Is the Fila Brasileiro Better than the Maremma Sheepdog as a Pet? Answer…

Fila Brasileiro versus Maremma Sheepdog

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Maremma Sheepdog

Fila Brasileiro versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Fila Brasileiro is a giant-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog are Working Dogs. This means both the Fila Brasileiro 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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Maremma Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 2/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
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
Life Span 9 to 12 years 11 to 13 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1270 $1160
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:

  • Fila Brasileiros 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.
  • Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog not very playful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 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 Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Fila Brasileiro Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $1270 $1160
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $495 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Fila Brasileiro or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Great Dane     Fila Brasileiro versus Kuvasz     Fila Brasileiro versus Black Russian Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Shiloh Shepherd     Fila Brasileiro versus Shichon     Fila Brasileiro versus Affenhuahua     Fila Brasileiro versus American Eskimo Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Shiba Inu     Fila Brasileiro versus Affenhuahua     Fila Brasileiro versus Saint Bernard     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bearded Collie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chow Chow     Maremma Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Siberian Husky     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.