Differences and Similarities between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pharaoh Hound.

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Maremma Sheepdog Versus Pharaoh Hound: Introduction

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

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

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 Pharaoh Hound.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound

Maremma Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound: Overview

A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pharaoh Hound is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Pharaoh Hound is a medium-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 Pharaoh Hound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Pharaoh Hound 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 Pharaoh Hound

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Pharaoh Hound
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
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 4/5
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 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
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 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 65 to 100 pounds 45 to 55 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1160 No Data
Price Range $495 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • 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 Pharaoh Hound. 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 Pharaoh Hound is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Pharaoh Hound 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 Pharaoh Hound

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

  • Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pharaoh Hounds adapt well to apartment living.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Pharaoh Hounds are good for new dog owners.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Pharaoh Hounds are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Pharaoh Hounds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Pharaoh Hounds can tolerate hot weather.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Pharaoh Hounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Pharaoh Hounds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pharaoh Hound

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

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

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

    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, Pharaoh Hounds weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Pharaoh Hounds are 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound

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

    The lifespan of Pharaoh Hounds is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Pharaoh Hounds is 12.5 years.

    Pharaoh Hounds live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Pharaoh Hound

    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 Pharaoh Hound 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 Pharaoh Hound.

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

    5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 4 tests are recommended for the Pharaoh Hound.

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

    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.

    Pharaoh Hound Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pharaoh Hounds here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Pharaoh Hounds

    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 Pharaoh Hound Breed is Thyroid problems.

    This is because the Pharaoh Hound ranks 18 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 220 Pharaoh Hounds, 18 of them had Thyroid problems.

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

  • Thyroid problems: Rank 18 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 60 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 69 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 86 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 184 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Pharaoh Hound and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pharaoh Hound:

    Disease Maremma Sheepdog Rank Pharaoh Hound Rank
    Hips problems 59 out of 198 dog breeds 184 out of 198 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 18 out of 115 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 60 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 69 out of 144 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 86 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 Pharaoh Hound

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Pharaoh Hounds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Pharaoh Hounds?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Pharaoh Hound

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Pharaoh Hounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Pharaoh Hound?

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

    Pharaoh Hounds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pharaoh Hound?

    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.

    Pharaoh Hounds 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 Pharaoh Hounds?

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

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

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pharaoh Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pharaoh Hounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Pharaoh Hound

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

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

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pharaoh Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pharaoh Hounds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Pharaoh Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Pharaoh Hounds?

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

    Pharaoh Hounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Pharaoh Hounds?

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

    Pharaoh Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Pharaoh Hound?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Pharaoh Hounds are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Pharaoh Hound?

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pharaoh Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Italian Greyhound (76 percent match with Pharaoh Hound). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (75 percent match with Pharaoh Hound). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Tibetan Spaniel (75 percent match with Pharaoh Hound). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Tibetan Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Afador     Maremma Sheepdog versus Azawakh     Maremma Sheepdog versus Saluki     Maremma Sheepdog versus Keeshond     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Cattle Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomsky     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bouvier des Flandres     Maremma Sheepdog versus Havanese     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chihuahua     Maremma Sheepdog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cane Corso     Maremma Sheepdog versus Peek A Poo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Briard     Maremma Sheepdog versus French Bulldog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus Biewer Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Great Dane     Maremma Sheepdog versus Skye Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomeranian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bich Poo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Papillon     Maremma Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chorkie     

    Pharaoh Hound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pharaoh Hound versus Dogo Argentino     Pharaoh Hound versus Australian Terrier     Pharaoh Hound versus Australian Cattle Dog     Pharaoh Hound versus Chow Chow     Pharaoh Hound versus Gordon Setter     Pharaoh Hound versus Bloodhound     Pharaoh Hound versus Stabyhoun     Pharaoh Hound versus Lancashire Heeler     Pharaoh Hound versus Hovawart     Pharaoh Hound versus American Water Spaniel     Pharaoh Hound versus English Setter     Pharaoh Hound versus Belgian Sheepdog     Pharaoh Hound versus Portuguese Pointer     Pharaoh Hound versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Pharaoh Hound versus Tibetan Mastiff     Pharaoh Hound versus Beaglier     Pharaoh Hound versus Cavachon     Pharaoh Hound versus Norwegian Lundehund     Pharaoh Hound versus Bordoodle     Pharaoh Hound versus Border Collie     Pharaoh Hound versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Pharaoh Hound versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Pharaoh Hound versus Australian Shepherd     Pharaoh Hound versus Ibizan Hound     

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