Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Great Pyrenees Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Great Pyrenees versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Great Pyrenees versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Great Pyrenees versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Great Pyrenees versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Price of Great Pyrenees versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
- Adopting the Great Pyrenees versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Great Pyrenees versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Great Pyrenees versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Great Pyreneess shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Great Pyrenees or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Pyrenees or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Does the Great Pyrenees Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Great Pyreneess Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Great Pyrenees vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Pyrenees or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Great Pyreneess good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Great Pyreneess and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Great Pyrenees Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Great Pyrenees
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Great Pyrenees versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Great Pyrenees Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Great Pyrenees versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Pyrenees is a giant-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog are Working Dogs. This means both the Great Pyrenees 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.
Great Pyrenees versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Great Pyrenees | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 85 to 160 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $830 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $500 – $1000 | $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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees is 63 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Maremma Sheepdog is a better pet than the Great Pyrenees. 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Great Pyrenees versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Great Pyreneess weigh 85 to 160 pounds when fully grown. Great Pyreneess are 25 to 32 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 Great Pyrenees versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of Great Pyreneess is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess.
Price of Great Pyrenees versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
The average price of the Great Pyrenees puppy is $830. The price of the Great Pyrenees typically ranges from $500 – $1000. However, the price of a Great Pyrenees can be as low as $195 and as high as $2825. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 352 Great Pyrenees 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 Maremma Sheepdog is more expensive than the Great Pyrenees.
| Great Pyrenees | Maremma Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $830 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $500 to $1000 | $495 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Great Pyrenees and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Great Pyrenees puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Great Pyreneess. 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees named Hank that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Great Pyreneess like Hank on pefinder.com.
Also, like Great Pyreneess, 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.
Sly Brown Dfw is the name of another Great Pyrenees (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Great Pyreneess and Maremma Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Health Problems of Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees 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 the same number of genetic health problems as the Great Pyrenees.
5 health tests are recommended for Great Pyrenees while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Great Pyreneess and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Great Pyrenees Health Problems
Great Pyreneess are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyreneess for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees Breed is Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
This is because the Great Pyrenees ranks 1 out of 6 dog breeds for Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 109 Great Pyreneess, 9 of them had Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Great Pyreneess, and how common these diseases are in Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Great Pyrenees Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Canine Multifocal Retinopathy problems | 1 out of 6 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Neuronal Degeneration problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 16 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 25 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 27 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 55 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 63 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 101 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 112 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 124 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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Great Pyrenees versus Maremma Sheepdog
Great Pyreneess can be left alone only for a short time.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Great Pyreneess shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees or the Maremma Sheepdog
Great Pyreneess do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Pyrenees or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Great Pyreneess are very easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Great Pyrenees Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Great Pyreneess 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.
Do Great Pyreneess Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Great Pyreneess 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.
Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Great Pyreneess can very well tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Great Pyrenees vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Great Pyreneess get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Great Pyreneess good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Great Pyreneess get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Great Pyrenees Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Great Pyreneess are not easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Is the Great Pyrenees Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Great Pyreneess do not adapt well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Pyrenees or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Great Pyreneess are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Great Pyrenees
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees:
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 Great Pyrenees and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Great Pyrenees and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:
Great Pyrenees Versus Other Dog Breeds
Great Pyrenees versus Bearded Collie Great Pyrenees versus Samoyed Great Pyrenees versus Chorkie Great Pyrenees versus Azawakh Great Pyrenees versus Australian Terrier Great Pyrenees versus Pomchi Great Pyrenees versus American Bulldog Great Pyrenees versus Xoloitzcuintli Great Pyrenees versus Briard Great Pyrenees versus English Cocker Spaniel Great Pyrenees versus Miniature Poodle Great Pyrenees versus German Longhaired Pointer Great Pyrenees versus Curly-Coated Retriever Great Pyrenees versus Goldendoodle Great Pyrenees versus Chihuahua Great Pyrenees versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Great Pyrenees versus German Wirehaired Pointer Great Pyrenees versus Beaglier Great Pyrenees versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Great Pyrenees versus Pointer Great Pyrenees versus Schnoodle Great Pyrenees versus Cockapoo Great Pyrenees versus Black Russian Terrier Great Pyrenees versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Lakeland Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Catahoula Bulldog Maremma Sheepdog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Bloodhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Bulldog Maremma Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Maremma Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Poodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavachon Maremma Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound Maremma Sheepdog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie Maremma Sheepdog versus Vizsla Maremma Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavachon Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Wolfhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus American Water Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin
Conclusion: Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.