Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Setter Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
- Adopting the Irish Setter versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Irish Setter versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Irish Setters shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Setter or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Setter Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
Both the Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog are similar in size. The Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog are both large-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Irish Setter belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
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.
Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Irish Setter | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 11 to 15 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 60 to 70 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1680 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2200 | $495 – $1500 |
| 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Irish Setter!
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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 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 Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.
Irish Setters live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.
Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
The average price of the Irish Setter puppy is $1680. The price of the Irish Setter typically ranges from $1200 – $2200. However, the price of a Irish Setter can be as low as $500 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 105 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Irish Setter | Maremma Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1680 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1200 to $2200 | $495 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Setter and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Setter puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Irish Setters. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter named Conan that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Irish Setters like Conan on pefinder.com.
Also, like Irish Setters, 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.
Oliver & Maggie Together Only is the name of another Irish Setter (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Irish Setters and Maremma Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Health Problems of Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Irish Setter.
3 health tests are recommended for Irish Setter while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Setters and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Irish Setter Health Problems
Irish Setters are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Setter 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 Irish Setters for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the Irish Setter ranks 13 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1455 Irish Setters, 139 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Setters, and how common these diseases are in Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Irish Setter Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid problems | 13 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 35 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 67 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 92 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 99 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: Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog
Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Irish Setters shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Maremma Sheepdog
Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Setters are very easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Setter or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter:
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 Irish Setter and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Setter and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:
Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Setter versus Pyredoodle Irish Setter versus Whippet Irish Setter versus Tibetan Terrier Irish Setter versus German Wirehaired Pointer Irish Setter versus Cairn Terrier Irish Setter versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Irish Setter versus Bullmastiff Irish Setter versus Cavachon Irish Setter versus Swedish Vallhund Irish Setter versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Irish Setter versus Alaskan Malamute Irish Setter versus Portuguese Water Dog Irish Setter versus Kishu Ken Irish Setter versus Puli Irish Setter versus English Toy Spaniel Irish Setter versus Portuguese Pointer Irish Setter versus Goldendoodle Irish Setter versus English Setter Irish Setter versus Leonberger Irish Setter versus Shihpoo Irish Setter versus Tibetan Mastiff Irish Setter versus Japanese Chin Irish Setter versus Bordoodle Irish Setter versus Leonberger Irish Setter versus Dogue de Bordeaux
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Wolfhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinook Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd Maremma Sheepdog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Flat-Coated Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu Maremma Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin Maremma Sheepdog versus Bulldog Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Poodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Alaskan Malamute Maremma Sheepdog versus Bernedoodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Kuvasz Maremma Sheepdog versus Italian Greyhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren Maremma Sheepdog versus Boxer Maremma Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound
Conclusion: Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.