Differences and Similarities between the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog.

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Irish Terrier Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Irish Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

Irish Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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 Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Irish Terrier Maremma Sheepdog
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 1/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 11 to 13 years
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Weight 25 to 27 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1280 $1160
Price Range $1000 – $1500 $495 – $1500
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 Irish Terrier 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 Terrier 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 Irish Terrier is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Irish Terrier!

    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 Terrier 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 Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with other dogs.
  • Irish Terriers are very playful. However, Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful.

    • The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

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

    Irish Terriers live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Price of Irish Terrier versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Irish Terrier puppy is $1280. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. However, the price of a Irish Terrier can be as low as $450 and as high as $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 26 Irish Terrier 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 Terrier is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Irish Terrier Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $1280 $1160
    Price Range $1000 to $1500 $495 to $1500

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers. 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 Irish Terrier 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Terriers shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Irish Terriers 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 Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Irish Terriers 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 Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Irish Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Irish Terriers 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 Terriers and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Irish Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Terriers 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 Irish Terrier

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

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Lakeland Terrier.

    • 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 Irish Terrier vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Hovawart.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Irish Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Irish Terrier versus Azawakh     Irish Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Irish Terrier versus Papipoo     Irish Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Irish Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     Irish Terrier versus Bloodhound     Irish Terrier versus Mudi     Irish Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Stabyhoun     Irish Terrier versus American Water Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Bernedoodle     Irish Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Irish Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Irish Terrier versus Bloodhound     Irish Terrier versus Schipperke     Irish Terrier versus Boerboel     Irish Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Irish Terrier versus Weimaraner     Irish Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Dachshund     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus French Bulldog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Barbet     Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cane Corso     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dogo Argentino     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinese Crested     Maremma Sheepdog versus Beaglier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pekingese     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Aussiedoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Berger Picard     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Boerboel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Plott     Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bloodhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog     

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