Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maremma Sheepdog Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
- Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maremma Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback? 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maremma Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview
Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are similar in size. The Maremma Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are both large-sized dogs.
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Factor | Maremma Sheepdog | Rhodesian Ridgeback |
---|---|---|
Height | 23.5 to 28.5 inches | 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder |
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Easy To Train | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 1/5 |
Life Span | 11 to 13 years | 10 to 12 years |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 1/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 2/5 |
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 | 70 to 85 pounds |
Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 11.0 years |
Average Price | $1160 | $1620 |
Price Range | $495 – $1500 | $1250 – $1900 |
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Rhodesian Ridgeback!
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Below is a list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Maremma Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback
The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.
Maremma Sheepdogs live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is $1620. The price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback typically ranges from $1250 – $1900. However, the price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback can be as low as $500 and as high as $2850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 175 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
Maremma Sheepdog | Rhodesian Ridgeback | |
---|---|---|
Average Price | $1160 | $1620 |
Price Range | $495 to $1500 | $1250 to $1900 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Maremma Sheepdog and Rhodesian Ridgeback. For different price points, the charts show how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies or how many Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maremma Sheepdog puppy or the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maremma Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Rhodesian Ridgeback than for the Maremma Sheepdog.
5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 6 tests are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
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.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the Rhodesian Ridgeback ranks 11 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 6564 Rhodesian Ridgebacks, 636 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and how common these diseases are in Rhodesian Ridgebacks relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Rhodesian Ridgeback and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback:
Disease | Maremma Sheepdog Rank | Rhodesian Ridgeback Rank |
---|---|---|
Hips problems | 59 out of 198 dog breeds | 168 out of 198 dog breeds |
Thyroid problems | Not Common | 11 out of 115 dog breeds |
Shoulder problems | Not Common | 15 out of 22 dog breeds |
Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 31 out of 70 dog breeds |
Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 32 out of 49 dog breeds |
Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 48 out of 159 dog breeds |
Elbow problems | Not Common | 56 out of 144 dog breeds |
Patella problems | Not Common | 97 out of 145 dog breeds |
Eyes problems | Not Common | 102 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.
Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.
Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
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.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.
Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Maremma Sheepdog and how the Rhodesian Ridgeback compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog and of the Rhodesian Ridgeback to other breeds:
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz Maremma Sheepdog versus Havanese Maremma Sheepdog versus Beaglier Maremma Sheepdog versus Curly-Coated Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Kelpie Maremma Sheepdog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Maremma Sheepdog versus Border Collie Maremma Sheepdog versus Schipperke Maremma Sheepdog versus Bullmastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Bedlington Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer Maremma Sheepdog versus Aussiedoodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Dogo Argentino Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinook Maremma Sheepdog versus Yorkipoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus Other Dog Breeds
Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Patterdale Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cavapoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Shichon Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Manchester Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Beaglier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Cavapoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Lancashire Heeler Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Fila Brasileiro Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Dalmatian Rhodesian Ridgeback versus King Shepherd Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Bernese Mountain Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Boykin Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Pyredoodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Miniature Poodle Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Mountain Cur Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Shepherd Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Golden Cocker Retriever Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Standard Schnauzer Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Papipoo Rhodesian Ridgeback versus German Shepherd Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Tibetan Spaniel Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Kai Ken Rhodesian Ridgeback versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.