Alaskan Malamute versus Maremma Sheepdog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Alaskan Malamute Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Alaskan Malamute versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

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

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

Alaskan Malamute versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Alaskan Malamute 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 Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Alaskan Malamute Maremma Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sh 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Weight 75 to 100 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1580 $1220
Price Range $950 – $2000 $675 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • POLYNEUROPATHY
    		•
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Alaskan Malamute 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 Alaskan Malamute is 63 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    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 Alaskan Malamute 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 Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

    • Alaskan Malamutes are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
    • Alaskan Malamutes 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.
    • Alaskan Malamutes are very friendly towards strangers. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Alaskan Malamutes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Alaskan Malamutes have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Alaskan Malamutes are very playful. However, Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful.

    The Similarities Between the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Alaskan Malamute and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Alaskan Malamute versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Alaskan Malamutes weigh 75 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Alaskan Malamutes are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sh 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 Alaskan Malamute versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Alaskan Malamutes is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamutes is 13.5 years.

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

    Alaskan Malamutes live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Price of Alaskan Malamute versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Alaskan Malamute puppy is $1580. The price of the Alaskan Malamute typically ranges from $950 – $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 199 Alaskan Malamute 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 Alaskan Malamute is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Alaskan Malamutes. 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 Alaskan Malamute 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 Alaskan Malamute 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 Alaskan Malamute 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 Alaskan Malamute.

    5 health tests are recommended for Alaskan Malamute while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

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

    Alaskan Malamute Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • POLYNEUROPATHY

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Alaskan Malamutes 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: Alaskan Malamute versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Alaskan Malamutes do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Alaskan Malamutes shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Alaskan Malamutes 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 Alaskan Malamute or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Alaskan Malamutes do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Alaskan Malamute or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Alaskan Malamutes 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 Alaskan Malamute Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Alaskan Malamutes 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 Alaskan Malamutes Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Alaskan Malamutes 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 Alaskan Malamutes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Alaskan Malamutes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Alaskan Malamute vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Alaskan Malamutes 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 Alaskan Malamutes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Alaskan Malamutes 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 Alaskan Malamute or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Alaskan Malamutes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Alaskan Malamutes good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Alaskan Malamutes 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 Alaskan Malamutes and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Alaskan Malamutes get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Alaskan Malamute Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Alaskan Malamutes are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Alaskan Malamute Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Alaskan Malamutes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Alaskan Malamutes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

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