Is the Dogo Argentino Better than the Maremma Sheepdog as a Pet? Answer…

Dogo Argentino versus Maremma Sheepdog

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Dogo Argentino Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Maremma Sheepdog

Dogo Argentino versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Dogo Argentino versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino Maremma Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2510 $1160
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:

  • Dogo Argentinos 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.
  • Dogo Argentinos are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Maremma Sheepdogs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches 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 Dogo Argentino versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Dogo Argentino Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $2510 $1160
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $495 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Dogo Argentino.

    3 health tests are recommended for Dogo Argentino while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dogo Argentinos and in Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Dogo Argentino Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentino Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.

    This is because the Dogo Argentino ranks 3 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 105 Dogo Argentinos, 3 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.

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

  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 3 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 16 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 85 out of 144 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 Dogo Argentino and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog:

    Disease Dogo Argentino Rank Maremma Sheepdog Rank
    Baer Hearing Test problems 3 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 16 out of 198 dog breeds 59 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 85 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common

    *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.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dogo Argentino or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Dogo Argentinos 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 one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentino or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino:

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • 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 Dogo Argentino vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Carolina Dog     Dogo Argentino versus Chinese Crested     Dogo Argentino versus Dutch Shepherd     Dogo Argentino versus Papillon     Dogo Argentino versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Dogo Argentino versus Akita Chow     Dogo Argentino versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Dogo Argentino versus Finnish Lapphund     Dogo Argentino versus Portuguese Water Dog     Dogo Argentino versus Patterdale Terrier     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Lancashire Heeler     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Manchester Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Schipperke     Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomeranian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier     

    Conclusion: Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.