No dogs in this category are available right now.
Listings refresh regularly, so check back soon — new rescue dogs arrive all the time.
The Maremma Sheepdog is a large, white livestock guardian breed from central Italy, bred to live with and protect flocks from predators. In Australia it is well known for guardian work, including the famous program protecting little penguins at Warrnambool. Maremmas are independent, intelligent and protective, calm and steady by temperament, and deeply bonded to the stock or family they guard.
Like other guardian breeds, the Maremma is bred to think for itself, which makes it a poor fit for owners wanting an obedient, biddable pet. It needs secure fencing, space, early socialisation and an owner who understands guardian dogs, and it is most often suited to rural property or acreage. Browse any Maremmas and Maremma crosses currently listed from rescues and shelters across Sydney and New South Wales.
Common Maremma Sheepdog health concerns
Breed-associated conditions worth asking any rescue about before you adopt. A good rescue will already know whether a dog has been assessed for these.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
Deep-chested and at real risk; learn the signs before you need them.
Source: ACVS →Editorial summary for adopters, not medical advice. Ask the rescue about a specific dog's health, and consult your vet for individual guidance.
Get notified when a Maremma Sheepdog is listed
We will email you when a Maremma Sheepdog or Maremma Sheepdog cross becomes available for adoption in Sydney, from a rescue or an owner rehoming.
Need to rehome a Maremma Sheepdog?
If you can no longer keep your Maremma Sheepdog, listing it for rehoming on LocalPetFinder connects it directly with adopters across Sydney and NSW, and keeps it out of a shelter. It is free.
List your dog for rehoming →Maremma Sheepdog Adoption FAQ
Tap a question to expand.
How many Maremma Sheepdogs are available for adoption in Sydney?
As of October 2026 there are no Maremma Sheepdogs listed in Sydney rescue on LocalPetFinder. Maremma Sheepdogs are among the rarer dogs in Australian rescue, and availability turns over quickly, so setting an alert is the most reliable way to catch one when it arrives. Maremma Sheepdog crosses are worth considering too.
Where can I adopt a Maremma Sheepdog near me in Sydney?
LocalPetFinder lists Maremma Sheepdogs available for adoption from rescues across Sydney and New South Wales, including the Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, Western Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Rescues that regularly take in dogs of this type include RSPCA NSW at Yagoona and Animal Welfare League NSW at Kemps Creek, alongside foster-based groups. Listings update regularly, so browse the Maremma Sheepdogs above and apply directly through the rescue.
Are there Maremma Sheepdog rescues near Sydney?
Yes. Several Sydney and NSW rescues regularly have Maremma Sheepdogs and Maremma Sheepdog crosses, including RSPCA NSW, Animal Welfare League NSW, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Monika's Doggie Rescue and Maggie's Rescue, plus breed-focused foster networks. A dedicated single-breed rescue is not always active, so the fastest path is to set an alert here and watch the general rescues. Use LocalPetFinder to see which rescues currently have Maremma Sheepdogs available near you.
Where can I adopt a Maremma Sheepdog puppy in Sydney?
Purebred Maremma Sheepdog puppies are uncommon in Sydney rescue and are usually adopted very quickly, so the best strategy is to set an alert here and be ready to apply fast. Most Maremma Sheepdogs in rescue are young adults, older dogs, or Maremma Sheepdog crosses, and these make just as loving a pet as a purebred puppy while often being calmer and already part house-trained. A rescue puppy or young dog costs a few hundred dollars fully desexed, vaccinated and microchipped, against several thousand from a breeder with a waitlist. If you searched "maremma sheepdog puppies sydney" or "maremma sheepdog puppies for sale", browse the Maremma Sheepdogs above and set an alert for new arrivals.
Are these Maremma Sheepdogs for sale in Sydney?
Not for sale, for adoption, which is usually the better deal. Every Maremma Sheepdog here comes from a Sydney or NSW rescue, not a breeder or classified seller, and the adoption fee already includes desexing, vaccination and microchipping. That fee is typically a few hundred dollars, against often several thousand from a breeder with none of the vet work done. If you searched "maremma sheepdog for sale sydney", adopting gets you a vetted dog for a fraction of the price.
Where can I buy a Maremma Sheepdog in Sydney, and should I?
You can buy from a registered breeder, but it is worth weighing against adoption first. A reputable breeder often charges several thousand dollars and may have a waitlist, while a rescue Maremma Sheepdog costs a few hundred dollars fully vetted and may be available now. Be cautious of cheap "for sale" ads on classified sites and marketplaces, which are a known hotspot for scams and backyard breeding. The ACCC Scamwatch has documented deposit scams for pets that do not exist. For most Sydney families, adopting a rescue Maremma Sheepdog is cheaper, faster and gives a dog in need a home.
What home does a Maremma need?
Maremmas suit owners with space, usually rural property or acreage, who understand independent guardian breeds, whether for stock work or as a large property dog. They are not suited to small yards or apartment life. They bond closely with their family or flock and can be wary and protective with strangers, so secure fencing and management of visitors matter. Ask the rescue about the individual dog.
How much exercise does a Maremma need?
Maremmas are calm and watchful rather than frantic, patrolling and observing more than racing about, so they do not need the hard exercise a herding breed demands. Space to move plus a daily walk usually suits them, along with a job to watch over. Their guarding instinct, including barking at night, needs to be understood and managed before adopting.
How do you care for a Maremma’s coat in the heat?
The thick white double coat sheds and needs regular brushing, more during seasonal coat changes, and should never be shaved as it protects against heat and sun. In a Sydney summer provide shade, water and cool resting spots, and keep the coat well maintained. A rescue Maremma arrives desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and vet-checked.