Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Maremma Sheepdog Versus Newfoundland: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland. 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 Newfoundland.

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 Newfoundland.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland

Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland are Working Dogs. This means both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland 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.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Newfoundland
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Easy To Train 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 8 to 10 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 1/5
General Health 5/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 65 to 100 pounds 100 to 150 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 9.0 years
Average Price $1160 $2160
Price Range $495 – $1500 $1875 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA Website
  • 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 Newfoundland. 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 Newfoundland is 73 out of 125.

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

    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 Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland

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

  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Newfoundlands are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train. However, Newfoundlands are very easy to train.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Newfoundlands have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Newfoundlands do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Newfoundlands have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland

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

  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland

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

    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, Newfoundlands weigh 100 to 150 pounds when fully grown. Newfoundlands are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland

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

    The lifespan of Newfoundlands is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Newfoundlands is 9.0 years.

    Maremma Sheepdogs live longer than Newfoundlands.

    Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Newfoundland

    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 Newfoundland puppy is $2160. The price of the Newfoundland typically ranges from $1875 – $2500. However, the price of the Newfoundland can be as low as $350 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 204 Newfoundland puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Newfoundland is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Maremma Sheepdog Newfoundland
    Average Price $1160 $2160
    Price Range $495 to $1500 $1875 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Maremma Sheepdog and Newfoundland. For different price points, the charts show how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies or how many Newfoundland 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 Newfoundlands

    A breakdown of the prices of Newfoundlands

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maremma Sheepdog puppy or the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland

    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 Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Maremma Sheepdog.

    5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 5 tests are recommended for the Newfoundland.

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

    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.

    Newfoundland Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA Website
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Newfoundlands here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Newfoundlands

    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 Newfoundland Breed is Shoulder problems.

    This is because the Newfoundland ranks 1 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 129 Newfoundlands, 13 of them had Shoulder problems.

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

  • Shoulder problems: Rank 1 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 15 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 28 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 33 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 36 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 48 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 78 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 101 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 122 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Newfoundland and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Newfoundland:

    Disease Maremma Sheepdog Rank Newfoundland Rank
    Hips problems 59 out of 198 dog breeds 28 out of 198 dog breeds
    Shoulder problems Not Common 1 out of 22 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 15 out of 144 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 33 out of 159 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 36 out of 71 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 48 out of 70 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 78 out of 182 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 101 out of 115 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 122 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 Newfoundland

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Newfoundlands do not like to be left alone.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Newfoundlands?

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

    Newfoundlands shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Newfoundland

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Newfoundlands have a very high tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Newfoundlands 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.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Newfoundlands?

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

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

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Newfoundlands Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Newfoundlands can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Newfoundland

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

    Newfoundlands have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Newfoundlands Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Newfoundlands cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Newfoundlands get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Newfoundlands?

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

    Newfoundlands are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Newfoundlands?

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

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

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Newfoundland?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Newfoundlands are very easy to train.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Newfoundlands do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Golden Retriever (71 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever.
  • Saint Bernard (68 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Saint Bernard.
  • Bernese Mountain Dog (79 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Catahoula Bulldog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Manchester Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Manchester Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Maremma Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Beaglier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje     Maremma Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Patterdale Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees     Maremma Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus Komondor     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Toy Fox Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund     Maremma Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Mal Shi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Beagle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Puggle     

    Newfoundland Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Newfoundland versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Newfoundland versus Finnish Spitz     Newfoundland versus Lakeland Terrier     Newfoundland versus Shichon     Newfoundland versus Dalmatian     Newfoundland versus Afador     Newfoundland versus Bouvier des Flandres     Newfoundland versus Toy Poodle     Newfoundland versus Basset Hound     Newfoundland versus Vizsla     Newfoundland versus Papillon     Newfoundland versus English Toy Spaniel     Newfoundland versus Basset Hound     Newfoundland versus Havanese     Newfoundland versus Bulldog     Newfoundland versus Black Mouth Cur     Newfoundland versus Norwegian Lundehund     Newfoundland versus Pointer     Newfoundland versus Boerboel     Newfoundland versus Toy Poodle     Newfoundland versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Newfoundland versus Pomeranian     Newfoundland versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Newfoundland versus Boerboel     Newfoundland versus Akita     

    Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland. 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 Newfoundland better suits you and your family.