Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better than the Miniature Pinscher as a Pet? Answer…

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Maremma Sheepdog Versus Miniature Pinscher: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher 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 Maremma Sheepdog and for the Miniature Pinscher. 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Maremma Sheepdog or the Miniature Pinscher.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher

Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Miniature Pinscher 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.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Miniature Pinscher 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Miniature Pinscher
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 10 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Weight 65 to 100 pounds 8 to 11 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1160 $1470
Price Range $495 – $1500 $825 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PENNGEN
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Miniature Pinscher. 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 Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Miniature Pinscher is 73 out of 125.

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

    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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher

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

  • Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Miniature Pinschers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Miniature Pinschers are very easy to groom.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Miniature Pinschers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Miniature Pinschers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful. However, Miniature Pinschers are very playful.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Miniature Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Miniature Pinschers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher

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

  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Maremma Sheepdogs are 23.5 to 28.5 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Miniature Pinschers weigh 8 to 11 pounds when fully grown. Miniature Pinschers are 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher

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

    The lifespan of Miniature Pinschers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Miniature Pinschers is 12.0 years.

    Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Miniature Pinscher

    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 a Maremma Sheepdog can be as low as $300 and as high as $4135. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 41 Maremma Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Miniature Pinscher puppy is $1470. The price of the Miniature Pinscher typically ranges from $825 – $1500. However, the price of the Miniature Pinscher can be as low as $100 and as high as $50000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 159 Miniature Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Miniature Pinscher is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Maremma Sheepdog Miniature Pinscher
    Average Price $1160 $1470
    Price Range $495 to $1500 $825 to $1500

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Pinschers

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Pinschers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maremma Sheepdog puppy or the Miniature Pinscher 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 Maremma Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Miniature Pinscher

    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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher 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 Miniature Pinscher.

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

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

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

    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.

    Miniature Pinscher Health Problems

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

  • Clear By Parentage
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PENNGEN
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Miniature Pinschers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Miniature Pinschers

    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
  • 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 Miniature Pinscher Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    This is because the Miniature Pinscher ranks 7 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 169 Miniature Pinschers, 2 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

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

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 7 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 39 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 68 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 190 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Miniature Pinscher and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher:

    Disease Maremma Sheepdog Rank Miniature Pinscher Rank
    Hips problems 59 out of 198 dog breeds 190 out of 198 dog breeds
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems Not Common 7 out of 40 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 39 out of 182 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 68 out of 145 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: Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Miniature Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Miniature Pinschers?

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

    Miniature Pinschers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Miniature Pinscher

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Miniature Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Miniature Pinscher?

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

    Miniature Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Pinscher?

    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.

    Miniature Pinschers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Miniature Pinschers?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Miniature Pinschers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Miniature Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Miniature Pinscher

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Miniature Pinschers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Miniature Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Miniature Pinschers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Miniature Pinscher?

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Miniature Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Miniature Pinschers?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Miniature Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Miniature Pinschers?

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

    Miniature Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Miniature Pinscher?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Miniature Pinschers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Pinscher?

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Miniature Pinschers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Miniature Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    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 Miniature Pinscher vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Miniature Pinscher vs Hovawart.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Miniature Pinscher

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

  • American Hairless Terrier (75 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs American Hairless Terrier.
  • Manchester Terrier (79 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Schipperke (75 percent match with Miniature Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Schipperke.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Scottish Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus Papipoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Keeshond     Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Eskimo Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dalmatian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Border Collie     Maremma Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Mal Shi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shihpoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dogo Argentino     Maremma Sheepdog versus Ibizan Hound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Schipperke     Maremma Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chihuahua     Maremma Sheepdog versus Standard Poodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lowchen     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bullmastiff     

    Miniature Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Miniature Pinscher versus Kuvasz     Miniature Pinscher versus Tibetan Spaniel     Miniature Pinscher versus Cockalier     Miniature Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Miniature Pinscher versus Pyredoodle     Miniature Pinscher versus Newfoundland     Miniature Pinscher versus Goldendoodle     Miniature Pinscher versus Boerboel     Miniature Pinscher versus English Cocker Spaniel     Miniature Pinscher versus Berger Picard     Miniature Pinscher versus Pug     Miniature Pinscher versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Miniature Pinscher versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Miniature Pinscher versus Boykin Spaniel     Miniature Pinscher versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Miniature Pinscher versus Miniature Schnauzer     Miniature Pinscher versus Mal Shi     Miniature Pinscher versus English Springer Spaniel     Miniature Pinscher versus Affenpinscher     Miniature Pinscher versus English Cocker Spaniel     Miniature Pinscher versus Border Collie     Miniature Pinscher versus Skye Terrier     Miniature Pinscher versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Miniature Pinscher versus Komondor     

    Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher. 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Miniature Pinscher better suits you and your family.