Last Updated on March 19, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Should You Get a Maremma Sheepdog?
Take This Free Quiz and Find Out in 2 Minutes
You’ve been researching livestock guardian dogs. You’ve read the blog posts, scrolled the Facebook groups, and maybe even watched a few YouTube videos. And you’re still not sure whether a Maremma is actually the right breed for you.
That’s not because you haven’t done enough research. It’s because most of the information out there is generic — and your situation isn’t.
This quiz evaluates YOUR specific property, livestock, lifestyle, experience, and family to give you a personalized answer. Not a guess. Not a sales pitch. An honest assessment from a certified professional trainer who’s placed over 150 Maremmas and will tell you if this breed isn’t right for you.
Why This Quiz Exists
30% of livestock guardian dogs fail. Not because they’re bad dogs — because they were placed in situations that weren’t right for them, by breeders who didn’t ask the right questions.
Most breeders want to sell you a dog. They’re not going to tell you that your property is too small, your neighbors are too close, or your expectations aren’t realistic. They’ll take your money and wish you luck.
That’s not how we operate.
This quiz was designed to ask the questions that most breeders skip — the ones that actually determine whether you’ll succeed or struggle. And if the answer is “a Maremma isn’t the best fit right now,” we’ll tell you that honestly and explain why.
Because a dog that fails isn’t just a lost investment. It’s a heartbroken family, a stressed animal, and livestock that still aren’t protected.
What the Quiz Covers
Thirteen questions about the factors that actually matter for Maremma success:
Your property and environment — size, setting, and whether it’s realistic for a large, independent livestock guardian breed that needs room to work.
Your livestock situation — what you’re protecting, what you’re protecting them from, and how severe your predator pressure actually is.
Your existing dogs — whether you have companion dogs, and how you envision them interacting with a Maremma (this matters more than most people realize).
Your experience level — not to judge you, but to make sure you know what you’re getting into and whether you’re ready for the learning curve.
Your expectations — the role you see this dog playing, how much time you can invest, and whether your expectations align with what the breed actually is.
Your lifestyle factors — children, visitors, neighbors, grooming tolerance, and how you’d handle challenging behaviors.
No trick questions. No wrong answers. Just honest information that helps you make a confident decision.
Three Possible Results
“A Maremma is the Perfect Dog for You” — Your situation checks every box. You’ll get specific guidance on turning that perfect setup into actual success, including the decisions that matter most in the next few weeks.
“A Maremma is Probably a Great Choice” — You have most of what’s needed, and with the right guidance, this could work beautifully. You’ll learn what it takes to turn “probably” into “definitely.”
“A Maremma Might Work, But Let’s Talk” — Your situation has some challenges, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Many of our most successful placements started with imperfect setups. You’ll get an honest assessment and an invitation to discuss your specific situation.
No matter which result you get, you’ll receive a free Maremma Buyer’s Guide and an educational email series covering the real factors that determine LGD success — information that’s valuable whether you end up buying from us or not.
Who This Quiz Is For
Homesteaders losing livestock to predators who need protection now, but aren’t sure if a Maremma is the right solution for their specific situation.
First-time LGD owners who’ve been researching breeds and want honest guidance before making a commitment that lasts 12-15 years.
People comparing breeds — especially Great Pyrenees vs. Maremma — who want to understand which breed actually fits their farm, not just which one looks better in photos.
Anyone who’s been told “just get an LGD” without anyone explaining what that actually involves, what it costs, what can go wrong, and how to set yourself up for success.
People who’ve already had a bad LGD experience and want to make sure the next one goes differently.
People considering a Maremma as a pet, but not sure if one would be a good fit.
About Your Quiz Guide
This quiz was built by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM — owner of Prancing Pony Farm in Lemoore, California. Kim has placed over 150 Maremma Sheepdogs in working and companion homes across the United States and Canada over nearly a decade of breeding.
As a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Licensed Family Dog Mediator, Kim’s recommendations are grounded in professional training science and behavioral knowledge — not just opinions.
She’s also one of the only Maremma breeders in the country who will honestly tell you NOT to get this breed if your situation isn’t right for it. Her reputation is built on successful placements, not just sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the quiz take?
About 2 minutes. Thirteen questions, all multiple choice.
Does taking this quiz commit me to anything?
No. It’s completely free and educational. You’ll get a personalized result, a free Maremma Buyer’s Guide, and a short email series with helpful information. No obligation, no pressure, unsubscribe anytime.
What if I get a result that says a Maremma isn't right for me?
Then we just saved you thousands of dollars and years of frustration. The quiz isn’t here to sell you a dog — it’s here to help you make the right decision. And even the most cautious result doesn’t necessarily mean “never.” It means “let’s talk about your specific situation first.
I'm comparing Great Pyrenees and Maremmas. Will this quiz help?
Yes. While the quiz is specifically about Maremmas, many of the questions evaluate whether you’re suited for ANY livestock guardian dog breed. Your result and the follow-up email series will help you understand breed differences and what to look for regardless of which breed you choose.
I already know I want a Maremma. Should I still take this quiz?
Yes — it might confirm your decision, or it might surface considerations you haven’t thought about. Either way, the Buyer’s Guide and email series you’ll receive are valuable preparation materials. And if you already know you want a Maremma but aren’t sure what AGE to get, we have a separate quiz for that:
Will you be honest if a Maremma isn't right for me?
Completely. I’ve turned away clients whose situations weren’t suitable and advised people to wait or reconsider. My reputation depends on successful placements, not sales volume. If the quiz suggests caution, the follow-up emails and consultation call will give you the full, honest picture.
Why Families Choose Prancing Pony Farm
- MSCA Code of Ethics Breeder
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
- Licensed Family Dog Mediator (LEGS Applied Ethology)
- 150+ Maremmas placed in working and companion homes
- Health-tested breeding program with two-year guarantee
- Lifetime breeder and trainer support included with every dog
Already Know a Maremma Is Right for You?
If you’ve already decided on the breed and just need to figure out what age dog to get, skip this quiz and take our age-matching quiz instead:
Find Your Perfect Maremma Match →
Or if you’re ready to move forward now:
Ready to Find Out?
Two minutes. Thirteen questions. An honest answer about whether a Maremma Sheepdog belongs on your farm.
Your information stays with Prancing Pony Farm. You’ll receive your personalized results, a free Buyer’s Guide, and a short educational email series — no spam, no sharing your info, unsubscribe anytime.
