Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dachshund Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Dachshund versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Dachshund versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Price of Dachshund versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Dachshund versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dachshund or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Dachshunds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dachshund versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dachshund Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dachshund 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 Dachshund or the Maremma Sheepdog
Dachshund versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dachshund is a tiny-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Dachshund belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
On the other hand, the Maremma Sheepdog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Dachshund versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dachshund 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.
| Factor | Dachshund | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Weight | 16 to 32 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1730 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $2000 | $495 – $1500 |
| Temperament Score | 69.4 percent | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dachshund 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 a Dachshund is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dachshund is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Dachshund!
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 Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds when fully grown. Dachshunds are 8 inches to 9 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.
Price of Dachshund versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
The average price of the Dachshund puppy is $1730. The price of the Dachshund typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Dachshund can be as low as $200 and as high as $24000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 698 Dachshund 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 a 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 Dachshund is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Dachshund | Maremma Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1730 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $2000 | $495 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Dachshund and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Dachshund puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Dachshunds. 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 Dachshund 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that 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 Dachshund versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Dachshund 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 Dachshund.
5 health tests are recommended for Dachshund while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dachshunds and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Dachshund Health Problems
Dachshunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dachshund 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 Dachshund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dachshund 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 Dachshunds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dachshunds 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 Dachshunds 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 Dachshund Breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Dachshund ranks 6 out of 32 dog breeds for Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 175 Dachshunds, 2 of them had Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dachshunds, and how common these diseases are in Dachshunds 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 Dachshund and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Dachshund Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 6 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 27 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 30 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 42 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 65 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 106 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 160 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 161 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.
Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dachshunds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Which one drools more, the Dachshund or the Maremma Sheepdog
Dachshunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Dachshunds are not easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Maremma Sheepdog
Dachshunds can be left alone only for a short time.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dachshunds 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 Dachshund or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Dachshunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Do Dachshunds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Dachshunds shed moderately.
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Dachshunds are moderately easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dachshund or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Dachshunds are very good for new dog owners.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Dachshunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Dachshund Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Dachshunds adapt very well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Dachshunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Dachshunds 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 Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Dachshunds 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.
Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Dachshunds 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.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dachshund
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dachshund 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 Dachshund:
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 Dachshund and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dachshund and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:
Dachshund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dachshund versus Australian Kelpie Dachshund versus Irish Wolfhound Dachshund versus Cesky Terrier Dachshund versus American Eskimo Dog Dachshund versus Ibizan Hound Dachshund versus Redbone Coonhound Dachshund versus Rottweiler Dachshund versus Golden Cocker Retriever Dachshund versus Pomsky Dachshund versus Basenji
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Cocker Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Borzoi Maremma Sheepdog versus Leonberger Maremma Sheepdog versus Shihpoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Stabyhoun Maremma Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear Maremma Sheepdog versus Spinone Italiano Maremma Sheepdog versus Dachshund Maremma Sheepdog versus Kai Ken
Conclusion: Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.