A Detailed Comparison of the Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog.

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Havanese Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Havanese versus Maremma Sheepdog

Havanese versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Havanese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Havanese versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Havanese 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 Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Havanese Maremma Sheepdog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 1/5
Easy To Train 5/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Weight 7 to 13 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2180 $1160
Price Range $1700 – $2750 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Havanese 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 Havanese is 91 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Havanese is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Havanese!

    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 Havanese 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 Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Havaneses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Havaneses 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.
  • Havaneses adapt well to apartment living. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Havaneses are good for new dog owners. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Havaneses are very friendly towards strangers. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Havaneses are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
  • Havaneses are very playful. However, Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Havanese 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 Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Havanese versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Havaneses weigh 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Havaneses are 8 to 11 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 Havanese versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Havaneses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Havaneses 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.

    Havaneses live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Price of Havanese versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Havanese puppy is $2180. The price of the Havanese typically ranges from $1700 – $2750. However, the price of a Havanese can be as low as $600 and as high as $4550. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 647 Havanese 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 Havanese is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Havanese Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $2180 $1160
    Price Range $1700 to $2750 $495 to $1500

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Havaneses. 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 Havanese 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 Havanese versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Also, like Havaneses, 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 Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

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

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

    Health Problems of Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese.

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

    4 health tests are recommended for Havanese while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

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

    Havanese Health Problems

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

  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Havaneses 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 Havaneses 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 Havanese Breed is Dentition Database problems.

    This is because the Havanese ranks 3 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 371 Havaneses, 106 of them had Dentition Database problems.

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

  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 3 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 18 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 20 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 38 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 55 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 59 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 70 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 111 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 123 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 Havanese and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Havanese and the Maremma Sheepdog:

    Disease Havanese Rank Maremma Sheepdog Rank
    Dentition Database problems 3 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Baer Hearing Test problems 18 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 20 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Advanced Cardiac problems 38 out of 71 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 55 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 59 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 70 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 111 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 123 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: Havanese versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Havaneses do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Havaneses shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Havaneses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Havanese or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Havaneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

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

    Havaneses 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 Havanese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Havanese vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Havaneses 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 Havanese or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Havaneses good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses and Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Havanese Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Havaneses are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

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

    Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Havanese

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

  • Bichon Frise (86 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (84 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Cavachon.
  • Bich Poo (85 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Bich Poo.
  • 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 Havanese vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Havanese vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Havanese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Havanese versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Havanese versus Miniature Pinscher     Havanese versus King Shepherd     Havanese versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Havanese versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Havanese versus Lhasa Apso     Havanese versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Havanese versus American Water Spaniel     Havanese versus Spanish Mastiff     Havanese versus Chinook     Havanese versus Frenchton     Havanese versus Shihpoo     Havanese versus Irish Wolfhound     Havanese versus Boerboel     Havanese versus Chinook     Havanese versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Havanese versus Cesky Terrier     Havanese versus Sealyham Terrier     Havanese versus Labradoodle     Havanese versus Dogo Argentino     Havanese versus Alaskan Malamute     Havanese versus Bluetick Coonhound     Havanese versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Havanese versus Bich Poo     Havanese versus Great Dane     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Maremma Sheepdog versus Barbet     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Sloughi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Leonberger     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Saluki     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cockalier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Alaskan Malamute     Maremma Sheepdog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Great Dane     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Canaan Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Maremma Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard     Maremma Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Papipoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Ibizan Hound     

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