Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maremma Sheepdog Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
- How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Pyrenean Shepherds?
- Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Shepherd? 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
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 Pyrenean Shepherd.
Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview
A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd
Factor | Maremma Sheepdog | Pyrenean Shepherd |
---|---|---|
Height | 23.5 to 28.5 inches | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Easy To Train | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Life Span | 11 to 13 years | 15 to 17 years |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 1/5 |
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 | 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 | 2/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
General Health | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Weight | 65 to 100 pounds | 25 to 30 pounds |
Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 16.0 years |
Average Price | $1160 | No Data |
Price Range | $495 – $1500 | No Data |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pyrenean Shepherd is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Pyrenean Shepherd!
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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd
Below is a list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Shepherd
The Maremma Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Shepherd are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Shepherd.
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, Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd
The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.
Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.
Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd
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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Maremma Sheepdog.
5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 5 tests are recommended for the Pyrenean Shepherd.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and in Pyrenean Shepherds.
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.
Pyrenean Shepherd Health Problems
Pyrenean Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pyrenean Shepherds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Pyrenean Shepherds
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 Pyrenean Shepherd Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Pyrenean Shepherd ranks 24 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 79 Pyrenean Shepherds, 4 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pyrenean Shepherds, and how common these diseases are in Pyrenean Shepherds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Pyrenean Shepherd and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Shepherd:
Disease | Maremma Sheepdog Rank | Pyrenean Shepherd Rank |
---|---|---|
Hips problems | 59 out of 198 dog breeds | 71 out of 198 dog breeds |
Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 24 out of 49 dog breeds |
Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 27 out of 159 dog breeds |
Eyes problems | Not Common | 44 out of 182 dog breeds |
Patella problems | Not Common | 72 out of 145 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 Pyrenean Shepherd
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Shepherd
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
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.
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Pyrenean Shepherd
Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?
Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Pyrenean Shepherds?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Pyrenean Shepherd?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pyrenean Shepherds 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Maremma Sheepdog and how the Pyrenean Shepherd compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog and of the Pyrenean Shepherd to other breeds:
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard Maremma Sheepdog versus American Foxhound Maremma Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Whippet Maremma Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Fila Brasileiro Maremma Sheepdog versus Pug Maremma Sheepdog versus Border Collie Maremma Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Morkie Maremma Sheepdog versus Havanese Maremma Sheepdog versus Yorkipoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Bulldog Maremma Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle Maremma Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Barbet Maremma Sheepdog versus Leonberger Maremma Sheepdog versus Pointer Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavapoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Dalmatian Maremma Sheepdog versus Redbone Coonhound Maremma Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus American Bulldog Maremma Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Norwich Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Black Mouth Cur Pyrenean Shepherd versus Maltese Pyrenean Shepherd versus Stabyhoun Pyrenean Shepherd versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Pyrenean Shepherd versus Beaglier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cockapoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Shepherd Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Sloughi Pyrenean Shepherd versus Tibetan Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Frenchton Pyrenean Shepherd versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Pyrenean Shepherd versus Morkie Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer Pyrenean Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chinese Shar-Pei Pyrenean Shepherd versus Japanese Chin Pyrenean Shepherd versus Goldador Pyrenean Shepherd versus Fila Brasileiro Pyrenean Shepherd versus Plott Pyrenean Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Newfoundland Pyrenean Shepherd versus Miniature Pinscher Pyrenean Shepherd versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd better suits you and your family.