Affix or Recognized Kennel names
My breeding is offically recognized by E.N.C.I. (Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana) and by F.C.I. (Federation Cynologique Internationale) with the kennel name "del Montelarco" . The Montelarco kennel bred only purebred Maremma Sheepdogs and all our dogs have proper Italian pedigrees.
ENCI & CPMA
In Italy the two offical organizations for Maremma sheepdogs are; ENCI (the Italian Kennel Club) and CPMA (The Italian Maremma Sheepdog Club). These two organizations have got the task by the Italian State and by FCI to protect, improve and enhance the Maremma Sheepdogs.
Therefore, the description and the definition of the breed characteristics to be followed, can come only from them, and any other different views, from enthusiasts etc. should be considered only as personal opinions.
ENCI have adopted several tools, in order to give those who adopt a dog the best possible warranties, such as Pedigree , Recognize Kennel names and Special Reproducer titles for dogs suitable for mating.
Therefore it is recommended for those who want to adopt a Maremma Sheepdog puppy to contact a recognized breeder that will offer only puppies with proper pedigree and possibily using Special Reproducer dogs and bitches in maiting. We would also reccomend to visit more than one to get a better idea how they breed their dogs.
The Pedigree
The Pedigree is the dog's identity card, where it is officially certified the breed, in our case "Maremma Sheepdog" and his genealogy: parents, grandparents, until the fourth generation. Without a pedigree a dog cannot be officially recognized belonging to a given breed. All recognized Italian dogs will be listed in the ENCI stud book, which is the official register delegated to ENCI by the Italian State, particularly by the Ministry of agriculture and forestry.
ENCI and FCI grant breeders who applies and are qualified to obtain (an affix) an official Kennel Name, which is recognized internationally, and the Kennel name will be registered in all Pedigrees of dogs raised by this breeder, it becomes like a last name that identifies more precisely a dog as the result of that breeding. Which over time can become or not, even a quality label. In this way the breeder remains bound to the history and life of that dog. This is also why all offical breeders must sign a code of ethics in order to obtain the affix www.enci.it/media/2115/f-7249_01.pdf and endorse to follow the breeding rules of the Italian Kennel Club. You can contact ENCI, in case the breeder doesn't respect these policies.
Special Reproducer title
In the ENCI studbook there is a special section for dogs and bitches who are recognized Special Reproducer. The Special Reproducer title is a certification obtained by ENCI, the Italian Kennel Club, for those dogs and bitches that have got requirements that make them considered as eccellent for maiting. In our case for a Maremma Sheepdog to become a Special Reproducer, must meet the following requirements:
- have at least 4 generations entered in the studbook,
- having been hips and elbows X-rayed and have been found free from Dysplasia,
- having passed the official morpho-character test
- recieved evaluation Excellent qualification for studs and minmum Very Good for Bitches in Special Maremma dogshow.
- deposit of the biological sample (DNA) for an absolute identification
A stud or a bitch that have obtained the Special Reproducer title provides better warranty as health, character and uniqueness of breed for their puppies. The puppies born from both parents with the Special Reproducer title will have a special pedigree, see example, of a different color than the normal ones, and labeled as "Son of Special Reproducers".
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