Maremmas are livestock guardian dogs, and many of the traits that make them remarkable working and companion animals can also make them challenging in the wrong environment.

They are independent thinkers and are not typically motivated by obedience in the same way as some other breeds. They are bred to assess situations for themselves, make decisions, guard territory, and respond to perceived threats. This means they often require owners who appreciate their intelligence and instincts rather than expecting constant compliance.

Barking is a normal breed behaviour and should be expected. Maremmas are naturally vigilant and often bark at night, when they hear movement, or when they feel the need to alert. This is part of how they communicate and protect. It is not something that can simply be trained out of them.

Maremmas can also be territorial and highly aware of boundaries. If fencing is inadequate, they may patrol widely or challenge those boundaries. Secure fencing is therefore essential, not optional.

Some dogs in care may have lived with livestock, while others may have shown interest in livestock indicating that significant training and management would be required for guardian suitability. Each dog will be assessed individually, and we aim to be transparent about what we know of their behaviour and history.

Understanding these breed characteristics is one of the most important parts of setting both dog and adopter up for success.

t MRV, we do not operate on a first come, first served basis. The first application received is not automatically the best one for the dog.

We assess each application based on the needs of the individual dog, including temperament, confidence, behaviour, environment, livestock experience where relevant, and the type of support the dog may need during transition. Some dogs may be well suited to a quieter home, while others may thrive in a rural setting with experienced owners and clear boundaries.

For this reason, we may suggest a different dog than the one originally applied for if we believe another match is more appropriate. Likewise, not all applications will progress, even where the applicant is well intentioned. This is not a judgement on the person applying, but part of our responsibility to ensure each dog is placed thoughtfully and with long-term success in mind.

Our priority is always the welfare of the dog and the suitability of the placement.

Not every MRV dog will be suitable for every household type. Some dogs may live very happily with other dogs, while others may prefer calmer environments or require careful introductions. Some may be suitable for homes with older children, while others may need homes without children or with more experienced handling and management.

Where a dog’s profile identifies specific household needs, these will be considered carefully in the matching process. We ask adopters to be honest about all animals on the property, the ages of children, and the day-to-day environment so that we can make the safest and most appropriate recommendation.

Our goal is not to make adoption difficult, but to avoid setting dogs or families up for unnecessary stress or failed placements.

Maremma Rescue Victoria does not train or guarantee dogs as livestock guardian dogs for working placements.

While some dogs in our care may show traits that suggest guardian potential, and others may show little or no working suitability, we do not present any dog as a finished or guaranteed working guardian. Livestock guardian ability is influenced by genetics, early development, environment, stock exposure, handling, management, and the suitability of the placement itself. For that reason, no rescue can responsibly promise that a dog will succeed in a working role simply because it is a Maremma.

What we do is assess and observe. Where relevant, we identify signs of guardian potential, neutrality, or concern, and we share those observations transparently in the dog’s profile and during adoption discussions. This may include information about the dog’s confidence, environmental sensitivity, interest in livestock, boundary awareness, reactions to other animals, and how much support or training may be required.

Some dogs may have lived with livestock previously. Others may have shown interest in livestock indicating that significant training, supervision, and management would be required for guardian suitability. Some may be better suited to companion homes only. Our role is to provide honest information about what we have observed, so adopters can make an informed decision and the dog can be placed appropriately.

Ultimately, successful livestock guardian placements depend on far more than breed alone. They require realistic expectations, suitable stock and fencing setup, careful introduction, and an adopter willing to support the dog over time.

Secure fencing is one of the most important requirements for adopting a Maremma. These dogs are capable, determined, and often very aware of weaknesses in a boundary.

Fencing should be well maintained, physically secure, and appropriate for a large guardian breed. We are not just looking at height, but also general integrity, gates, gaps, climb points, and any obvious risks that may allow a dog to escape or patrol beyond the property. Rural properties may also need consideration of internal fencing, livestock access, road exposure, and general containment arrangements.

Applicants may be asked to provide photographs or videos of fencing and relevant areas of the property as part of the application process. This is not about creating unnecessary barriers, but about ensuring the environment is safe and realistic for the dog being placed.

Where improvements to fencing or setup are needed, we may recommend these before adoption proceeds.

Sterilisation and Surgical Options

All dogs adopted through MRV are sterilised prior to adoption.

In most cases this will involve traditional procedures — castration for males and spay for females. In some situations, based on the individual dog and veterinary advice, alternative gonad-sparing procedures may be used. These include:

• Ovary-sparing spay (females) — uterus removed, ovaries retained

• Vasectomy (males) — sterile, but testes retained

These procedures prevent reproduction while allowing the dog to retain natural hormones.

Gonad-sparing procedures

Ovary-Sparing Spay (Females)

With an ovary-sparing spay, the female will continue to cycle hormonally. This means:

• She may show behavioural changes associated with heat cycles
• Male dogs may show increased interest during these periods
• Management during these times is still required

There is growing discussion around the benefits of retaining hormones during early development in large and giant breeds, particularly in relation to joint development and maturation. However, the evidence is still evolving, and this approach is not appropriate for every dog.

Because the ovaries are retained, hormone-related conditions are not eliminated in the same way as a traditional spay. For this reason, some owners may choose to have the ovaries removed later in adulthood (often discussed around 3–4 years), but this is an individual decision made in consultation with a veterinarian rather than a fixed requirement.

Vasectomy (Males)

With a vasectomy, the dog is sterile but continues to produce testosterone. This means:

• Male behaviours (e.g. roaming, marking, interest in females) may still be present
• The dog will still respond to females in season
• Ongoing management is required

Retaining hormones during early development may have benefits for growth and musculoskeletal development in large breeds, but as with females, this must be balanced with longer-term considerations.

Because the testes are retained, conditions associated with intact males (such as prostate changes) can still occur over time. Some owners may choose to proceed with castration later in adulthood (often discussed around 3–4 years), depending on the dog and veterinary advice.

Our Approach

Where alternative sterilisation options are considered, MRV will discuss these with the local partner veterinarians to guide our decisions.  New owners will be informed of the method of sterilisation completed.

Our adoption process is designed to help us make the best possible match for both the dog and adopter. Every dog is different, and some placements are straightforward while others require a little more discussion and planning.

The process generally begins with submission of an adoption application. Once received, the application is reviewed with the individual dog’s needs in mind. If the application appears suitable, we may contact you to discuss your home environment, previous dog experience, fencing, lifestyle, and what you are hoping for in a dog.

Where relevant, we may ask for additional information, including photos or videos of fencing and property setup. This is an important part of the process, particularly for a breed known to patrol boundaries and test insecure fencing.

If the application progresses, a meet and greet may then be arranged. In some cases, a trial period may also be considered to help determine whether the placement is likely to be successful for both the dog and adopter. Adoption is only finalised once everyone is comfortable that the home is the right fit.

Please understand that this process can take time. We are a rescue run by volunteers, and careful placement is always prioritised over speed.

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Our adoption fee is listed within the advert of each Maremma.

This fee helps contribute to the veterinary and rescue costs involved in preparing dogs for adoption. Dogs adopted through MRV are desexed and up to date with flea and worming treatments. They are also microchipped.

As a rescue, adoption fees help us continue the work of caring for dogs in foster homes, arranging veterinary treatment, transporting dogs where needed, and supporting future intakes. Adoption is not a sale process; it is part of a rescue model focused on responsible rehoming and long-term welfare. We often do not cover costs when adopting our dogs to you.

MRV is a volunteer-run organisation, and many of our processes — including property checks and transporting dogs — involve significant travel across Victoria.

To ensure our volunteers are not out of pocket, we ask for a contribution toward travel costs, based on the ATO guideline of $0.88 per kilometre. This helps cover fuel and vehicle expenses.

Travel is typically calculated as a return trip, and you will always be advised of any costs upfront.

We do not profit from these contributions — they simply help us continue supporting our volunteers and placing dogs in the right homes, regardless of location.