Differences and Similarities between the Chinese Crested and the Maremma Sheepdog.

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Chinese Crested Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Chinese Crested versus Maremma Sheepdog

Chinese Crested versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Chinese Crested and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chinese Crested is a small-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Chinese Crested belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Chinese Crested versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Chinese Crested Maremma Sheepdog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 11 to 13 years
Height 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Weight Up to 12 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1430 $1160
Price Range $1000 – $1600 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • RCD3-PRA DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chinese Crested is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Chinese Crested!

    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 Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Chinese Cresteds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Maremma Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Chinese Cresteds 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.
  • Chinese Cresteds 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.
  • Chinese Cresteds are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Maremma Sheepdogs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Chinese Cresteds are very friendly towards strangers. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Chinese Cresteds are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
  • Chinese Cresteds adapt well to apartment living. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Chinese Crested and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Chinese Cresteds weigh Up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Chinese Cresteds are 11 to 13 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 Chinese Crested versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Chinese Cresteds is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Chinese Cresteds is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.

    Price of Chinese Crested versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Chinese Crested puppy is $1430. The price of the Chinese Crested typically ranges from $1000 – $1600. However, the price of a Chinese Crested can be as low as $500 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 157 Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Chinese Crested Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $1430 $1160
    Price Range $1000 to $1600 $495 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Chinese Cresteds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chinese Cresteds. 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 Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maremma Sheepdog.

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

    8 health tests are recommended for Chinese Crested while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

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

    Chinese Crested Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • RCD3-PRA DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.

    This is because the Chinese Crested ranks 7 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1982 Chinese Cresteds, 23 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.

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

  • Primary Lens Luxation problems: Rank 7 out of 17 Dog Breeds
  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 12 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 53 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 54 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 147 out of 182 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 Chinese Crested and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chinese Crested and the Maremma Sheepdog:

    Disease Chinese Crested Rank Maremma Sheepdog Rank
    Primary Lens Luxation problems 7 out of 17 dog breeds Not Common
    Baer Hearing Test problems 12 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 53 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 54 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 147 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems Not Common 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: Chinese Crested versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Chinese Cresteds do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chinese Cresteds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Chinese Cresteds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinese Crested or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Chinese Cresteds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Chinese Crested Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Cresteds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Chinese Cresteds bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Chinese Cresteds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chinese Cresteds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chinese Crested vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Cresteds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Chinese Cresteds get along very well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chinese Cresteds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Cresteds and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Chinese Cresteds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Chinese Crested Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Chinese Cresteds are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Chinese Crested Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Chinese Cresteds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested:

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

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

    Chinese Crested Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chinese Crested versus Bull Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Lancashire Heeler     Chinese Crested versus Bedlington Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Airedale Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Cavapoo     Chinese Crested versus Italian Greyhound     Chinese Crested versus Pug     Chinese Crested versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Chinese Crested versus Plott     Chinese Crested versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Chinese Crested versus Komondor     Chinese Crested versus Sealyham Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Norwich Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Papillon     Chinese Crested versus Tibetan Terrier     Chinese Crested versus American Hairless Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Bull Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Coton de Tulear     Chinese Crested versus Lakeland Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Shiba Inu     Chinese Crested versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Chinese Crested versus Labradoodle     Chinese Crested versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Chinese Crested versus Tibetan Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Cavachon     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Papipoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dalmatian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chorkie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bich Poo     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Afador     Maremma Sheepdog versus Peek A Poo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Maremma Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Labradoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Akita     Maremma Sheepdog versus Yorkipoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Pinscher     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus Mudi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dogo Argentino     Maremma Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Akita Chow     Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Scottish Deerhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier     

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