Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Cattle Dog Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Australian Cattle Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Australian Cattle Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of Australian Cattle Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Australian Cattle Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Price of Australian Cattle Dog versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Australian Cattle Dog versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Cattle Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Australian Cattle Dogs shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Does the Australian Cattle Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Australian Cattle Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Cattle Dog vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Australian Cattle Dogs good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Cattle Dogs and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Australian Cattle Dog Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Conclusion: Australian Cattle Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Cattle Dog Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Australian Cattle Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Australian Cattle Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Australian Cattle Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Australian Cattle Dog | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 30 to 50 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 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 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $840 | $1220 |
| Price Range | $500 – $996 | $675 – $1500 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Australian Cattle Dog is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Australian Cattle Dog!
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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
- Australian Cattle Dogs 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.
- Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
- Australian Cattle Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
- Australian Cattle Dogs are very playful. However, Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful.
The Similarities Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
- Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
Size Comparison of Australian Cattle Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Australian Cattle Dogs weigh 30 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Australian Cattle Dogs are 17 to 20 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 Australian Cattle Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs 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.
Australian Cattle Dogs live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.
Price of Australian Cattle Dog versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
The average price of the Australian Cattle Dog puppy is $840. The price of the Australian Cattle Dog typically ranges from $500 – $996. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 692 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Cattle Dog and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Cattle Dog puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Australian Cattle Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maremma Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Australian Cattle Dog than for the Maremma Sheepdog.
9 health tests are recommended for Australian Cattle Dog while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Cattle Dogs and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Australian Cattle Dog Health Problems
Australian Cattle Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Cattle Dogs 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Maremma Sheepdogs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Cattle Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog
Australian Cattle Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Cattle Dogs shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Australian Cattle Dogs shed moderately.
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Maremma Sheepdog
Australian Cattle Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Australian Cattle Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Australian Cattle Dogs 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 Australian Cattle Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Australian Cattle Dogs 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.
Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Cattle Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Cattle Dog vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Australian Cattle Dogs 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 Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Cattle Dogs can tolerate hot weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Australian Cattle Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Cattle Dogs good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Australian Cattle Dogs 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 Australian Cattle Dogs and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Australian Cattle Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Australian Cattle Dog Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Is the Australian Cattle Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Australian Cattle Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.