Differences and Similarities between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon.

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Maremma Sheepdog Versus Papillon: Introduction

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

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

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 Papillon.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Papillon

Maremma Sheepdog versus Papillon: Overview

A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Papillon 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 Papillon 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 Papillon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Papillon 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 Papillon

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Papillon
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 12 to 16 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 65 to 100 pounds 4 to 9 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1160 $1800
Price Range $495 – $1500 $1400 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Eye Examination- recommend screening every 2 years
  • 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 Papillon. 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 Papillon is 89 out of 125.

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

    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 Papillon 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 Papillon

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

  • Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Papillons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Papillons are good for new dog owners.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Papillons are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train. However, Papillons are very easy to train.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Papillons have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful. However, Papillons are very playful.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Papillons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon

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

  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon 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 Papillon 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 Papillon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Papillon

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

    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, Papillons weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Papillons are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Papillon

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

    The lifespan of Papillons is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Papillons is 14.0 years.

    Papillons live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Papillon

    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 Papillon puppy is $1800. The price of the Papillon typically ranges from $1400 – $2000. However, the price of the Papillon can be as low as $700 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 108 Papillon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Papillon is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Maremma Sheepdog Papillon
    Average Price $1160 $1800
    Price Range $495 to $1500 $1400 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Papillons

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

    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 Papillon 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 Papillon.

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

    5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 2 tests are recommended for the Papillon.

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

    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.

    Papillon Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination- recommend screening every 2 years
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Papillons here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Papillons

    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 Papillon Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Papillon ranks 55 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 2362 Papillons, 70 of them had Patella problems.

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

  • Patella problems: Rank 55 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 67 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 148 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Papillon and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Papillon:

    Disease Maremma Sheepdog Rank Papillon Rank
    Hips problems 59 out of 198 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems Not Common 55 out of 145 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 67 out of 159 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 148 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 Papillon

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Papillons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Papillons?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Papillon

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Papillons do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Papillons are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Papillons 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 Papillons?

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

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

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Papillons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Papillon

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

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

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Papillons Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Papillons can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Papillons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Papillons?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Papillons?

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

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

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Papillon?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Papillons are very easy to train.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Papillons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Bichon Frise (78 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Cavachon.
  • Havanese (79 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Havanese.
  • Papipoo (86 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Papipoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Beagle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Stabyhoun     Maremma Sheepdog versus Goldendoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Field Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Skye Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Schnoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Morkie     Maremma Sheepdog versus French Bulldog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken     Maremma Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus Berger Picard     Maremma Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Akita     Maremma Sheepdog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Schnoodle     

    Papillon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Papillon versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Papillon versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Papillon versus Bluetick Coonhound     Papillon versus Japanese Chin     Papillon versus Lhasa Apso     Papillon versus Afador     Papillon versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Papillon versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Papillon versus Sealyham Terrier     Papillon versus Lhasa Apso     Papillon versus Shih Tzu     Papillon versus Bearded Collie     Papillon versus Bluetick Coonhound     Papillon versus Borzoi     Papillon versus Pekingese     Papillon versus German Longhaired Pointer     Papillon versus Kuvasz     Papillon versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Papillon versus English Springer Spaniel     Papillon versus Silky Terrier     Papillon versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Papillon versus Black Mouth Cur     Papillon versus Lhasa Apso     Papillon versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Papillon versus Irish Wolfhound     

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