At its meeting on 22^nd April 2008, the General Committee decided to withdraw Kennel Club Challenge Certificate status from Maremma Sheepdogs with effect from 2011.

The Kennel Club has been in consultation with both the Maremma Sheepdog Club and the Northern Maremma Association for a number of years following concerns about dwindling numbers of the breed being exhibited at shows and the very small number of dogs in the breeding programme.  The clubs have, over the years, been asked to work together in a co-ordinated way to improve the breed’s situation. They have also been asked on several occasions, to provide information on the progress being made jointly in addressing the breed’s problems. At its recent meeting, the Committee studied a submission from the breed clubs outlining the current state of the breed.  

Last year only 9 dogs were registered, 2006 – 18, 2005 – 19, 2004 -17.  Average entries at shows where Kennel Club Challenge Certificates were on offer have stagnated at less than 10 at general and group championship shows and even when the breed club championship show is included only rise to about 12. 

Having considered all of the information before it, the Committee decided that it is inadvisable, for the moment, to continue to consider Maremma Sheepdogs as a breed to which it is appropriate to permit the awarding of Challenge Certificates – the Kennel Club’s highest award.  Therefore Championship status for Maremma Sheepdogs will be removed effective from the beginning of 2011. 

The General Committee has invited the breed to enter into a period of development and cohesion, and has requested an interim report on progress made in three years’ time. 

Ronnie Irving, Chairman of the Kennel Club said, “We began to question whether Maremmas should retain CCs a number of years ago, and told the clubs of our concerns at that stage. Since then we’ve been in touch with them regularly about their individual attempts to improve things. Sadly, for various reasons, not enough progress has been made. It was with regret, therefore, that the General Committee took this decision to remove CCs from the breed. Hopefully after a few years of future co-operation between the two clubs and the various breeders, the situation will be remedied and the breed will be strong enough to merit CC status again.  The Committee has asked for a review of the position in three years’ time.”

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Kennel Club Registration, Kennel Club 

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