Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Golden Retriever Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Golden Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Golden Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Golden Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Price of Golden Retriever versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
- Adopting the Golden Retriever versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Golden Retriever versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Golden Retriever or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Retriever or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Golden Retrievers and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Golden Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Golden Retriever Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Golden Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Golden Retriever 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.
Golden Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Golden Retriever 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.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Golden Retriever | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 55 to 75 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1870 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2200 | $495 – $1500 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Golden Retriever 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 the Golden Retriever is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Golden Retriever is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Golden Retriever!
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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Golden Retrievers weigh 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Golden Retrievers are 21 to 24 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.
Lifespan of Golden Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.
Maremma Sheepdogs live longer than Golden Retrievers.
Price of Golden Retriever versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
The average price of the Golden Retriever puppy is $1870. The price of the Golden Retriever typically ranges from $1500 – $2200. However, the price of a Golden Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2668 Golden Retriever 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 the 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 Golden Retriever is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Golden Retriever | Maremma Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1870 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2200 | $495 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Golden Retriever and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Golden Retriever puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Golden Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs?
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Golden Retriever 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Golden Retriever versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Golden Retrievers and many Maremma Sheepdogs are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Golden Retriever named D837 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Golden Retrievers like D837 on pefinder.com.
Also, like Golden Retrievers, Maremma Sheepdogs are also available for adoption. For example, Leo is a Male Maremma Sheepdog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Maremma Sheepdogs like Leo that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Rocky is the name of another Golden Retriever (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Golden Retrievers and Maremma Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Health Problems of Golden Retriever versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Golden Retriever.
4 health tests are recommended for Golden Retriever while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Golden Retrievers and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Golden Retriever Health Problems
Golden Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retrievers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever Breed is Ichthyosis problems.
This is because the Golden Retriever ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Ichthyosis problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1770 Golden Retrievers, 33 of them had Ichthyosis problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Golden Retrievers, and how common these diseases are in Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Golden Retriever Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Ichthyosis problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 11 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 17 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 33 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 36 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 39 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 40 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 45 out of 198 dog breeds | 59 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 56 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 56 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 58 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 112 out of 145 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Golden Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog
Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever or the Maremma Sheepdog
Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Golden Retrievers 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.
Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Golden Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Golden Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Golden Retrievers 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.
Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Golden Retrievers 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.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Retriever or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Golden Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Golden Retrievers are very easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Is the Golden Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Retriever or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Golden Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever:
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 Golden Retriever and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Golden Retriever and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:
Golden Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Golden Retriever versus Irish Terrier Golden Retriever versus Bearded Collie Golden Retriever versus Miniature Poodle Golden Retriever versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Golden Retriever versus West Highland White Terrier Golden Retriever versus Affenhuahua Golden Retriever versus Pomsky Golden Retriever versus Boxerdoodle Golden Retriever versus Boxerdoodle Golden Retriever versus Brittany Golden Retriever versus Italian Greyhound Golden Retriever versus Cockalier Golden Retriever versus Shih Tzu Golden Retriever versus Collie Golden Retriever versus Yorkshire Terrier Golden Retriever versus Lancashire Heeler Golden Retriever versus Vizsla Golden Retriever versus Bichon Frise Golden Retriever versus American Foxhound Golden Retriever versus Irish Terrier Golden Retriever versus Bichon Frise Golden Retriever versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Golden Retriever versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Golden Retriever versus American Pit Bull Terrier Golden Retriever versus Kooikerhondje
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Ibizan Hound Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu Maremma Sheepdog versus Siberian Husky Maremma Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Bichon Frise Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren Maremma Sheepdog versus Beaglier Maremma Sheepdog versus Great Dane Maremma Sheepdog versus Cocker Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Braque du Bourbonnais Maremma Sheepdog versus Canaan Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound Maremma Sheepdog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Bich Poo Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog versus Barbet Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomapoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Bloodhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Maremma Sheepdog versus Saluki Maremma Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Maremma Sheepdog versus Lagotto Romagnolo
Conclusion: Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.