Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Wolfhound Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Irish Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Irish Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Irish Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Price of Irish Wolfhound versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
- Adopting the Irish Wolfhound versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Irish Wolfhound versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Wolfhound or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Does the Irish Wolfhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Irish Wolfhounds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Wolfhound or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Wolfhounds and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Irish Wolfhound Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Wolfhound
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Wolfhound Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Irish Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Wolfhound is a giant-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Irish Wolfhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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 Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Irish Wolfhound | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 115 to 180 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 6 to 8 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Average Lifespan | 7.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1930 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2400 | $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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound is 82 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 Wolfhound is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Irish Wolfhound!
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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Irish Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Irish Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Irish Wolfhounds weigh 115 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Irish Wolfhounds are 32 to 35 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 Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is between 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is 7.0 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 Wolfhounds.
Price of Irish Wolfhound versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
The average price of the Irish Wolfhound puppy is $1930. The price of the Irish Wolfhound typically ranges from $1500 – $2400. However, the price of a Irish Wolfhound can be as low as $720 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 91 Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Irish Wolfhound | Maremma Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1930 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2400 | $495 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Wolfhound and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Wolfhound puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Irish Wolfhounds. 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhound named Action Jackson that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Irish Wolfhounds like Action Jackson on pefinder.com.
Also, like Irish Wolfhounds, 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.
Tex is the name of another Irish Wolfhound (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Irish Wolfhounds and Maremma Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Health Problems of Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound.
5 health tests are recommended for Irish Wolfhound while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Wolfhounds and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Irish Wolfhound Health Problems
Irish Wolfhounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhounds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhound Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Irish Wolfhound ranks 11 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 682 Irish Wolfhounds, 12 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Wolfhounds, and how common these diseases are in Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhound and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Irish Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Irish Wolfhound Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 11 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 12 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 34 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 50 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 164 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 Wolfhound versus Maremma Sheepdog
Irish Wolfhounds do not like to be left alone.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Irish Wolfhounds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately.
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Irish Wolfhound or the Maremma Sheepdog
Irish Wolfhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Wolfhound or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Wolfhounds are moderately easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Wolfhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Wolfhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Wolfhound vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Wolfhounds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Wolfhound or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Wolfhounds get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Irish Wolfhounds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Irish Wolfhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Wolfhound Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Wolfhounds are fairly easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Is the Irish Wolfhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhound or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhound
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound:
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 Wolfhound and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Wolfhound and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:
Irish Wolfhound Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Wolfhound versus Chinese Crested Irish Wolfhound versus Toy Poodle Irish Wolfhound versus Scottish Deerhound Irish Wolfhound versus Miniature Poodle Irish Wolfhound versus Bloodhound Irish Wolfhound versus Bull Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Flat-Coated Retriever Irish Wolfhound versus Curly-Coated Retriever Irish Wolfhound versus Bedlington Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Border Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Kerry Blue Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Bracco Italiano Irish Wolfhound versus Bull Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus German Pinscher Irish Wolfhound versus Brussels Griffon Irish Wolfhound versus Karelian Bear Dog Irish Wolfhound versus Skye Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Irish Wolfhound versus Pyrenean Mastiff Irish Wolfhound versus West Highland White Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Akbash Irish Wolfhound versus Boston Terrier Irish Wolfhound versus Neapolitan Mastiff Irish Wolfhound versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Wolfhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavapoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer Maremma Sheepdog versus Boxer Maremma Sheepdog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie Maremma Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus English Springer Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Bich Poo Maremma Sheepdog versus Bich Poo Maremma Sheepdog versus Clumber Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Bouvier des Flandres Maremma Sheepdog versus American Eskimo Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren Maremma Sheepdog versus Great Dane Maremma Sheepdog versus Boykin Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Maremma Sheepdog versus Barbet Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Setter
Conclusion: Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.