Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better than the Maremma Sheepdog as a Pet? Answer…

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Jack Russell Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

Jack Russell Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Jack Russell 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.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Maremma Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Life Span 10 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1100 $1160
Price Range $700 – $1250 $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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Jack Russell Terrier is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Jack Russell Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
  • Jack Russell Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Maremma Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Jack Russell Terriers are very playful. However, Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Jack Russell Terriers weigh 13 to 17 pounds when fully grown. Jack Russell Terriers are 10 to 15 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 Jack Russell Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 years.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Price of Jack Russell Terrier versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Jack Russell Terrier puppy is $1100. The price of the Jack Russell Terrier typically ranges from $700 – $1250. However, the price of a Jack Russell Terrier can be as low as $200 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 410 Jack Russell 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 Maremma Sheepdog is more expensive than the Jack Russell Terrier.

    Jack Russell Terrier Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $1100 $1160
    Price Range $700 to $1250 $495 to $1500

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell 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.

    Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terrier named Spott that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Jack Russell Terriers like Spott on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Jack Russell Terriers, 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.

    The Jack Russell Terrier and the Maremma Sheepdog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Wishbone is the name of another Jack Russell Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Jack Russell Terriers and Maremma Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Jack Russell Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

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

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terriers and Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier

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

  • Airedale Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Welsh 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 Jack Russell Terrier vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Jack Russell Terrier versus Akita     Jack Russell Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Jack Russell Terrier versus Maltese     Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Jack Russell Terrier versus Pointer     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cavapoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Jack Russell Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Jack Russell Terrier versus German Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Whippet     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bordoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Dachshund     Jack Russell Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Jack Russell Terrier versus Puggle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Cavapoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus American Water Spaniel     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Chorkie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavachon     Maremma Sheepdog versus Carolina Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Fila Brasileiro     Maremma Sheepdog versus Spanish Mastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shichon     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lowchen     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shichon     Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Malinois     Maremma Sheepdog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Weimaraner     Maremma Sheepdog versus Leonberger     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus Black Mouth Cur     Maremma Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinook     Maremma Sheepdog versus Plott     Maremma Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje     Maremma Sheepdog versus Korean Jindo Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Welsh Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Harrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Maremma Sheepdog versus Jack Russell Terrier     

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