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

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Hovawart Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Hovawart versus Maremma Sheepdog

Hovawart versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog are Working Dogs. This means both the Hovawart 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.

Hovawart versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Hovawart Maremma Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 11 to 13 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $495 – $1500
Average Price No Data $1160
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    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 Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches 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 Hovawart versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 years.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

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

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Hovawarts 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.

    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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

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

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart

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

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • 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 Hovawart vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Saluki     Hovawart versus Dogo Argentino     Hovawart versus Chi-Poo     Hovawart versus Mountain Cur     Hovawart versus English Toy Spaniel     Hovawart versus Sussex Spaniel     Hovawart versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Hovawart versus Shiranian     Hovawart versus Kuvasz     Hovawart versus Shiba Inu     Hovawart versus Miniature Pinscher     Hovawart versus Norfolk Terrier     Hovawart versus Standard Poodle     Hovawart versus Lowchen     Hovawart versus Jack Russell Terrier     Hovawart versus Bluetick Coonhound     Hovawart versus Pug     Hovawart versus Basset Hound     Hovawart versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Hovawart versus Scottish Terrier     Hovawart versus Lhasa Apso     Hovawart versus Bulldog     Hovawart versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Hovawart versus Mountain Cur     Hovawart versus Vizsla     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Italian Greyhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Wolfhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Maremma Sheepdog versus Papipoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Maremma Sheepdog versus Boston Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano     Maremma Sheepdog versus Spinone Italiano     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiranian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Whoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Papipoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Water Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Maremma Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Goldendoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog     

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