Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maremma Sheepdog Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
- Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog? 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog.
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 Portuguese Water Dog.
Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are Working Dogs. This means both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | Maremma Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23.5 to 28.5 inches | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 14 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| 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 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 65 to 100 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1160 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $495 – $1500 | $2500 – $3300 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Portuguese Water Dog!
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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog.
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, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Portuguese Water Dog
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 Portuguese Water Dog puppy is $2860. The price of the Portuguese Water Dog typically ranges from $2500 – $3300. However, the price of the Portuguese Water Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 140 Portuguese Water Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Portuguese Water Dog is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Maremma Sheepdog | Portuguese Water Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1160 | $2860 |
| Price Range | $495 to $1500 | $2500 to $3300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Maremma Sheepdog and Portuguese Water Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies or how many Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maremma Sheepdog puppy or the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maremma Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Maremma Sheepdog.
5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and in Portuguese Water Dogs.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Maremma Sheepdogs here.
Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems
Portuguese Water Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Water Dogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Portuguese Water Dogs
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:
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 Portuguese Water Dog Breed is Early Onset Pra problems.
This is because the Portuguese Water Dog ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Early Onset Pra problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 788 Portuguese Water Dogs, 0 of them had Early Onset Pra problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Portuguese Water Dogs, and how common these diseases are in Portuguese Water Dogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Portuguese Water Dog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Portuguese Water Dog:
| Disease | Maremma Sheepdog Rank | Portuguese Water Dog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 59 out of 198 dog breeds | 94 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Early Onset Pra problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 15 out of 32 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 59 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 111 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 140 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 Portuguese Water Dog
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
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.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Portuguese Water Dogs 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 Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Maremma Sheepdog and how the Portuguese Water Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog and of the Portuguese Water Dog to other breeds:
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiranian Maremma Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai Maremma Sheepdog versus Weimaraner Maremma Sheepdog versus Morkie Maremma Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer Maremma Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua Maremma Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Cattle Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Golden Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus English Springer Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Keeshond Maremma Sheepdog versus Xoloitzcuintli Maremma Sheepdog versus Schnoodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Estrela Mountain Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinese Crested Maremma Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavachon Maremma Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer Maremma Sheepdog versus Dogue de Bordeaux Maremma Sheepdog versus Papillon Maremma Sheepdog versus Pug Maremma Sheepdog versus Fila Brasileiro Maremma Sheepdog versus King Shepherd Maremma Sheepdog versus Borzoi
Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Portuguese Water Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer Portuguese Water Dog versus Samoyed Portuguese Water Dog versus Fila Brasileiro Portuguese Water Dog versus Weimaraner Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Portuguese Water Dog versus Hovawart Portuguese Water Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Norfolk Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiba Inu Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Terrier Portuguese Water Dog versus Bordoodle Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle Portuguese Water Dog versus Samoyed Portuguese Water Dog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Portuguese Water Dog versus Golden Retriever Portuguese Water Dog versus Vizsla Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Wolfhound Portuguese Water Dog versus Puggle Portuguese Water Dog versus Boykin Spaniel Portuguese Water Dog versus Leonberger Portuguese Water Dog versus Kooikerhondje Portuguese Water Dog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Portuguese Water Dog versus Black Mouth Cur Portuguese Water Dog versus German Shepherd Dog
Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.