Differences and Similarities between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo.

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Maremma Sheepdog Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

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 Shihpoo.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Shihpoo: Overview

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

Maremma Sheepdog versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Shihpoo
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches 8 to 18 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 4/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 13 to 17 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
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 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
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 8 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $1160 $1590
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 Shihpoo. 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 Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo

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

  • Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shihpoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shihpoos are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Shihpoos do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Shihpoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo are not easy to train.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Shihpoo are highly intelligent.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shihpoo

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

    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, Shihpoos weigh 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Shihpoos are 8 to 18 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Shihpoo

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

    The lifespan of Shihpoos is between 13 to 17 years . The average lifespan of Shihpoos is 15.0 years.

    Shihpoos live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Shihpoo

    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 Shihpoo puppy is $1590. The price of the Shihpoo typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of the Shihpoo can be as low as $300 and as high as $4325. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shihpoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shihpoo is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Maremma Sheepdog Shihpoo
    Average Price $1160 $1590
    Price Range $495 to $1500 $1200 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Maremma Sheepdog and Shihpoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies or how many Shihpoo 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 Shihpoos

    A breakdown of the prices of Shihpoos

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Shihpoos?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Shihpoo

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Shihpoos 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 Shihpoos?

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

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

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Shihpoo

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

    Shihpoos 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 Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Shihpoos?

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

    Shihpoos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Shihpoos 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:

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dog (75 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Shihpoo vs Hovawart.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shihpoo

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Shiranian.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shichon     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cairn Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Malinois     Maremma Sheepdog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Siberian Husky     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Shepherd Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shichon     Maremma Sheepdog versus Mastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje     Maremma Sheepdog versus Standard Schnauzer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus Rottweiler     Maremma Sheepdog versus Hovawart     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bordoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dutch Shepherd     Maremma Sheepdog versus Carolina Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Boston Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland     Maremma Sheepdog versus Maltese     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shiranian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Shetland Sheepdog     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Affenhuahua     Shihpoo versus Weimaraner     Shihpoo versus Toy Fox Terrier     Shihpoo versus Welsh Terrier     Shihpoo versus Goldador     Shihpoo versus Bedlington Terrier     Shihpoo versus English Springer Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Cavachon     Shihpoo versus Aussiedoodle     Shihpoo versus Irish Wolfhound     Shihpoo versus Finnish Lapphund     Shihpoo versus Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Carolina Dog     Shihpoo versus Bull Terrier     Shihpoo versus Irish Setter     Shihpoo versus Black Russian Terrier     Shihpoo versus Spanish Mastiff     Shihpoo versus Cocker Spaniel     Shihpoo versus Chorkie     Shihpoo versus Newfoundland     Shihpoo versus Bloodhound     Shihpoo versus Black Russian Terrier     Shihpoo versus Saint Bernard     Shihpoo versus Frenchton     Shihpoo versus Boerboel     

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