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

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Belgian Sheepdog Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Belgian Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Belgian Sheepdog 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.

Belgian Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Belgian Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 13 years
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 1/5
Easy To Train 5/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
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
Weight 60 to 75 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1430 $1220
Price Range $800 – $1725 $675 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Belgian 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

    • Belgian Sheepdogs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Maremma Sheepdogs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs 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.
    • Belgian Sheepdogs are very playful. However, Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs weigh 60 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Sheepdogs are 22 to 26 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 Belgian Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs.

    Price of Belgian Sheepdog versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Belgian Sheepdog puppy is $1430. The price of the Belgian Sheepdog typically ranges from $800 – $1725. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 32 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Sheepdogs. 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 more genetic health problems than the Belgian Sheepdog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Belgian Sheepdog.

    3 health tests are recommended for Belgian Sheepdog while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

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

    Belgian Sheepdog Health Problems

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

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Belgian Sheepdogs 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: Belgian Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Belgian Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Sheepdogs shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Belgian Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Sheepdog vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdog or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Belgian Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Belgian Sheepdogs 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 Belgian Sheepdogs and Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Belgian Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Belgian Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Belgian Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.

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

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