Breed Comparison: Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus Maremma Sheepdog

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Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog

Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier Maremma Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Weight 18 to 24 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $495 – $1500
Average Price No Data $1160
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • *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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Dandie Dinmont Terrier!

    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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Dandie Dinmont Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Maremma Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog

    The Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:

  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers weigh 18 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Dandie Dinmont Terriers are 8 to 11 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.

    Health Problems of Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

    2 health tests are recommended for Dandie Dinmont Terrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dandie Dinmont Terriers and in Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier Health Problems

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

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dandie Dinmont Terriers 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.

    Which one drools more, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers 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.

    Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are not easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers 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.

    Can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dandie Dinmont Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers shed moderately.

    Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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.

    Is the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers 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.

    Are Dandie Dinmont Terriers good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Dandie Dinmont Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier:

  • Cavapoo (79 percent match with Dandie Dinmont Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Cavapoo.
  • Shih Tzu (79 percent match with Dandie Dinmont Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Shih Tzu.
  • 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Gordon Setter     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Dachshund     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Berger Picard     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Briard     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Dandie Dinmont Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Maltese     Maremma Sheepdog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Vizsla     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Barbet     Maremma Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus Greyhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff     

    Conclusion: Dandie Dinmont Terrier 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.