Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Belgian Tervuren Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Belgian Tervuren versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Belgian Tervuren versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Belgian Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Belgian Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Belgian Tervuren versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Belgian Tervuren versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Price of Belgian Tervuren versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Belgian Tervuren versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Tervuren versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Belgian Tervurens shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Belgian Tervuren or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Tervuren or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Does the Belgian Tervuren Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Belgian Tervurens Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Tervuren vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Tervuren or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Belgian Tervurens good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Belgian Tervurens and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Belgian Tervuren Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Belgian Tervuren
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Belgian Tervuren versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Belgian Tervuren Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Tervuren 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 Tervuren 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 Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Tervuren 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 Tervuren 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 Tervuren 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 Tervuren or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Belgian Tervuren versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
Both the Belgian Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog are similar in size. The Belgian Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog are both large-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Belgian Tervuren 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 Tervuren versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Belgian Tervuren 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 Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Belgian Tervuren | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 21 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 Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| 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 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 70 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1480 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $1600 | $495 – $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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Tervuren is 77 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 Tervuren is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Belgian Tervuren!
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 Tervuren 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 Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Belgian Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Belgian Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Belgian Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Belgian Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Belgian Tervuren versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Belgian Tervurens weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Tervurens are 21 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 Tervuren versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of Belgian Tervurens is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Tervurens 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 Tervurens.
Price of Belgian Tervuren versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
The average price of the Belgian Tervuren puppy is $1480. The price of the Belgian Tervuren typically ranges from $1200 – $1600. However, the price of a Belgian Tervuren can be as low as $300 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 41 Belgian Tervuren puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Maremma Sheepdog puppy is $1160. The price of the Maremma Sheepdog typically ranges from $495 – $1500. However, the price of the Maremma Sheepdog can be as low as $300 and as high as $4135. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 41 Maremma Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Belgian Tervuren is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Belgian Tervuren | Maremma Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1480 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1200 to $1600 | $495 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Belgian Tervuren and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Belgian Tervuren puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Belgian Tervurens. 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 Belgian Tervuren 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 Tervuren 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 Tervuren 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 Tervuren.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Belgian Tervuren.
4 health tests are recommended for Belgian Tervuren while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Belgian Tervurens and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Belgian Tervuren Health Problems
Belgian Tervurens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Belgian Tervuren 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 Tervuren puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Belgian Tervuren 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 Tervurens for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Belgian Tervurens 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.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Belgian Tervurens and Maremma Sheepdogs
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Belgian Tervuren Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Belgian Tervuren ranks 19 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 53 Belgian Tervurens, 1 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Belgian Tervurens, and how common these diseases are in Belgian Tervurens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Maremma Sheepdog Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Maremma Sheepdog ranks 59 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 159 Maremma Sheepdogs, 27 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Maremma Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Maremma Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Belgian Tervuren and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Belgian Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Belgian Tervuren Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 19 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 20 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 57 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 65 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 100 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 178 out of 198 dog breeds | 59 out of 198 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Tervuren versus Maremma Sheepdog
Belgian Tervurens do not like to be left alone.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Belgian Tervurens shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Belgian Tervurens 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 Tervuren or the Maremma Sheepdog
Belgian Tervurens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Tervuren or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Belgian Tervurens are moderately easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Belgian Tervuren Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervurens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Belgian Tervurens can very well tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Tervuren vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Belgian Tervurens 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 Tervurens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Belgian Tervurens 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 Tervuren or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Belgian Tervurens get along fairly well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Belgian Tervurens good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Belgian Tervurens 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 Tervurens and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Belgian Tervurens get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Belgian Tervuren Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Belgian Tervurens are very easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Is the Belgian Tervuren Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Belgian Tervurens adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Tervuren or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Belgian Tervurens are OK for new dog owners.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Belgian Tervuren
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Belgian Tervuren that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Belgian Tervuren:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maremma Sheepdog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Maremma Sheepdog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Belgian Tervuren and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Belgian Tervuren and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:
Belgian Tervuren Versus Other Dog Breeds
Belgian Tervuren versus Valley Bulldog Belgian Tervuren versus Welsh Terrier Belgian Tervuren versus Cesky Terrier Belgian Tervuren versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Belgian Tervuren versus Manchester Terrier Belgian Tervuren versus Boston Terrier Belgian Tervuren versus Bolognese Belgian Tervuren versus Pyrenean Shepherd Belgian Tervuren versus Saluki Belgian Tervuren versus Boston Terrier Belgian Tervuren versus Shih Tzu Belgian Tervuren versus Lakeland Terrier Belgian Tervuren versus Schnoodle Belgian Tervuren versus Cocker Spaniel Belgian Tervuren versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Belgian Tervuren versus Neapolitan Mastiff Belgian Tervuren versus Boerboel Belgian Tervuren versus Labradoodle Belgian Tervuren versus Coton de Tulear Belgian Tervuren versus Miniature Schnauzer Belgian Tervuren versus Lhasapoo Belgian Tervuren versus Stabyhoun Belgian Tervuren versus Stabyhoun Belgian Tervuren versus Curly-Coated Retriever Belgian Tervuren versus English Toy Spaniel
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard Maremma Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer Maremma Sheepdog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Kuvasz Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Xoloitzcuintli Maremma Sheepdog versus Akbash Maremma Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Lowchen Maremma Sheepdog versus Mal Shi Maremma Sheepdog versus Lowchen Maremma Sheepdog versus Ibizan Hound Maremma Sheepdog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus Akita Chow Maremma Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound Maremma Sheepdog versus Goldador Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Maremma Sheepdog versus Pekingese Maremma Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiranian
Conclusion: Belgian Tervuren 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 Tervuren and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.