Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maremma Sheepdog Versus Silky Terrier: Introduction
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier: Overview
- Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Silky Terrier
- The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Silky Terrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier
- Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier
- Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Silky Terrier
- Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Silky Terrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Silky Terriers?
- Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Silky Terrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Silky Terrier?
- Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Silky Terrier?
- Do Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Silky Terriers?
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Silky Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Silky Terrier
- Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Silky Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Silky Terrier?
- Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Silky Terriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Silky Terriers?
- Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Silky Terrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Silky Terrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Silky Terrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maremma Sheepdog and the Silky 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 Silky 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 Silky Terrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maremma Sheepdog and the Silky 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 Silky 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 Silky 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 Silky Terrier.
Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier: Overview
A very important difference between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Silky Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog while the Silky Terrier 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 Silky Terrier 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 Silky Terrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog to the Silky 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 Silky Terrier
| Factor | Maremma Sheepdog | Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 11 to 13 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 8 to 10 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1160 | $1890 |
| Price Range | $495 – $1500 | $1425 – $2075 |
| 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 Silky 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 Silky Terrier is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Silky Terrier is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Silky 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 Silky 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 Silky Terrier
Below is a list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Silky Terrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Silky Terrier
The Maremma Sheepdog and the Silky Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Silky Terrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Silky 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, Silky Terriers weigh 8 to 10 pounds when fully grown. Silky Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky 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 Silky Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Silky Terriers is 13.5 years.
Silky Terriers live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.
Price of Maremma Sheepdog versus Price of Silky Terrier
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 Silky Terrier puppy is $1890. The price of the Silky Terrier typically ranges from $1425 – $2075. However, the price of the Silky Terrier can be as low as $350 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 42 Silky Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Silky Terrier is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Maremma Sheepdog | Silky Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1160 | $1890 |
| Price Range | $495 to $1500 | $1425 to $2075 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Maremma Sheepdog and Silky Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies or how many Silky Terrier 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 Silky Terriers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Maremma Sheepdog puppy or the Silky Terrier 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 Silky 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 Silky 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 Silky Terrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Silky Terrier.
5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 2 tests are recommended for the Silky Terrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and in Silky 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Maremma Sheepdogs here.
Silky Terrier Health Problems
Silky Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Silky 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 Silky Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Silky 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 Silky Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Silky Terriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and Silky 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:
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 Silky Terrier Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Silky Terrier ranks 22 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 109 Silky Terriers, 0 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Silky Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Silky Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Maremma Sheepdog and in Silky Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maremma Sheepdog and the Silky Terrier:
| Disease | Maremma Sheepdog Rank | Silky Terrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 59 out of 198 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 22 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 50 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 61 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 Silky Terrier
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Silky Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Silky Terriers?
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Silky Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Silky Terrier
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
Silky Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Silky Terrier?
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Silky Terriers are very easy to groom.
Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Silky 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.
Silky Terriers 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 Silky Terriers?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Silky Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Silky Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Silky Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Silky 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.
Silky 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 Silky Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Silky Terriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Silky Terrier?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Silky Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Silky Terriers?
Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Silky Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Maremma Sheepdogs and Silky Terriers?
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Silky Terriers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Silky Terrier?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Silky Terriers are very easy to train.
Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Silky Terrier?
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Silky Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Silky Terrier?
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Silky Terriers 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 Silky Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Silky 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 Silky Terrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Maremma Sheepdog and how the Silky Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog and of the Silky Terrier to other breeds:
Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maremma Sheepdog versus Harrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Briard Maremma Sheepdog versus Bernedoodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Icelandic Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Affenpinscher Maremma Sheepdog versus Biewer Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Brussels Griffon Maremma Sheepdog versus Shichon Maremma Sheepdog versus Ibizan Hound Maremma Sheepdog versus Kai Ken Maremma Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel Maremma Sheepdog versus Kerry Blue Terrier Maremma Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo Maremma Sheepdog versus Morkie Maremma Sheepdog versus American Eskimo Dog Maremma Sheepdog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Maremma Sheepdog versus Papillon Maremma Sheepdog versus Hovawart Maremma Sheepdog versus Pharaoh Hound Maremma Sheepdog versus Shihpoo Maremma Sheepdog versus Sheepadoodle Maremma Sheepdog versus Dogo Argentino Maremma Sheepdog versus Tibetan Mastiff Maremma Sheepdog versus Airedale Terrier
Silky Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Silky Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel Silky Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Silky Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Silky Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog Silky Terrier versus Shichon Silky Terrier versus Spinone Italiano Silky Terrier versus Welsh Terrier Silky Terrier versus Sussex Spaniel Silky Terrier versus Basenji Silky Terrier versus French Spaniel Silky Terrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier Silky Terrier versus Alaskan Klee Kai Silky Terrier versus Komondor Silky Terrier versus Kai Ken Silky Terrier versus Cockalier Silky Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Silky Terrier versus Lowchen Silky Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound Silky Terrier versus Labradoodle Silky Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd Silky Terrier versus Greyhound Silky Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Silky Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier Silky Terrier versus Chi-Poo Silky Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher
Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky 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 Silky Terrier better suits you and your family.