Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Keeshond Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Keeshond versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Keeshond versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Keeshond versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Keeshond versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Price of Keeshond versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
- Adopting the Keeshond versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Keeshond versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Keeshond versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Keeshonds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Keeshond or the Maremma Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Keeshond or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Does the Keeshond Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Keeshonds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Keeshonds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Keeshond vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Keeshonds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Keeshond or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Keeshonds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Keeshonds and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Keeshond Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Keeshond
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Keeshond versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Keeshond Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Keeshond 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 Keeshond 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 Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Keeshond 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 Keeshond 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 Keeshond 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 Keeshond or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Keeshond versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Keeshond belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
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.
Keeshond versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Keeshond 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 Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Keeshond | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 35 to 45 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1680 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1250 – $1850 | $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 Keeshond 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 Keeshond is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Keeshond is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Keeshond!
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 Keeshond 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 Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Keeshond versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Keeshonds weigh 35 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Keeshonds are 1 foot, 4 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the s 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 Keeshond versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of Keeshonds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Keeshonds is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.
Keeshonds live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.
Price of Keeshond versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
The average price of the Keeshond puppy is $1680. The price of the Keeshond typically ranges from $1250 – $1850. However, the price of a Keeshond can be as low as $600 and as high as $5750. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 51 Keeshond 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 Keeshond is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Keeshond | Maremma Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1680 | $1160 |
| Price Range | $1250 to $1850 | $495 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Keeshond and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Keeshond puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Keeshonds. 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 Keeshond 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 Keeshond versus Adopting the Maremma Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Keeshonds 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 Keeshond named Fosters that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Keeshonds like Fosters on pefinder.com.
Also, like Keeshonds, 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.
Fosters is the name of another Keeshond (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Keeshonds and Maremma Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Health Problems of Keeshond 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 Keeshond 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 Keeshond.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Keeshond.
4 health tests are recommended for Keeshond while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Keeshonds and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Keeshond Health Problems
Keeshonds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Keeshond 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 Keeshond puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Keeshond 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 Keeshonds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Keeshonds 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 Keeshonds 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 Keeshond Breed is Primary Hyperparathyroidism problems.
This is because the Keeshond ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Primary Hyperparathyroidism problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 457 Keeshonds, 10 of them had Primary Hyperparathyroidism problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Keeshonds, and how common these diseases are in Keeshonds 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 Keeshond and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Keeshond Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Hyperparathyroidism problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 47 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 47 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 63 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 107 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 146 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: Keeshond versus Maremma Sheepdog
Keeshonds do not like to be left alone.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Keeshonds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Keeshonds 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 Keeshond or the Maremma Sheepdog
Keeshonds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Keeshond or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Keeshonds are moderately easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Keeshond Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Keeshonds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Keeshonds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Keeshonds 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 Keeshonds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Keeshonds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Keeshond vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Keeshonds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
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 Keeshonds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Keeshonds 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 Keeshond or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Keeshonds get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Keeshonds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Keeshonds 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 Keeshonds and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Keeshonds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Keeshond Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Keeshonds are very easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Is the Keeshond Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Keeshonds adapt very well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Keeshond or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Keeshonds are very good for new dog owners.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Keeshond
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Keeshond 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 Keeshond:
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 Keeshond and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Keeshond and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:
Keeshond Versus Other Dog Breeds
Keeshond versus English Springer Spaniel Keeshond versus Pyredoodle Keeshond versus Neapolitan Mastiff Keeshond versus Havanese Keeshond versus Mal Shi Keeshond versus Doberman Pinscher Keeshond versus Korean Jindo Dog Keeshond versus Irish Water Spaniel Keeshond versus Papipoo Keeshond versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Keeshond versus Alaskan Malamute Keeshond versus Dalmatian Keeshond versus Toy Poodle Keeshond versus Dogo Argentino Keeshond versus Briard Keeshond versus Basset Hound Keeshond versus Boston Terrier Keeshond versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Keeshond versus Papipoo Keeshond versus Lhasa Apso Keeshond versus King Shepherd Keeshond versus Pointer Keeshond versus Catahoula Bulldog Keeshond versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Keeshond versus Flat-Coated Retriever
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus English Springer Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Pug Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund Maremma Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Maremma Sheepdog versus Chow Chow Maremma Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog versus Bernese Mountain Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Bolognese Maremma Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Black Mouth Cur Maremma Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Havanese Maremma Sheepdog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus French Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus English Setter Maremma Sheepdog versus Frenchton Maremma Sheepdog versus Scottish Deerhound Maremma Sheepdog versus German Pinscher Maremma Sheepdog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd Maremma Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon Maremma Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer Maremma Sheepdog versus Mountain Cur
Conclusion: Keeshond 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 Keeshond and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.