Which is Better between the Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog? A Very Detailed Review.

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Lowchen Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Lowchen versus Maremma Sheepdog

Lowchen versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Lowchen 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.

Lowchen versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lowchen 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 Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Lowchen Maremma Sheepdog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Height 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Life Span 13 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 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
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Weight 9 to 18 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2870 $1160
Price Range $1642 – $4500 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lowchen 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lowchen is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Lowchen!

    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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Lowchens are good for new dog owners. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Lowchens are very friendly towards strangers. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Lowchens 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.
  • Lowchens adapt well to apartment living. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Lowchens are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
  • Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Lowchens are very playful. However, Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 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 Lowchen versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.

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

    Lowchens live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Price of Lowchen versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of a Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen 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 Lowchen is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Lowchen Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $2870 $1160
    Price Range $1642 to $4500 $495 to $1500

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens. 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 Lowchen 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.

    Health Problems of Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Lowchen.

    3 health tests are recommended for Lowchen while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Lowchens and in Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Lowchen Health Problems

    Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen 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 Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen 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 Lowchens for:

  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens 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:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Maremma Sheepdogs here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Lowchens 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 Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Patella problems: Rank 19 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 42 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 163 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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:

  • Hips problems: Rank 59 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Lowchen and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Lowchen and the Maremma Sheepdog:

    Disease Lowchen Rank Maremma Sheepdog Rank
    Patella problems 19 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 42 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 163 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: Lowchen versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lowchens shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Lowchens shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lowchen or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Lowchen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lowchens 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 Lowchen or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Lowchen Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Lowchens 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 Lowchen

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

  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Soft Coated Wheaten 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 Lowchen vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus Cane Corso     Lowchen versus Airedale Terrier     Lowchen versus Toy Poodle     Lowchen versus Miniature Schnauzer     Lowchen versus Norwich Terrier     Lowchen versus Bullmastiff     Lowchen versus Sussex Spaniel     Lowchen versus Akita Chow     Lowchen versus Skye Terrier     Lowchen versus English Cocker Spaniel     Lowchen versus Goldendoodle     Lowchen versus Dogo Argentino     Lowchen versus Cockapoo     Lowchen versus Miniature Poodle     Lowchen versus Akbash     Lowchen versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Lowchen versus Great Pyrenees     Lowchen versus English Setter     Lowchen versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Lowchen versus Fila Brasileiro     Lowchen versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Lowchen versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Lowchen versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Lowchen versus Plott     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cane Corso     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pug     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cockapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Mudi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Leonberger     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chihuahua     Maremma Sheepdog versus Ibizan Hound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chow Chow     Maremma Sheepdog versus Havanese     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pekingese     Maremma Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Ibizan Hound     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Golden Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus English Springer Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Canaan Dog     

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