Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Icelandic Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
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.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $495 – $1500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1160 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 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 not better or worse than the Icelandic Sheepdog. So, you can get the Maremma Sheepdog or the Icelandic 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Icelandic Sheepdogs are 16 to 18 inchestall 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 Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.
Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog named Elf that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Icelandic Sheepdogs like Elf on pefinder.com.
Also, like Icelandic Sheepdogs, 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.
You can find more Icelandic Sheepdogs and Maremma Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maremma Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Maremma Sheepdog.
8 health tests are recommended for Icelandic Sheepdog while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Problems
Icelandic Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Icelandic 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 Icelandic Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Icelandic 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Icelandic Sheepdog ranks 55 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 769 Icelandic Sheepdogs, 137 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Icelandic Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 55 out of 198 dog breeds | 59 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 149 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
*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: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Maremma Sheepdog
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Icelandic 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 Icelandic Sheepdog:
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 Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shiranian Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chihuahua Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cockapoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd Icelandic Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Chinese Crested Icelandic Sheepdog versus Samoyed Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maltipoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai Icelandic Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Siberian Husky Icelandic Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Samoyed Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cockapoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees Icelandic Sheepdog versus Maltese Icelandic Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pekingese Icelandic Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff Icelandic Sheepdog versus Black and Tan Coonhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Skye Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Newfoundland Icelandic Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Akita Maremma Sheepdog versus English Springer Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Dalmatian Maremma Sheepdog versus Puggle Maremma Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Maremma Sheepdog versus Plott Maremma Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Goldador Maremma Sheepdog versus Estrela Mountain Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Maremma Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound Maremma Sheepdog versus Icelandic Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd Maremma Sheepdog versus Golden Cocker Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Akbash Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavapoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund Maremma Sheepdog versus American Foxhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Bolognese Maremma Sheepdog versus Black Mouth Cur Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavachon Maremma Sheepdog versus Catahoula Bulldog Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.