to protect sheep and goats from becoming an easy target for predators, their role has become more diversified over the past several years. As new ideas are being explored, exciting uses have unfolded for these dogs, from protecting an endangered species of Penguins on a tiny coastal island, to guarding a small flock of backyard poultry. The Maremma has become a vital component in many small family farms, being used to protect not only livestock and poultry, but children as well. The Maremma can be imprinted on most any type of livestock providing it is given the proper foundation.
The ideal livestock guardian dog should demonstrate a calm and gentle temperament, be tolerant of livestock juvenile curiosity and behavior, trustworthy and capable of working independently. Above all, they must exhibit a strong bond with the livestock. This nature is completely inherent in the Maremma Sheepdog and cannot be trained into any dog. Just as the Labrador was bred for it’s keen hunting and retrieving ability, the Maremma Sheepdog has been developed for it’s strong, independent and protective nature. As a first resort, the Maremma will often attempt non-confrontational strategies to ward off predators. This might include barking, urine marking, body blocking (planting himself between the predator and the stock), and possibly charging at the predator. Very rarely is the Maremma provoked to an all out physical attack, but will do so if all other attempts to fail to ward off the intruder.
These are some key points when investing in a livestock guardian dog of any breed: first and foremost, choose the correct pup for you and your situation. Genetics play a key role in the success of your future livestock guardian. Contact several breeders, visit the farm if possible and ask questions!
Can the breeder provide a five generation pedigree?
What is the temperament of the parents?
Are the pups being raised in a working environment?
Is the breeder performing any health testing on the parents of pups, for example OFA, PennHIP, etc?
These are vital questions and you have the right to ask!
It is also essential to introduce the pup at a young and impressionable age in order to develop its full potential as a livestock guardian dog. Research tells us that the most critical time for a pups imprinting and socialization takes place between 8 and 20 weeks of age. We prefer to keep our litters until the minimum age of 12 weeks. It is possible for an older dog to adapt to new stock, or even a different species of livestock, but this does take some time and effort on the owners part.
Lastly, it is equally important to avoid spending too much time pampering and fussing over your Maremma if he or she is to be used exclusively for guarding livestock. I typically tell new owners to interact with their pup only within the boundaries of his or her territory. Cardinal rule, no petting over the fence! This will help ensure bonding with the livestock rather than seeking human affection. I promise, your Maremma will still love you.
We chose the Maremma Sheepdog for the exact qualities we were looking for in a livestock guardian dog: not a constant barker (yapping at the breeze), not a roamer (prefers to stay with its flock, considered a close-in guardian versus a perimeter guardian), not too much or too little hair (a nice thick, but manageable coat), more social for small farm life (not aggressive with human visitors when introduced properly), but very dedicated and serious about their duty (innate guarding ability has not been lost in the breed from generations of pet-only use or being used as fighting dogs, like many other livestock guardian breeds today) and of course, amazingly intelligent and beautiful!
The ideal livestock guardian dog should demonstrate a calm and gentle temperament, be tolerant of livestock juvenile curiosity and behavior, trustworthy and capable of working independently. Above all, they must exhibit a strong bond with the livestock. This nature is completely inherent in the Maremma Sheepdog and cannot be trained into any dog. Just as the Labrador was bred for it’s keen hunting and retrieving ability, the Maremma Sheepdog has been developed for it’s strong, independent and protective nature. As a first resort, the Maremma will often attempt non-confrontational strategies to ward off predators. This might include barking, urine marking, body blocking (planting himself between the predator and the stock), and possibly charging at the predator. Very rarely is the Maremma provoked to an all out physical attack, but will do so if all other attempts to fail to ward off the intruder.
These are some key points when investing in a livestock guardian dog of any breed: first and foremost, choose the correct pup for you and your situation. Genetics play a key role in the success of your future livestock guardian. Contact several breeders, visit the farm if possible and ask questions!
Can the breeder provide a five generation pedigree?
What is the temperament of the parents?
Are the pups being raised in a working environment?
Is the breeder performing any health testing on the parents of pups, for example OFA, PennHIP, etc?
These are vital questions and you have the right to ask!
It is also essential to introduce the pup at a young and impressionable age in order to develop its full potential as a livestock guardian dog. Research tells us that the most critical time for a pups imprinting and socialization takes place between 8 and 20 weeks of age. We prefer to keep our litters until the minimum age of 12 weeks. It is possible for an older dog to adapt to new stock, or even a different species of livestock, but this does take some time and effort on the owners part.
Lastly, it is equally important to avoid spending too much time pampering and fussing over your Maremma if he or she is to be used exclusively for guarding livestock. I typically tell new owners to interact with their pup only within the boundaries of his or her territory. Cardinal rule, no petting over the fence! This will help ensure bonding with the livestock rather than seeking human affection. I promise, your Maremma will still love you.
We chose the Maremma Sheepdog for the exact qualities we were looking for in a livestock guardian dog: not a constant barker (yapping at the breeze), not a roamer (prefers to stay with its flock, considered a close-in guardian versus a perimeter guardian), not too much or too little hair (a nice thick, but manageable coat), more social for small farm life (not aggressive with human visitors when introduced properly), but very dedicated and serious about their duty (innate guarding ability has not been lost in the breed from generations of pet-only use or being used as fighting dogs, like many other livestock guardian breeds today) and of course, amazingly intelligent and beautiful!
WILLIE |
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SHADOW FARMS WILLIE
Willie is our ever loving herd sire. He came to Unfinished Acres as a puppy in 2012 and has since fathered 4 litters of purebred Maremma Sheepdogs.
MSCA # SD3M4347G
OFA Hips : GOOD
OFA Elbows: NORMAL
CHIC # 116420
Willie is also enrolled in the CHIC program
Willie is offered for stud service to approved, MSCA registered, PENN Hip or OFA tested/passed bitches only. Please contact UFA if you are interested in stud services from Willie.
Willie is not for sale.
VIOLA
We recently imported a very special gal, Viola, from a small town outside of Milan, Italy. We had been searching for the best, most distant bloodlines to help bring new genetics into the States. Viola arrived to Unfinished Acres on 3/15/2017. She is a very happy 2.5 year old girl and is getting to know her new charges in the form of Nubian dairy kids.
MSCA # ZZF5904G
OFA Hips : EXCELLENT
OFA Elbows : NORMAL
CHIC # 123524
Viola is not for sale
Viola, in her new diggs at UFA. We were very happy to have Viola give us 4 pupies on 04/01/2017 and very saddened when two of them expired on 04/02/2017. We have a boy and a girl which will both be retained for future breeders.
Our fat little fuzzies, one boy and one girl.
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October of 2016 Dana came from Italy to live with us, Dana was 6 months old when she landed at UFA. We are planning on breeding her when she is old enough and has passed her hip certifications, OFA and/or PennHIP. Update on Dana. Unfortunately she did not pass her PennHIP exam and was diagnosed with severe arthritis in both hips. Dana was spayed on 09/13/2017. |
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Little Dana, very shy in the beginning, she has bonded with her goats so very well.
Dana, a Maremma Sheepdog, meeting Sampson, a Great Pyrenees, and someone's Nubian nose is photobombing the photo! lol |
This photo shows one of the distinct differences between the Maremma and the Great Pyrenees: check out the angle of the forehead and where the forehead meets the muzzle.
Dana is not for sale.
Dana is not for sale.