Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better than the Shichon as a Pet? Answer…

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Maremma Sheepdog Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

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 Shichon.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Shichon

Maremma Sheepdog versus Shichon: Overview

A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Shichon 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 Shichon belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Shichon 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 Shichon

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Shichon
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches 9 to 12 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 12 to 18 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
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 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
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 9 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1160 $1610
Price Range $495 – $1500 $1200 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • No Data

    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 Shichon. 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 Shichon is 95 out of 125.

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

    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 Shichon 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 Shichon

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

  • Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shichons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shichons are good for new dog owners.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shichons are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful. However, Shichons are very playful.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shichons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon

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

  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon 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 Shichon 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 Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shichon

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

    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, Shichons weigh 9 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Shichons are 9 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shichon

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

    The lifespan of Shichons is between 12 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Shichons is 15.0 years.

    Shichons live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Shichon

    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 Shichon puppy is $1610. The price of the Shichon typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of the Shichon can be as low as $700 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 155 Shichon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shichon is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Maremma Sheepdog Shichon
    Average Price $1160 $1610
    Price Range $495 to $1500 $1200 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Maremma Sheepdog and Shichon. For different price points, the charts show how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies or how many Shichon puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Shichons

    A breakdown of the prices of Shichons

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Maremma Sheepdog versus Shichon

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Shichons?

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

    Shichons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shichon

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Shichons 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 Shichons?

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

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

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Shichon

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

    Shichons 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 Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shichons?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Shichons?

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

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

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Biewer Terrier (78 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bloodhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Goldador     Maremma Sheepdog versus Papipoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Hovawart     Maremma Sheepdog versus Catahoula Bulldog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Maremma Sheepdog versus Azawakh     Maremma Sheepdog versus English Setter     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pekingese     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Foxhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Korean Jindo Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cocker Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lakeland Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavapoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Brittany     Maremma Sheepdog versus Fila Brasileiro     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Komondor     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Field Spaniel     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Belgian Tervuren     Shichon versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Shichon versus Karelian Bear Dog     Shichon versus Fila Brasileiro     Shichon versus Shihpoo     Shichon versus Vizsla     Shichon versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Shichon versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Shichon versus Valley Bulldog     Shichon versus Redbone Coonhound     Shichon versus Cane Corso     Shichon versus Kooikerhondje     Shichon versus Berger Picard     Shichon versus Manchester Terrier     Shichon versus Chow Chow     Shichon versus Portuguese Water Dog     Shichon versus Kuvasz     Shichon versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Shichon versus Beaglier     Shichon versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Shichon versus Basenji     Shichon versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Shichon versus Cocker Spaniel     Shichon versus Bernedoodle     Shichon versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     

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