Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Australian Shepherd versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma 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 Australian Shepherd and the Maremma 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 Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma 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 Australian Shepherd and for the Maremma 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 Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Australian Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd 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.
On the other hand, 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.
Australian Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Maremma 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 Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $1080 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $495 – $1500 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Maremma 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get a Australian Shepherd!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog.
The Australian Shepherd weighs 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Shepherd is 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Maremma Sheepdog weighs 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. The Maremma Sheepdog is 23.5 to 28.5 inches when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog
Australian Shepherd Colors
The Australian Shepherd comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Black
- Merle (Red)
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Harlequin
- Merle (Blue)
- White / Cream
- Apricot / Beige
- Bicolor
- Golden
- Brindle
The Australian Shepherd comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Black
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Sable
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Merle (Blue)
Maremma Sheepdog Colors
The Maremma Sheepdog comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- White / Cream
The Maremma Sheepdog comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of the Maremma Sheepdog is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of the Maremma Sheepdog is 12.0 years.
The Australian Shepherd live longer than the Maremma Sheepdog.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1180. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a Australian Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $12009. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2674 Australian Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Maremma Sheepdog puppy is $1080. The price of the Maremma Sheepdog typically ranges from $495 – $1500. However, the price of the Maremma Sheepdog can be as low as $300 and as high as $4135. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 58 Maremma Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Australian Shepherd is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Australian Shepherd | Maremma Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $1080 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $495 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Maremma 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 Australian Shepherd versus Health Problems of Maremma 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 Australian Shepherd and the Maremma 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 Australian Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the Maremma Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Australian Shepherd than for the Maremma Sheepdog.
7 health tests are recommended for Australian Shepherd while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Shepherds and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Australian Shepherd Health Problems
Australian Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Shepherds here.
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.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Australian Shepherds and Maremma 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 Australian Shepherd Breed is Cataracts problems.
This is because the Australian Shepherd ranks 1 out of 5 dog breeds for Cataracts problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 107 Australian Shepherds, 2 of them had Cataracts problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Australian Shepherds, and how common these diseases are in Australian Shepherds 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 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:
The table below lists the common health problems in Australian Shepherd and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Australian Shepherd Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Cataracts problems | 1 out of 5 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems | 2 out of 7 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 7 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 12 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 19 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 28 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 60 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 66 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 77 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 103 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 133 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 150 out of 198 dog breeds | 59 out of 198 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: Australian Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Australian Shepherds 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.
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.
Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Australian Shepherd compares to other breeds aside from the Maremma Sheepdog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Irish Water Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Shiba Inu Australian Shepherd versus Braque du Bourbonnais Australian Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound Australian Shepherd versus Goldador Australian Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer Australian Shepherd versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Brussels Griffon Australian Shepherd versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Australian Shepherd versus Barbet Australian Shepherd versus Field Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Redbone Coonhound Australian Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer Australian Shepherd versus Flat-Coated Retriever Australian Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Maremma 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 Australian Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.