Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maremma Sheepdog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
- Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu? 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.
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 Shih Tzu.
Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-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 Shih Tzu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
| Factor | Maremma Sheepdog | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23.5 to 28.5 inches | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 11 to 13 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 65 to 100 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1160 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $495 – $1500 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Shih Tzu!
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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu
The Maremma Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shih Tzu.
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, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Shih Tzus live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.
Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. However, the price of the Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Maremma Sheepdog | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1160 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $495 to $1500 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Maremma Sheepdog and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies or how many Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maremma Sheepdog puppy or the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
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.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Shih Tzu
Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Shih Tzus?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shih Tzu?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Maremma Sheepdog and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Maremma Sheepdog versus Beagle Maremma Sheepdog versus Sealyham Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Boerboel Maremma Sheepdog versus Shihpoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Chihuahua Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Chorkie Maremma Sheepdog versus Finnish Spitz Maremma Sheepdog versus Maltese Maremma Sheepdog versus Carolina Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Yorkipoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren Maremma Sheepdog versus Greyhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Dachshund Maremma Sheepdog versus Golden Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus Golden Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus King Shepherd Maremma Sheepdog versus Skye Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Dalmatian Maremma Sheepdog versus Valley Bulldog Maremma Sheepdog versus Manchester Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Scottish Deerhound Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Terrier
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Boerboel Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Terrier Shih Tzu versus Bich Poo Shih Tzu versus Lhasapoo Shih Tzu versus Affenpinscher Shih Tzu versus Labrador Retriever Shih Tzu versus Neapolitan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Spinone Italiano Shih Tzu versus Dachshund Shih Tzu versus Lagotto Romagnolo Shih Tzu versus Biewer Terrier Shih Tzu versus Manchester Terrier Shih Tzu versus Pomchi Shih Tzu versus Chow Chow Shih Tzu versus Scottish Deerhound Shih Tzu versus Weimaraner Shih Tzu versus Golden Cocker Retriever Shih Tzu versus Cockalier Shih Tzu versus English Setter Shih Tzu versus American Water Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Saluki Shih Tzu versus Icelandic Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Chihuahua Shih Tzu versus Morkie Shih Tzu versus Vizsla
Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.