Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maremma Sheepdog Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Shetland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shetland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Shetland Sheepdog
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog? 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
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 Shetland Sheepdog.
Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog
| Factor | Maremma Sheepdog | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23.5 to 28.5 inches | 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 11 to 13 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 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 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 65 to 100 pounds | Starts at 20 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1160 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $495 – $1500 | $1000 – $2000 |
| 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shetland Sheepdog is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Shetland Sheepdog!
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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog
The Maremma Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog.
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, Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog
The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.
Shetland Sheepdogs live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.
Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog
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 Shetland Sheepdog puppy is $1590. The price of the Shetland Sheepdog typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of the Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shetland Sheepdog is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Maremma Sheepdog | Shetland Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1160 | $1590 |
| Price Range | $495 to $1500 | $1000 to $2000 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Maremma Sheepdog and Shetland Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies or how many Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maremma Sheepdog puppy or the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog
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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Shetland Sheepdog.
5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 4 tests are recommended for the Shetland Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and in Shetland Sheepdogs.
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.
Shetland Sheepdog Health Problems
Shetland Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Shetland 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 Shetland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Shetland 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 Shetland Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shetland Sheepdogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Shetland Sheepdogs
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 Shetland Sheepdog Breed is Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
This is because the Shetland Sheepdog ranks 3 out of 7 dog breeds for Collie Eye Anomaly problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 633 Shetland Sheepdogs, 5 of them had Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Shetland Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Shetland Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Shetland Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shetland Sheepdog:
| Disease | Maremma Sheepdog Rank | Shetland Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 59 out of 198 dog breeds | 166 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Collie Eye Anomaly problems | Not Common | 3 out of 7 dog breeds |
| Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems | Not Common | 4 out of 7 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 5 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 6 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Von Willebrands problems | Not Common | 6 out of 15 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 46 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 89 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 101 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 122 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 Shetland Sheepdog
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shetland Sheepdog
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Shetland Sheepdogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Shetland Sheepdog
Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Shetland Sheepdogs?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shetland Sheepdogs are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maremma Sheepdog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Maremma Sheepdog:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shetland 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 Shetland Sheepdog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Maremma Sheepdog and how the Shetland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog and of the Shetland Sheepdog to other breeds:
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Boston Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer Maremma Sheepdog versus English Setter Maremma Sheepdog versus Saluki Maremma Sheepdog versus Chow Chow Maremma Sheepdog versus Golden Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus Scottish Deerhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer Maremma Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer Maremma Sheepdog versus Cockalier Maremma Sheepdog versus Weimaraner Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Cane Corso Maremma Sheepdog versus Doberman Pinscher Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinese Shar-Pei Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Wolfhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu Maremma Sheepdog versus Mudi Maremma Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua Maremma Sheepdog versus Portuguese Pointer Maremma Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer Maremma Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin Maremma Sheepdog versus Kerry Blue Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano Maremma Sheepdog versus Saint Bernard
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shetland Sheepdog versus Pomeranian Shetland Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Maltipoo Shetland Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Black Russian Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Maltese Shetland Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff Shetland Sheepdog versus Kishu Ken Shetland Sheepdog versus Chinese Shar-Pei Shetland Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd Shetland Sheepdog versus Weimaraner Shetland Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz Shetland Sheepdog versus Bouvier des Flandres Shetland Sheepdog versus Coton de Tulear Shetland Sheepdog versus Bichon Frise Shetland Sheepdog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher Shetland Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo Shetland Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Shetland Sheepdog versus Pomsky Shetland Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua Shetland Sheepdog versus Pekingese Shetland Sheepdog versus Stabyhoun
Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.