Maremma Livestock Guardian Dogs: A Vital Asset for New Homesteaders

If you're new to homesteading, keeping your animals safe from predators is probably high on your list of priorities. Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are one of the best natural solutions to this problem—and when it comes to protecting poultry and smaller livestock, the Maremma Sheepdog is a standout. Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about adding one to your farm.

What Are Livestock Guardian Dogs?

The Role of LGDs

Livestock Guardian Dogs aren’t herders—they don’t move your animals, they live with them. These dogs have been bred for centuries to protect flocks from threats like foxes, wild dogs, hawks, and even larger predators. Their job is to patrol, bark, and be a calm but constant presence that says, “Nothing gets past me.”

How They Work

A good LGD bonds with the animals it protects. With proper training and time, they develop strong instincts to defend their flock. They don’t need to be told what to do—they’re hardwired for the job.

Why the Maremma Sheepdog?

Perfect for Poultry and Small Livestock

If you’re raising chickens, ducks, or even goats, the Maremma is a great fit. They’re calm, alert, and not overly excitable—making them gentle enough for smaller stock while still fiercely protective when it counts.

Built for the Job

Maremmas are tough. With thick white coats built for the elements and weighing in around 30–45 kg, they’re strong but not bulky. Their quiet confidence and independent nature make them ideal for small farms where space (and patience) may be limited.

And when we say "tough," we mean it. Our own Maremma, Luna, regularly chooses to sleep outside in the pouring rain, looking at us like we're the crazy ones for suggesting she use the shelter. She’s a self-appointed night shift supervisor and doesn’t miss a thing—she’ll bark if a butterfly farts two paddocks over. Not even kidding.

If the sometimes constant barking is going to annoy you (or your neighbours) then consider your options. The barking is the most consistent comment on social media pages about Maremma dogs. Its in their nature to bark and it can be excessive.

Training a Maremma (or Not Exactly…)

Training takes time—plan for at least 12 months before they’re truly reliable. But “training” might not look the way you expect.

With Luna, we didn’t follow a strict program. Instead, we focused on supervised exposure—letting her be around the livestock daily while gently guiding her behavior. Over time, her instincts kicked in and she found her rhythm.

The key is early integration: let them grow up alongside the animals they’ll protect. Avoid treating them like pets—no couch time, no sleeping indoors. This helps them focus on their role as guardian, not playmate.

Caring for Your Guardian

Shelter and Security

While you might be tempted to give your Maremma a cozy dog house, chances are they’ll ignore it. Luna certainly does. Maremmas are built for the elements, but they do need secure fencing. These dogs love to roam, and without boundaries, they’ll patrol the entire postcode.

Diet and Grooming

Maremmas do best on a high-quality diet—whether that’s a premium kibble or a raw food plan. They don’t eat a lot for their size, thanks to a slower metabolism, but steady nutrition is essential.

And that coat? It’s a double coat that practically takes care of itself—mud, muck, even burrs seem to disappear. We only brush Luna during her big moults, but it’s worth it to stay ahead of the tumbleweeds of fluff she can produce.

Is a Maremma Right for Your Homestead?

If you're looking for a calm, dependable guardian for your poultry or small livestock, the Maremma Sheepdog is hard to beat. They’re not a quick fix—they require time, patience, and trust—but they absolutely earn their place on the farm.

For us, Luna has been more than a dog—she’s part of the team. A loud, slightly rain-obsessed, butterfly-fart-detecting member of the team.

If you're serious about protecting your animals and ready to commit to a long-term working partnership, a Maremma might just be the perfect fit for your homestead.