Which is Better between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier? A Very Detailed Review.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Maremma Sheepdog Versus Sealyham Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Sealyham Terrier.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Sealyham Terrier
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 4/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 12 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 65 to 100 pounds 22 to 24 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1160 No Data
Price Range $495 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
    		•
  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Primary Lens Luxation
    		•

    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 Sealyham Terrier. 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 Sealyham Terrier is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier

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

  • Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sealyham Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Sealyham Terriers are good for new dog owners.

    • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier

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

  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier 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 Sealyham Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier are highly intelligent.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier

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

    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, Sealyham Terriers weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Sealyham Terriers are Up to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Sealyham Terriers is 13.0 years.

    Sealyham Terriers live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Sealyham Terrier

    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 Sealyham Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Maremma Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Sealyham Terrier.

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

    5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 2 tests are recommended for the Sealyham Terrier.

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

    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.

    Sealyham Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Primary Lens Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Sealyham Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Sealyham Terriers

    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 Sealyham Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.

    This is because the Sealyham Terrier ranks 4 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 542 Sealyham Terriers, 10 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.

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

  • Primary Lens Luxation problems: Rank 4 out of 17 Dog Breeds

    • The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Sealyham Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Sealyham Terrier:

    Disease Maremma Sheepdog Rank Sealyham Terrier Rank
    Hips problems 59 out of 198 dog breeds Not Common
    Primary Lens Luxation problems Not Common 4 out of 17 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 Sealyham Terrier

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Sealyham Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Sealyham Terriers?

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

    Sealyham Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Sealyham Terrier

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Sealyham Terriers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Sealyham Terrier?

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

    Sealyham Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sealyham Terrier?

    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.

    Sealyham Terriers 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.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Sealyham Terriers?

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

    Sealyham Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sealyham Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Sealyham Terrier

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

    Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terrier?

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Sealyham Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Sealyham Terriers?

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

    Sealyham Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Sealyham Terriers?

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

    Sealyham Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Sealyham Terrier?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Sealyham Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Sealyham Terrier?

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sealyham Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Sealyham Terriers 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 Sealyham Terrier vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Sealyham Terrier vs Hovawart.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sealyham Terrier

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

  • Dutch Shepherd (75 percent match with Sealyham Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (77 percent match with Sealyham Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Frenchton     Maremma Sheepdog versus Aussiedoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Akita Chow     Maremma Sheepdog versus Border Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Maremma Sheepdog versus Kuvasz     Maremma Sheepdog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Maremma Sheepdog versus French Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Boerboel     Maremma Sheepdog versus King Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus Schipperke     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwich Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Whoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dalmatian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus Stabyhoun     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Azawakh     

    Sealyham Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sealyham Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     Sealyham Terrier versus Shiba Inu     Sealyham Terrier versus Pomsky     Sealyham Terrier versus Saint Bernard     Sealyham Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Sealyham Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Sealyham Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Sealyham Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Sealyham Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Sealyham Terrier versus French Bulldog     Sealyham Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Sealyham Terrier versus Barbet     Sealyham Terrier versus Xoloitzcuintli     Sealyham Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     Sealyham Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Sealyham Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Sealyham Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Sealyham Terrier versus Maltipoo     Sealyham Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Sealyham Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Sealyham Terrier versus Mudi     Sealyham Terrier versus Irish Setter     Sealyham Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Sealyham Terrier versus Akita Chow     Sealyham Terrier versus Boxerdoodle     

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