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

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Maremma Sheepdog Versus Norwich Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Norwich Terrier.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwich Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Norwich Terrier 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 Norwich Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Norwich Terrier 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 Norwich Terrier

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Norwich Terrier
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches Up to 10 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 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 4/5
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 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 65 to 100 pounds Up to 12 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1160 $2140
Price Range $495 – $1500 $1500 – $2650
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Norwich Terrier. 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 Norwich Terrier is 83 out of 125.

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

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwich Terrier 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 Norwich Terrier

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

  • Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Norwich Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Norwich Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train. However, Norwich Terriers are very easy to train.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful. However, Norwich Terriers are very playful.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Norwich Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwich Terrier

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

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

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

    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, Norwich Terriers weigh Up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Norwich Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Norwich Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Norwich Terriers is 12.0 years.

    Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Norwich Terrier

    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 Norwich Terrier puppy is $2140. The price of the Norwich Terrier typically ranges from $1500 – $2650. However, the price of the Norwich Terrier can be as low as $1200 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 14 Norwich Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Norwich Terrier is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Maremma Sheepdog Norwich Terrier
    Average Price $1160 $2140
    Price Range $495 to $1500 $1500 to $2650

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Norwich Terriers

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

    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 Norwich Terrier 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 Norwich Terrier.

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

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

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

    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.

    Norwich Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norwich Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Norwich Terriers

    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 Norwich Terrier Breed is Dentition Database problems.

    This is because the Norwich Terrier ranks 2 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 64 Norwich Terriers, 27 of them had Dentition Database problems.

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

  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 2 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Primary Lens Luxation problems: Rank 13 out of 17 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 22 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 86 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 94 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 109 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Norwich Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwich Terrier:

    Disease Maremma Sheepdog Rank Norwich Terrier Rank
    Hips problems 59 out of 198 dog breeds 86 out of 198 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems Not Common 2 out of 49 dog breeds
    Primary Lens Luxation problems Not Common 13 out of 17 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 22 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 94 out of 144 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 109 out of 182 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 Norwich Terrier

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Norwich Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Norwich Terriers?

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

    Norwich Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Norwich Terrier

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Norwich Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Norwich Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Norwich Terriers?

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

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

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwich Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwich Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Norwich Terrier

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

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

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwich Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Norwich Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Norwich Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Norwich Terriers?

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

    Norwich Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Norwich Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Norwich Terrier?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Norwich Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwich Terrier?

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Norwich Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Norwich Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Norwich Terrier:

  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Cavachon.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (81 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Lowchen (78 percent match with Norwich Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Lowchen.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus French Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomeranian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Brittany     Maremma Sheepdog versus Papipoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Toy Fox Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Fila Brasileiro     Maremma Sheepdog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Maltese     Maremma Sheepdog versus Labradoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Westiepoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano     Maremma Sheepdog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Wolfhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Maremma Sheepdog versus Akita Chow     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lowchen     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinook     Maremma Sheepdog versus Standard Schnauzer     

    Norwich Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwich Terrier versus Cavachon     Norwich Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Norwich Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Norwich Terrier versus Puli     Norwich Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Norwich Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Norwich Terrier versus Harrier     Norwich Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Norwich Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Norwich Terrier versus Mal Shi     Norwich Terrier versus Beaglier     Norwich Terrier versus Cavachon     Norwich Terrier versus Pomsky     Norwich Terrier versus Great Dane     Norwich Terrier versus Collie     Norwich Terrier versus Bordoodle     Norwich Terrier versus Collie     Norwich Terrier versus Affenpinscher     Norwich Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Norwich Terrier versus Akbash     Norwich Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     Norwich Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Norwich Terrier versus Pekingese     Norwich Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Norwich Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     

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