Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Basenji Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Basenji versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Basenji versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of Basenji versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Basenji versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Price of Basenji versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Basenji versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Basenjis shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Conclusion: Basenji versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Basenji Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Basenji versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basenji is a small-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Basenji belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Basenji versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Basenji 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 Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Basenji | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Height | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 22 to 24 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1560 | $1220 |
| Price Range | $1450 – $1450 | $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 Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Basenji!
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 Basenji 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 Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
- Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Maremma Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather.
- Basenjis 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.
- Basenjis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
- Basenjis have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
- Basenjis are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Maremma Sheepdogs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
- Basenjis are good for new dog owners. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Basenjis adapt well to apartment living. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
- Basenjis are very friendly towards strangers. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
- Basenjis are very easy to groom. However, Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
- Basenjis are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
- Basenjis 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.
- Basenjis 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.
The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
- Both the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog are not easy to train.
- Both the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog not very playful.
- Both the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
- Both the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
Size Comparison of Basenji versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Basenjis weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Basenjis are 16 to 17 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 Basenji versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of Basenjis is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basenjis 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 Basenjis.
Price of Basenji versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
The average price of the Basenji puppy is $1560. The price of the Basenji typically ranges from $1450 – $1450. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 10 Basenji 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 Basenji is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Basenji and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Basenji puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Basenjis. 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 Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maremma Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Basenji than for the Maremma Sheepdog.
6 health tests are recommended for Basenji while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Basenjis and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Basenji Health Problems
Basenjis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Basenji 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 Basenji puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Basenji 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 Basenjis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Basenjis 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: Basenji versus Maremma Sheepdog
Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Basenjis shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Basenjis 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 Basenji or the Maremma Sheepdog
Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Basenjis are very easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Basenjis 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 Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Basenjis 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 Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Basenjis 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 Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Basenjis 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 Basenji or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Basenjis 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 Basenjis and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Basenjis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Basenjis are not easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basenji or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Basenji 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 Basenji and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.