Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Water Spaniel Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Irish Water Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Irish Water Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Water Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Irish Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Water Spaniels and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Water Spaniel
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Water Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Irish Water Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Irish Water Spaniel | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 65 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $495 – $1500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1160 |
| 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel is 81 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 Water Spaniel is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Irish Water Spaniel!
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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Irish Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Irish Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Water Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Irish Water Spaniels weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Irish Water Spaniels are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet 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 Water Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.
Maremma Sheepdogs live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.
Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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 the same number of genetic health problems as the Irish Water Spaniel.
5 health tests are recommended for Irish Water Spaniel while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Water Spaniels and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Irish Water Spaniel Health Problems
Irish Water Spaniels are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniels for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Irish Water Spaniel ranks 5 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 111 Irish Water Spaniels, 7 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Water Spaniels, and how common these diseases are in Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Irish Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Irish Water Spaniel Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 5 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 9 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 18 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 31 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 104 out of 198 dog breeds | 59 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 105 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 150 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: Irish Water Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog
Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Irish Water Spaniels shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniel or the Maremma Sheepdog
Irish Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Water Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Water Spaniel vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Irish Water Spaniels good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Water Spaniel Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Is the Irish Water Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Water Spaniel or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniel
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel:
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 Water Spaniel and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:
Irish Water Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Water Spaniel versus Tibetan Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Bracco Italiano Irish Water Spaniel versus Portuguese Water Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Japanese Chin Irish Water Spaniel versus Portuguese Water Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Fila Brasileiro Irish Water Spaniel versus Manchester Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Bedlington Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus American Water Spaniel Irish Water Spaniel versus Bouvier des Flandres Irish Water Spaniel versus Samoyed Irish Water Spaniel versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus American Hairless Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus German Shorthaired Pointer Irish Water Spaniel versus Pekingese Irish Water Spaniel versus Australian Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Vizsla Irish Water Spaniel versus Goldendoodle Irish Water Spaniel versus Affenhuahua Irish Water Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Irish Water Spaniel versus Maremma Sheepdog Irish Water Spaniel versus Pyrenean Mastiff Irish Water Spaniel versus Canaan Dog Irish Water Spaniel versus Afador Irish Water Spaniel versus Brittany
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinook Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Morkie Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomchi Maremma Sheepdog versus Dogue de Bordeaux Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiba Inu Maremma Sheepdog versus Bichon Frise Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Bich Poo Maremma Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Boxer Maremma Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiba Inu Maremma Sheepdog versus Boston Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Samoyed Maremma Sheepdog versus Boerboel Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Malinois Maremma Sheepdog versus Peek A Poo Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle
Conclusion: Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.