Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Harriers shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Harrier is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Harrier 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.
Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Harrier | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 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 | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $495 – $1500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1160 |
| 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 Harrier 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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 Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers 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 Harriers.
Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Harriers 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 Harrier named Bailey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Harriers like Bailey on pefinder.com.
Also, like Harriers, 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.
Pilot is the name of another Harrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Harriers and Maremma Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Health Problems of Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier 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 Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier 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 Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers 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 Harriers 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 Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers 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 Harrier and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 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: Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Harriers shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Harriers shed moderately.
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Maremma Sheepdog
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Harriers 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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers 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 Harrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Harriers 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 Harriers and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Harriers 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 Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
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 Harrier and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Chinook Harrier versus Peek A Poo Harrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier Harrier versus Chi-Poo Harrier versus Sheepadoodle Harrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier Harrier versus Yorkshire Terrier Harrier versus Silky Terrier Harrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog Harrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Harrier versus Morkie Harrier versus Spanish Mastiff Harrier versus Schnoodle Harrier versus Pointer Harrier versus Lowchen Harrier versus German Pinscher Harrier versus Newfoundland Harrier versus Pekingese Harrier versus Irish Terrier Harrier versus German Longhaired Pointer Harrier versus Chinese Crested Harrier versus Vizsla Harrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux Harrier versus Great Pyrenees Harrier versus Yorkipoo
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher Maremma Sheepdog versus Border Collie Maremma Sheepdog versus Harrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomchi Maremma Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Bordoodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog versus Bullmastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Cattle Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus American Foxhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Rottweiler Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinook Maremma Sheepdog versus Schipperke Maremma Sheepdog versus Black and Tan Coonhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Carolina Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Hound
Conclusion: Harrier 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 Harrier and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.