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

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Greyhound Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound or the Maremma Sheepdog.

Greyhound versus Maremma Sheepdog

Greyhound versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog are similar in size. The Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Greyhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Greyhound versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Greyhound 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 Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Greyhound Maremma Sheepdog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the sho 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 1/5
Easy To Train 5/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 85 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $660 $1160
Price Range $500 – $800 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Greyhound!

    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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Maremma Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Greyhounds adapt well to apartment living. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Greyhounds can tolerate hot weather. However, Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Greyhounds are very friendly towards strangers. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Greyhounds are very easy to groom. However, Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Greyhounds are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
  • Greyhounds 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.
  • Greyhounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Greyhound versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Greyhounds weigh 50 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Greyhounds are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the sho 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 Greyhound versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Greyhounds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Greyhounds is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.

    Greyhounds live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Price of Greyhound versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Greyhound puppy is $660. The price of the Greyhound typically ranges from $500 – $800. However, the price of a Greyhound can be as low as $400 and as high as $1100. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 20 Greyhound 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 Greyhound.

    Greyhound Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $660 $1160
    Price Range $500 to $800 $495 to $1500

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Greyhounds. 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Greyhounds 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 Greyhound named Popeye that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Greyhounds like Popeye on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Greyhounds, 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.

    The Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Elijah is the name of another Greyhound (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Greyhounds and Maremma Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Health Problems of Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Greyhound.

    2 health tests are recommended for Greyhound while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Greyhounds and in Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Greyhound Health Problems

    Greyhounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Greyhound 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 Greyhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Greyhound 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 Greyhounds for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Greyhounds 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:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Maremma Sheepdogs here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Greyhounds 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 Greyhound Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Greyhound ranks 76 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 119 Greyhounds, 2 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Greyhounds, and how common these diseases are in Greyhounds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 76 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 81 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 186 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Hips problems: Rank 59 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Greyhound and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Greyhound and the Maremma Sheepdog:

    Disease Greyhound Rank Maremma Sheepdog Rank
    Eyes problems 76 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 81 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 186 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: Greyhound versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Greyhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Greyhounds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Greyhounds 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 Greyhound or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Greyhounds have a very high tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Greyhound or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Greyhounds are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Greyhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Greyhounds 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 Greyhounds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Can Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Greyhound vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Greyhounds 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 Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Greyhounds can tolerate hot weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Greyhound or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Greyhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Greyhounds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Greyhounds 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 Greyhounds and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Greyhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Greyhound Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Greyhounds are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Greyhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Greyhounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Greyhounds 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 Greyhound

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

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (70 percent match with Greyhound). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • Bull Terrier (71 percent match with Greyhound). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Bull Terrier.
  • Weimaraner (69 percent match with Greyhound). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Weimaraner.
  • 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 Greyhound vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Greyhound vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Greyhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Greyhound versus Tibetan Spaniel     Greyhound versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Greyhound versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Greyhound versus Newfoundland     Greyhound versus Siberian Husky     Greyhound versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Greyhound versus Papipoo     Greyhound versus American Foxhound     Greyhound versus Lowchen     Greyhound versus Bluetick Coonhound     Greyhound versus Great Pyrenees     Greyhound versus Dachshund     Greyhound versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Greyhound versus Black Mouth Cur     Greyhound versus Labrador Retriever     Greyhound versus Sheepadoodle     Greyhound versus Chinese Crested     Greyhound versus King Shepherd     Greyhound versus Norwich Terrier     Greyhound versus English Springer Spaniel     Greyhound versus Brittany     Greyhound versus Miniature Pinscher     Greyhound versus Alaskan Malamute     Greyhound versus Alaskan Malamute     Greyhound versus Akita     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus King Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus French Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Weimaraner     Maremma Sheepdog versus Stabyhoun     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinook     Maremma Sheepdog versus Sloughi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Maremma Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Komondor     Maremma Sheepdog versus Akbash     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomeranian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Beaglier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinese Crested     Maremma Sheepdog versus Papillon     Maremma Sheepdog versus Akita Chow     Maremma Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz     Maremma Sheepdog versus Whoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bolognese     

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