Last Updated on March 11, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Should You Get a Maremma Puppy, Adolescent, or Adult?
Take This Free 2-Minute Quiz and Find Out
You know you want a Maremma Sheepdog. But the age of dog you start with can make the difference between a smooth, successful experience and months of frustration. A puppy who’s perfect for one family could be completely wrong for another — and the same goes for adolescents and adults.
This quiz asks the same questions we ask during our personal discovery calls. In about 2 minutes, you’ll get a personalized recommendation based on your specific farm, timeline, experience, and goals.
Why the Age You Start With Matters More Than You Think
Most people shopping for a livestock guardian dog focus on breed, bloodlines, and price. Almost nobody thinks carefully about age — and it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Start too young when you’re not ready for the commitment, and you’re looking at 18-24 months of time and training before your dog reaches full working maturity. Some families thrive with that process. Others burn out during adolescence and wonder what they did wrong.
Start too old when you need adaptability, and you may struggle with a dog who’s deeply attached to their previous environment and takes months to truly bond with your livestock and property.
Add the wrong age to your existing team, and you can create conflict between your current dog and the new addition — energy mismatches, social tension, and personality conflicts that make everything worse instead of better.
The right age for YOUR situation depends on factors that are specific to you. That’s exactly what this quiz helps you figure out.
What You’ll Get
A personalized age recommendation — puppy, adolescent, or adult — based on your specific situation. Not a generic answer. Not a sales pitch. A real recommendation from a breeder and certified professional trainer who’s placed over 150 Maremmas.
A detailed landing page explaining why that age is right for you, what to realistically expect, honest pricing, and real client success stories.
A short email series tailored to your result with everything you need to make a confident, informed decision — including the one recommendation that matters more than any other (and most breeders won’t tell you).
Who This Quiz Is For
First-time LGD owners who know they want a Maremma but aren’t sure whether to start with a puppy, a started adolescent, or a fully trained adult.
Experienced homesteaders who’ve had livestock guardian dogs before and want to make sure they’re choosing the right age for their current situation.
Current LGD owners looking to add the right partner to their existing dog or team — because the wrong age match is one of the most common mistakes people make.
Companion families who want a Maremma as a family dog rather than a working livestock guardian — because the recommendation is different when the dog lives with you instead of with livestock.
No matter where you are in your research, this quiz helps you skip the guesswork and get straight to the answer that actually matters for your unique situation.
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.
She’s also a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and Licensed Family Dog Mediator — which means her recommendations are based on professional training science and behavioral knowledge, not just breeding experience.
This isn’t a generic internet quiz. It’s based on the same questions Kim asks during her personal discovery calls, distilled into a format you can take in two minutes from anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the quiz take?
The Find Your Maremma Match quiz takes about 2 minutes. It’s 12 questions, all multiple choice.
Does taking the quiz commit me to anything?
No. It’s completely free and educational. You’ll receive a personalized recommendation and a short email series with helpful information. No obligation, no pressure, unsubscribe anytime.
Does this quiz reserve a puppy or dog for me?
No. Reservations only happen after a formal application, conversation with Kim, and mutual agreement that it’s the right fit. The quiz is the first step in figuring out what’s right for your unique situation.
I already know I want a puppy. Should I still take the quiz?
Yes — you might be right, and the quiz will confirm it. But you also might learn that a different age would actually serve you better. Either way, you’ll receive tailored information that helps you prepare for whatever age you choose.
I don't have a farm yet. Can I still take the quiz?
Absolutely. If you’re planning ahead, the quiz helps you think through what age dog will match your timeline and situation when you’re ready.
What if I don't agree with my result?
That’s completely fine. The quiz is a starting point, not the final word. Every result page includes information about the other options, and Kim’s free discovery call is the place to talk through the nuances a quiz can’t capture.
Is this quiz only for people buying from Prancing Pony Farm?
The age recommendation applies regardless of where you get your Maremma. The information is valuable whether you end up working with us or another breeder. That said, we think once you see our program, you’ll understand why our families love our Maremmas so much.
Not Sure About the Breed Yet?
If you’re still researching whether a Maremma is the right breed for your farm, we have a different quiz for that. Take our Should You get a Maremma Sheepdog? quiz first, then come back here when you’re ready to figure out what age to start with.
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
Ready to Discover Your Perfect Maremma Match?
Two minutes. Twelve questions. A personalized recommendation that could save you months of second-guessing.
Your information stays with Prancing Pony Farm. We’ll send your results and a short helpful email series — no spam, no sharing your info, unsubscribe anytime.
