Breed Comparison: Maremma Sheepdog Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog

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Maremma Sheepdog Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
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 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 65 to 100 pounds 35 to 55 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 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
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog

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

  • Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train. However, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

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

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

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

    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, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog

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

    The lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs is 11.0 years.

    Maremma Sheepdogs live longer than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.

    Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

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

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

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

    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.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Polish Lowland Sheepdogs here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs

    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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed is Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.

    This is because the Polish Lowland Sheepdog ranks 1 out of 8 dog breeds for Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 341 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, 60 of them had Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.

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

  • Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems: Rank 1 out of 8 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 60 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 106 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 116 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog:

    Disease Maremma Sheepdog Rank Polish Lowland Sheepdog Rank
    Hips problems 59 out of 198 dog breeds 60 out of 198 dog breeds
    Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems Not Common 1 out of 8 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 106 out of 182 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 116 out of 144 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?

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

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

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

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

    Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

    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.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog

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

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?

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

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are not the best dogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Hovawart.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Polish Lowland 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog:

  • Barbet (83 percent match with Polish Lowland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Barbet.
  • Bernedoodle (79 percent match with Polish Lowland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Bernedoodle.
  • Miniature Schnauzer (79 percent match with Polish Lowland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Miniature Schnauzer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomsky     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Hairless Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Hairless Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Boykin Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lakeland Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Border Collie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Komondor     Maremma Sheepdog versus Barbet     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomchi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cockalier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Azawakh     Maremma Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Maremma Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomeranian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Papillon     Maremma Sheepdog versus King Shepherd     

    Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Irish Setter     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Komondor     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Maltipoo     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Afghan Hound     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus English Setter     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Field Spaniel     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Shiba Inu     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Scottish Deerhound     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Schipperke     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Whoodle     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus French Spaniel     

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