Is the Canaan Dog Better than the Maremma Sheepdog as a Pet? Answer…

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Canaan Dog Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Canaan Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Canaan Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Canaan 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.

Canaan Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Canaan 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 Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Canaan Dog Maremma Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Height 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Weight 35 to 55 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $600 $1160
Price Range $600 – $600 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Canaan 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 Canaan Dog is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Canaan Dog is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Canaan 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 Canaan 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 Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Canaan Dogs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Maremma Sheepdogs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Canaan Dogs adapt well to apartment living. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Canaan Dogs can tolerate hot weather. However, Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Canaan Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Canaan Dogs are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Canaan 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 Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Canaan Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Canaan Dogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Canaan Dogs are 19 to 24 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 Canaan Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Canaan Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Canaan 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.

    Canaan Dogs live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Price of Canaan Dog versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Canaan Dog puppy is $600. The price of the Canaan Dog typically ranges from $600 – $600. However, the price of a Canaan Dog can be as low as $600 and as high as $600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Canaan Dog 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 Maremma Sheepdog is more expensive than the Canaan Dog.

    Canaan Dog Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $600 $1160
    Price Range $600 to $600 $495 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Canaan Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Canaan Dogs. 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 Canaan 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 Canaan 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 Canaan 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 Maremma Sheepdog is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Canaan Dog.

    5 health tests are recommended for Canaan Dog while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

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

    Canaan Dog Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Canaan 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:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Maremma Sheepdogs here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dog Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    This is because the Canaan Dog ranks 33 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 300 Canaan Dogs, 15 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Canaan Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Canaan Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 33 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 36 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 95 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 131 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 137 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 185 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Hips problems: Rank 59 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Canaan Dog and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Canaan Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog:

    Disease Canaan Dog Rank Maremma Sheepdog Rank
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 33 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 36 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 95 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 131 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 137 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 185 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: Canaan Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Canaan Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Canaan Dogs shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Canaan Dogs 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 Canaan Dog or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Canaan Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Canaan Dog or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Canaan Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Canaan Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Canaan Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Canaan Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Canaan Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Canaan Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Canaan Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Canaan Dog vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Canaan Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    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 Canaan Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Canaan 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 Canaan Dog or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Canaan Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Canaan Dogs good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Canaan 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 Canaan Dogs and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Canaan Dogs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Canaan Dog Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Canaan Dogs are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Canaan Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Canaan Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Canaan Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Canaan Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Canaan Dog 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 Canaan Dog:

  • Dutch Shepherd (78 percent match with Canaan Dog). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • 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:

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dog (75 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Canaan Dog vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Canaan Dog vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Canaan Dog and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Canaan Dog and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:

    Canaan Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Canaan Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Canaan Dog versus Kooikerhondje     Canaan Dog versus Puggle     Canaan Dog versus Lhasa Apso     Canaan Dog versus Alaskan Malamute     Canaan Dog versus Briard     Canaan Dog versus King Shepherd     Canaan Dog versus Mudi     Canaan Dog versus Pharaoh Hound     Canaan Dog versus Morkie     Canaan Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Canaan Dog versus Whoodle     Canaan Dog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Canaan Dog versus Beaglier     Canaan Dog versus Irish Wolfhound     Canaan Dog versus Schipperke     Canaan Dog versus Morkie     Canaan Dog versus Weimaraner     Canaan Dog versus Chow Chow     Canaan Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Canaan Dog versus Cavachon     Canaan Dog versus Airedale Terrier     Canaan Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Canaan Dog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Canaan Dog versus Clumber Spaniel     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Pekingese     Maremma Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon     Maremma Sheepdog versus Azawakh     Maremma Sheepdog versus Boykin Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Maremma Sheepdog versus Biewer Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bearded Collie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Leonberger     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Saluki     Maremma Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus Westiepoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Frenchton     

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