Breed Comparison: Doberman Pinscher Versus Maremma Sheepdog

Doberman Pinscher versus Maremma Sheepdog

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Doberman Pinscher Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher or the Maremma Sheepdog

Doberman Pinscher versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are similar in size. The Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are Working Dogs. This means both the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog 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.

Doberman Pinscher versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher Maremma Sheepdog
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
General Health 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 11 to 13 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Weight 60 to 80 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1910 $1160
Price Range $1100 – $2500 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Working Aptitude
  • 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:

  • Doberman Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Maremma Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with other dogs.
  • Doberman Pinschers have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Doberman Pinschers are very easy to groom. However, Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Doberman Pinschers are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
  • Doberman Pinschers are very playful. However, Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Doberman Pinscher versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Doberman Pinschers weigh 60 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Doberman Pinschers are 24 to 28 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 Doberman Pinscher versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Doberman Pinscher puppy is $1910. The price of the Doberman Pinscher typically ranges from $1100 – $2500. However, the price of a Doberman Pinscher can be as low as $300 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 476 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Doberman Pinscher Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $1910 $1160
    Price Range $1100 to $2500 $495 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Doberman Pinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Doberman Pinschers. 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Doberman Pinscher than for the Maremma Sheepdog.

    6 health tests are recommended for Doberman Pinscher while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Doberman Pinschers and in Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Doberman Pinscher Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Working Aptitude
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinscher Breed is Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems.

    This is because the Doberman Pinscher ranks 1 out of 3 dog breeds for Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 562 Doberman Pinschers, 37 of them had Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems.

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

  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems: Rank 1 out of 3 Dog Breeds
  • Von Willebrands problems: Rank 1 out of 15 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 26 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 26 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 40 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 45 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 53 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 75 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 133 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 147 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 Doberman Pinscher and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog:

    Disease Doberman Pinscher Rank Maremma Sheepdog Rank
    Dilated Cardiomyopathy problems 1 out of 3 dog breeds Not Common
    Von Willebrands problems 1 out of 15 dog breeds Not Common
    Advanced Cardiac problems 26 out of 71 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 26 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Dentition Database problems 40 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 45 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 53 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 75 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 133 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 147 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 Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Doberman Pinscher or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Does the Doberman Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Doberman Pinschers 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Doberman Pinscher versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Doberman Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Wanderlust Potential: Doberman Pinscher vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Doberman Pinschers 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.

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Doberman Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Doberman Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Doberman Pinschers and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Doberman Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Do Doberman Pinschers shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Doberman Pinschers 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 Doberman Pinscher or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Doberman Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Doberman Pinscher or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to groom.

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

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Doberman Pinscher

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher:

  • Rottweiler (68 percent match with Doberman Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Rottweiler.
  • Schnoodle (67 percent match with Doberman Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Schnoodle.
  • Neapolitan Mastiff (67 percent match with Doberman Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Neapolitan Mastiff.
  • 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 Doberman Pinscher vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Doberman Pinscher vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Doberman Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Doberman Pinscher versus Miniature Schnauzer     Doberman Pinscher versus Bouvier des Flandres     Doberman Pinscher versus Berger Picard     Doberman Pinscher versus Cane Corso     Doberman Pinscher versus Silky Terrier     Doberman Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Doberman Pinscher versus Pug     Doberman Pinscher versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Doberman Pinscher versus Japanese Spitz     Doberman Pinscher versus Pug     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinook     Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Wolfhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Samoyed     Maremma Sheepdog versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinook     Maremma Sheepdog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier     

    Conclusion: Doberman Pinscher 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 Doberman Pinscher and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.