A Detailed Comparison of the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog.

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Finnish Spitz Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Finnish Spitz 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 Spitz 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 Spitz 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 Spitz or the Maremma Sheepdog

Finnish Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Finnish Spitz 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.

Finnish Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Finnish Spitz 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 Spitz Maremma Sheepdog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Height 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Weight 20 to 35 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 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
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $900 $1160
Price Range $600 – $1100 $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 Finnish Spitz 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 Spitz is 77 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 Spitz is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Finnish Spitz!

    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 Spitz 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 Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:

  • Finnish Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Finnish Spitzs are very playful. However, Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful.

    • The Similarities Between the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Finnish Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Finnish Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Finnish Spitzs weigh 20 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Spitzs are 15 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.

    Price of Finnish Spitz versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Finnish Spitz puppy is $900. The price of the Finnish Spitz typically ranges from $600 – $1100. However, the price of a Finnish Spitz can be as low as $500 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Finnish Spitz 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 Maremma Sheepdog is more expensive than the Finnish Spitz.

    Finnish Spitz Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $900 $1160
    Price Range $600 to $1100 $495 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Finnish Spitzs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Finnish Spitzs. 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 Finnish Spitz 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Finnish Spitz versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Finnish Spitz or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Finnish Spitz or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Finnish Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Finnish Spitz or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Finnish Spitzs 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.

    Is the Finnish Spitz Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Does the Finnish Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Finnish Spitzs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Finnish Spitzs shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Finnish Spitzs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Finnish Spitz vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Are Finnish Spitzs good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Spitzs and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Finnish Spitzs 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 Spitz or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Finnish Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Finnish Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Finnish Spitz

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Finnish Spitz 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 Spitz:

  • Bearded Collie (78 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie.
  • West Highland White Terrier (79 percent match with Finnish Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier.

    • 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 Finnish Spitz vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Finnish Spitz vs Hovawart.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Finnish Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Finnish Spitz versus Irish Setter     Finnish Spitz versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Finnish Spitz versus Mudi     Finnish Spitz versus Golden Retriever     Finnish Spitz versus Pomsky     Finnish Spitz versus Pomsky     Finnish Spitz versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Finnish Spitz versus Miniature Poodle     Finnish Spitz versus Shichon     Finnish Spitz versus Sloughi     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus American Bulldog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren     Maremma Sheepdog versus Kuvasz     Maremma Sheepdog versus Field Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Standard Schnauzer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff     

    Conclusion: Finnish Spitz 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 Spitz and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.