Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dalmatian Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Dalmatian versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Dalmatian versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dalmatian and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Dalmatian and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dalmatian versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Price of Dalmatian versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Dalmatian versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Which one drools more, the Dalmatian or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Does the Dalmatian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Dalmatians Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dalmatian versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Dalmatians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Can Dalmatians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- How Kid-friendly are Dalmatians and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dalmatian or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Is the Dalmatian Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dalmatian vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Are Dalmatians good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Do Dalmatians shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dalmatian or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dalmatian
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dalmatian versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dalmatian Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian or the Maremma Sheepdog
Dalmatian versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Dalmatian and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dalmatian is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Dalmatian 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.
Dalmatian versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dalmatian 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 | Dalmatian | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 13 to 16 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Height | 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 48 to 55 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1410 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1800 | $495 – $1500 |
| 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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dalmatian is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Dalmatian!
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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Dalmatian and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Dalmatian and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Dalmatian and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dalmatian and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dalmatian versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dalmatian and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Dalmatians weigh 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Dalmatians 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.
Price of Dalmatian versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
The average price of the Dalmatian puppy is $1410. The price of the Dalmatian typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Dalmatian can be as low as $250 and as high as $2600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 233 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Dalmatian | Maremma Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1410 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $1800 | $495 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Dalmatian and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Dalmatian puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Dalmatians. 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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Dalmatian.
2 health tests are recommended for Dalmatian while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dalmatians and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Dalmatian Health Problems
Dalmatians are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dalmatian 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 Dalmatians for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dalmatians 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 Dalmatians 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 Dalmatian Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.
This is because the Dalmatian ranks 1 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 8730 Dalmatians, 1003 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dalmatians, and how common these diseases are in Dalmatians 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 Dalmatian and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dalmatian and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Dalmatian Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Baer Hearing Test problems | 1 out of 21 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hyperuricosuria problems | 1 out of 11 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 6 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 9 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 10 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 11 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 51 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 132 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 161 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 170 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.
Which one drools more, the Dalmatian or the Maremma Sheepdog
Dalmatians do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Is the Dalmatian Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Dalmatians do not adapt well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Does the Dalmatian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Dalmatians 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 Dalmatians Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Dalmatians are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dalmatian or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Dalmatians are OK for new dog owners.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dalmatian versus Maremma Sheepdog
Dalmatians can be left alone only for a short time.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Can Dalmatians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dalmatians can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Can Dalmatians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dalmatians can tolerate hot weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
How Kid-friendly are Dalmatians and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Dalmatians get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dalmatian or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Dalmatians get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Is the Dalmatian Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Dalmatians are very easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Wanderlust Potential: Dalmatian vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Dalmatians 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.
Are Dalmatians good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Dalmatians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Do Dalmatians shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Dalmatians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dalmatian or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Dalmatians are very easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dalmatian
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian:
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 Dalmatian and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dalmatian and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:
Dalmatian Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dalmatian versus Cavapoo Dalmatian versus Cavapoo Dalmatian versus Bluetick Coonhound Dalmatian versus Ibizan Hound Dalmatian versus Xoloitzcuintli Dalmatian versus Afghan Hound Dalmatian versus Yorkipoo Dalmatian versus Scottish Deerhound Dalmatian versus Bolognese Dalmatian versus Great Pyrenees
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu Maremma Sheepdog versus Doberman Pinscher Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland Maremma Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Cocker Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Schnoodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Cattle Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Catahoula Bulldog Maremma Sheepdog versus Maltipoo
Conclusion: Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.