
Vincent Poggioreale has spent more than 6 years with B & V Contracting in Yonkers, New York, as a safety supervisor and coordinator. When he is not functioning in a professional safety role at various job sites throughout the area, Vincent Poggioreale is an avid outdoorsman. His interests range from hunting to spending time with his dog, an Abruzzese named Luigi.
The Maremmano-Abruzzese sheepdog is the largest breed of Italian sheepdog. Individuals who believe that an Abruzzese might make the perfect addition to their family should first consider a few important details about the breed.
To begin, the Abruzzese is a large breed. The dogs frequently hit 100 pounds and can stand 29 inches tall, making them larger and heavier than most retrievers, not to mention very powerful and energetic. While these dogs often form lifelong bonds with single handlers, they are intelligent, strong-willed dogs and can be very difficult to train for inexperienced or impatient dog owners.
Individuals who do not intend to use their dogs to herd sheep must be aware that although Abruzzeses can coexist with other animals to the point of being herders, this comes as the result of comprehensive training and should not be an assumed trait. Similarly, the breed’s guarding instincts must be carefully developed, as they can manifest as food guarding habits and other possessive behaviors, particularly if a dog does not have its extensive exercise needs met. Individuals or families living in cities might consider another breed.
Finally, while the Abruzzese can be raised as family dogs, the Maremma half of the breed is not predisposed to liking children or other dogs. While they can be trained and raised beyond these predilections, it bears repeating that the Abruzzese is a dog for experienced owners.

