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

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Airedale Terrier Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog.

Airedale Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

Airedale Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Airedale Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Airedale Terrier Maremma Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 11 to 13 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Height 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
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
General Health 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1360 $1160
Price Range $950 – $1800 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Airedale Terrier 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 the Airedale Terrier is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Airedale Terriers 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.
  • Airedale Terriers are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
  • Airedale Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Airedale Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Maremma Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Airedale Terriers are very playful. However, Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Airedale Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 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.

    Lifespan of Airedale Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Airedale Terriers is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Airedale Terriers is 11.5 years.

    The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.

    Maremma Sheepdogs live longer than Airedale Terriers.

    Price of Airedale Terrier versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Airedale Terrier puppy is $1360. The price of the Airedale Terrier typically ranges from $950 – $1800. However, the price of a Airedale Terrier can be as low as $250 and as high as $3135. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 282 Airedale Terrier 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 the 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 41 Maremma Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Airedale Terrier is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Airedale Terrier Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $1360 $1160
    Price Range $950 to $1800 $495 to $1500

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Airedale Terriers. 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 Airedale Terrier 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills 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 Airedale Terrier versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Both the Airedale Terrier 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 the same number of genetic health problems as the Airedale Terrier.

    5 health tests are recommended for Airedale Terrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

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

    Airedale Terrier Health Problems

    Airedale Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Airedale Terriers 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.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Airedale Terriers and Maremma Sheepdogs

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Airedale Terrier Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Airedale Terrier ranks 17 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 78 Airedale Terriers, 2 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Airedale Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Airedale Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 17 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 29 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 44 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 107 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Maremma Sheepdog Breed is Hips problems.

    This is because the Maremma Sheepdog ranks 59 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 159 Maremma Sheepdogs, 27 of them had Hips problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Maremma Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Maremma Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Hips problems: Rank 59 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Airedale Terrier and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog:

    Disease Airedale Terrier Rank Maremma Sheepdog Rank
    Eyes problems 17 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 29 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 44 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 107 out of 198 dog breeds 59 out of 198 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Airedale Terriers 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 Airedale Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Airedale Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other 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.

    Do Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Airedale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    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 Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Airedale Terriers 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 Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Airedale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Airedale Terriers and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Airedale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier:

  • Australian Shepherd (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Springer Spaniel (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog

    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 Airedale Terrier vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Airedale Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Airedale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Airedale Terrier versus Ibizan Hound     Airedale Terrier versus Great Dane     Airedale Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher          Airedale Terrier versus Saluki     Airedale Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Airedale Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Airedale Terrier versus Bich Poo     Airedale Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Airedale Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Airedale Terrier versus Akbash     Airedale Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Airedale Terrier versus Azawakh     Airedale Terrier versus Westiepoo     Airedale Terrier versus German Pinscher     Airedale Terrier versus Chow Chow     Airedale Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Airedale Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Airedale Terrier versus Kishu Ken     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Hound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Border Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiranian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bullmastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Water Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz     Maremma Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher     Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Wolfhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear     Maremma Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin     Maremma Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus King Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus Azawakh     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Maremma Sheepdog versus English Springer Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cockalier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Afador     

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.