Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Finnish Lapphund Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Finnish Lapphund versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Finnish Lapphund versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Lapphund versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Finnish Lapphund versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Which one drools more, the Finnish Lapphund or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Lapphund versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Do Finnish Lapphunds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Lapphund or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Does the Finnish Lapphund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Lapphund vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Finnish Lapphunds and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Finnish Lapphund or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Is the Finnish Lapphund Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Lapphund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Finnish Lapphund versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Finnish Lapphund Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund or the Maremma Sheepdog
Finnish Lapphund versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Finnish Lapphund and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Finnish Lapphund belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Finnish Lapphund versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Finnish Lapphund 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 | Finnish Lapphund | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 33 to 53 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 |
|
|
*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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Finnish Lapphund is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Finnish Lapphund!
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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Finnish Lapphund and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Finnish Lapphund and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Finnish Lapphund and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Finnish Lapphund and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Lapphund versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Finnish Lapphund and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Finnish Lapphunds weigh 33 to 53 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Lapphunds are 17 to 20 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maremma Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Finnish Lapphund than for the Maremma Sheepdog.
6 health tests are recommended for Finnish Lapphund while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Finnish Lapphunds and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Finnish Lapphund Health Problems
Finnish Lapphunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphunds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphund Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Finnish Lapphund ranks 74 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 160 Finnish Lapphunds, 3 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Finnish Lapphunds, and how common these diseases are in Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphund and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Finnish Lapphund and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Finnish Lapphund Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 74 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 86 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 90 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 119 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 Finnish Lapphund or the Maremma Sheepdog
Finnish Lapphunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Lapphund versus Maremma Sheepdog
Finnish Lapphunds do not like to be left alone.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Finnish Lapphunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Do Finnish Lapphunds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Finnish Lapphunds shed moderately.
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Do Finnish Lapphunds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Finnish Lapphunds bark and howl, but not very much.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Is the Finnish Lapphund Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Finnish Lapphunds adapt very well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Finnish Lapphund or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Finnish Lapphunds are very good for new dog owners.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Lapphund or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Finnish Lapphund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Finnish Lapphunds 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.
Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Lapphund vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Finnish Lapphunds 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.
Can Finnish Lapphunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Finnish Lapphunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Are Finnish Lapphunds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Finnish Lapphunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Finnish Lapphunds and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Finnish Lapphunds 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 Finnish Lapphund or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Finnish Lapphunds get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Is the Finnish Lapphund Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Finnish Lapphunds are very easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Lapphund
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund:
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 Finnish Lapphund and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Finnish Lapphund and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:
Finnish Lapphund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Finnish Lapphund versus Xoloitzcuintli Finnish Lapphund versus Karelian Bear Dog Finnish Lapphund versus Bluetick Coonhound Finnish Lapphund versus Xoloitzcuintli Finnish Lapphund versus Morkie Finnish Lapphund versus Boxer Finnish Lapphund versus Bernese Mountain Dog Finnish Lapphund versus Braque du Bourbonnais Finnish Lapphund versus Norfolk Terrier Finnish Lapphund versus Yorkshire Terrier
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Toy Fox Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund Maremma Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Wolfhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Mudi Maremma Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo Maremma Sheepdog versus Labradoodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Maltese Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier
Conclusion: Finnish Lapphund 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 Finnish Lapphund and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.