Is the Akbash Better than the Maremma Sheepdog as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Akbash Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akbash 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 Akbash 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 Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akbash 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 Akbash 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 Akbash 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 Akbash or the Maremma Sheepdog.

Akbash versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog are similar in size. The Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog are Working Dogs. This means both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog 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.

Akbash versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akbash 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 Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Akbash Maremma Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 13 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Height 27 to 34 inches 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 140 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $610 $1220
Price Range $500 – $800 $675 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akbash 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 Akbash is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    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 Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

    • Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Akbash 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 Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Akbash and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Akbash versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 inches 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 Akbash versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 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 Akbashs.

    Price of Akbash versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Akbash puppy is $610. The price of the Akbash typically ranges from $500 – $800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 12 Akbash puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Maremma Sheepdog puppy is $1220. The price of the Maremma Sheepdog typically ranges from $675 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 31 Maremma Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Maremma Sheepdog is more expensive than the Akbash.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. 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 Akbash 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akbash versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akbashs shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Akbash or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

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

    Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Akbashs 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.

    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 Akbashs Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akbash vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Akbashs 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 Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Akbashs good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Akbashs 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 Akbashs and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Akbash Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

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

    Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

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