Is the Affenpinscher Better than the Maremma Sheepdog as a Pet? Answer…

Affenpinscher versus Maremma Sheepdog

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Affenpinscher Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Affenpinscher and for the Maremma Sheepdog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Affenpinscher or the Maremma Sheepdog

Affenpinscher versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Affenpinscher is a tiny-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Affenpinscher belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Maremma Sheepdog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Affenpinscher versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Affenpinscher to the Maremma Sheepdog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Affenpinscher Maremma Sheepdog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 11 to 13 years
Easy To Train 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Weight 7 to 9 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Height 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2220 $1160
Price Range $500 – $1962 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Affenpinscher in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Maremma Sheepdog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Affenpinscher is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Affenpinscher is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Affenpinscher!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:

  • Affenpinschers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Affenpinschers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Affenpinschers are good for new dog owners. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Affenpinschers adapt well to apartment living. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog

    The Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:

  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Affenpinscher versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Affenpinschers weigh 7 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Affenpinschers are 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Maremma Sheepdogs weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Maremma Sheepdogs are 23.5 to 28.5 inches when fully grown.

    Price of Affenpinscher versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Affenpinscher puppy is $2220. The price of the Affenpinscher typically ranges from $500 – $1962. However, the price of a Affenpinscher can be as low as $150 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 8 Affenpinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Maremma Sheepdog puppy is $1160. The price of the Maremma Sheepdog typically ranges from $495 – $1500. However, the price of a Maremma Sheepdog can be as low as $300 and as high as $4135. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 40 Maremma Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Affenpinscher is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Affenpinscher Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $2220 $1160
    Price Range $500 to $1962 $495 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Affenpinscher and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Affenpinscher puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Affenpinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Affenpinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Affenpinscher puppy or the Maremma Sheepdog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Affenpinscher versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Maremma Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Affenpinscher.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Affenpinscher.

    4 health tests are recommended for Affenpinscher while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Affenpinschers and in Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Affenpinscher Health Problems

    Affenpinschers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Affenpinscher puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Affenpinscher puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Affenpinscher breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Affenpinschers for:

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Affenpinschers here.

    Maremma Sheepdog Health Problems

    Maremma Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Maremma Sheepdog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Maremma Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Maremma Sheepdog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Maremma Sheepdogs for:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Maremma Sheepdogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Affenpinscher versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Affenpinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    How Kid-friendly are Affenpinschers and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Affenpinschers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Do Affenpinschers shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Affenpinschers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Affenpinscher or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Affenpinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Is the Affenpinscher Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Affenpinschers are not easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Do Affenpinschers Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Affenpinschers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Affenpinscher vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Affenpinschers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Affenpinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Affenpinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Affenpinschers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Affenpinscher or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Affenpinschers are moderately easy to groom.

    Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Affenpinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Affenpinschers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Maremma Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Affenpinscher or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Affenpinschers are very good for new dog owners.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Affenpinscher or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Affenpinschers get along very well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Affenpinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Affenpinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Are Affenpinschers good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Affenpinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Affenpinscher

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maremma Sheepdog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Maremma Sheepdog:

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dog (75 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Affenpinscher vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Affenpinscher that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Affenpinscher:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (75 percent match with Affenpinscher). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Peek A Poo (75 percent match with Affenpinscher). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Peek A Poo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Affenpinscher and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Affenpinscher and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:

    Affenpinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Affenpinscher versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Affenpinscher versus Puggle     Affenpinscher versus Japanese Spitz     Affenpinscher versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Affenpinscher versus Boxerdoodle     Affenpinscher versus Schipperke     Affenpinscher versus Mudi     Affenpinscher versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Affenpinscher versus Pomchi     Affenpinscher versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chorkie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bernedoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Maremma Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier     

    Conclusion: Affenpinscher versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Affenpinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.