Breed Comparison: Maremma Sheepdog Versus Pug

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Maremma Sheepdog Versus Pug: Introduction

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

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

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 Pug.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Pug

Maremma Sheepdog versus Pug: Overview

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

The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Pug 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 Pug

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Pug
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches 10 to 14 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 4/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
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 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 1/5
General Health 5/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 2/5
Weight 65 to 100 pounds 14 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1160 $1620
Price Range $495 – $1500 $1200 – $1875
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Pug Dog Club of America recommends ANNUAL screening.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Pug Dog Encephalitis
  • Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • 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 Pug. 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 Pug is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Pug 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 Pug

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

  • Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pugs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Pugs are good for new dog owners.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Pugs are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Pugs are very easy to groom.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful. However, Pugs are very playful.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Pugs have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are highly intelligent. However, Pugs not very intelligent.
  • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug

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

  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug 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 Pug 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 Pug are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Pug

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

    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, Pugs weigh 14 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Pugs are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Pug

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

    The lifespan of Pugs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pugs is 13.5 years.

    Pugs live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Pug

    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 Pug puppy is $1620. The price of the Pug typically ranges from $1200 – $1875. However, the price of the Pug can be as low as $300 and as high as $6525. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 654 Pug puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Pug is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Maremma Sheepdog Pug
    Average Price $1160 $1620
    Price Range $495 to $1500 $1200 to $1875

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pugs

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

    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 Pug 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 Pug is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maremma Sheepdog.

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

    5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 7 tests are recommended for the Pug.

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

    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.

    Pug Health Problems

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

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Pug Dog Club of America recommends ANNUAL screening.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Pug Dog Encephalitis
  • Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pugs here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Pugs

    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 Pug Breed is Hips problems.

    This is because the Pug ranks 1 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 942 Pugs, 676 of them had Hips problems.

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

  • Hips problems: Rank 1 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis problems: Rank 1 out of 1 Dog Breeds
  • Tracheal Hypoplasia problems: Rank 1 out of 4 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 2 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 14 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 14 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 32 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 60 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Pug and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pug:

    Disease Maremma Sheepdog Rank Pug Rank
    Hips problems 59 out of 198 dog breeds 1 out of 198 dog breeds
    Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis problems Not Common 1 out of 1 dog breeds
    Tracheal Hypoplasia problems Not Common 1 out of 4 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 2 out of 144 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 14 out of 70 dog breeds
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems Not Common 14 out of 40 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 32 out of 145 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 60 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 Pug

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Pugs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Pugs?

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

    Pugs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Pug

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Pugs are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

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

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?

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

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

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Pug

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

    Pugs 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 Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pugs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Pugs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Pugs?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Pugs?

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

    Pugs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Pug?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Pugs are fairly easy to train.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Boxer (74 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Boxer.
  • English Toy Spaniel (73 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs English Toy Spaniel.
  • French Bulldog (83 percent match with Pug). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs French Bulldog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinook     Maremma Sheepdog versus Westiepoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Havanese     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cockapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Whoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Frenchton     Maremma Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Greyhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland     Maremma Sheepdog versus Aussiedoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Golden Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus Saint Berdoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bernedoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua     Maremma Sheepdog versus Mountain Cur     Maremma Sheepdog versus Beagle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Cattle Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     

    Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pug versus Havanese     Pug versus Schnoodle     Pug versus Chi-Poo     Pug versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Pug versus Tibetan Terrier     Pug versus Miniature Poodle     Pug versus French Spaniel     Pug versus Boerboel     Pug versus Giant Schnauzer     Pug versus Schnoodle     Pug versus Bernedoodle     Pug versus Maremma Sheepdog     Pug versus Portuguese Pointer     Pug versus Greyhound     Pug versus Samoyed     Pug versus Shiba Inu     Pug versus Siberian Husky     Pug versus Irish Wolfhound     Pug versus Saint Berdoodle     Pug versus Bouvier des Flandres     Pug versus Lakeland Terrier     Pug versus Bull Terrier     Pug versus Shihpoo     Pug versus Sealyham Terrier     Pug versus Maltese     

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