Last Updated: May 01, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Collie Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
- Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
- Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of the Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Price of Collie versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Collie versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog
- Do Collies shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Are Collies good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Which one drools more, the Collie or the Maremma Sheepdog
- How Kid-friendly are Collies and Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
- Do Collies Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
- Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Maremma Sheepdog
- Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Collie Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie or the Maremma Sheepdog.
Note that the Collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth collie and the rough collie. Read our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.
Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.
See this article that compares the Border Collie to the Maremma Sheepdog.
Finally, just like the collie, the border collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough border collie and the smooth border collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.
Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Collie is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Collie 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.
Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Collie 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 Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog
| Factor | Collie | Maremma Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 11 to 13 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder | 23.5 to 28.5 inches |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 70 pounds | 65 to 100 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $1480 | $1080 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1800 | $495 – $1500 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie 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 Collie is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Collie is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get a Collie!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog
The Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog.
The Collie weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Collie is 22 to 26 inches all 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.
Lifespan of Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog
The lifespan of the Collie is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.0 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 Maremma Sheepdog live as long as the Collie.
Price of Collie versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog
The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie 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 Collie is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.
| Collie | Maremma Sheepdog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1480 | $1080 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $1800 | $495 to $1500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Collie and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Collie puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Collies. 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 Collie 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.
Check out our list of best Collie breeders here
Health Problems of Collie 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 Collie 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 Maremma Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Collie.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Collie.
4 health tests are recommended for Collie while 5 tests are recommended for the Maremma Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Collies and in Maremma Sheepdogs.
Collie Health Problems
Collies are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Collie 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 Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Collie 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 Collies for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Collies 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 Collies 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 Collie Breed is Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
This is because the Collie ranks 1 out of 7 dog breeds for Collie Eye Anomaly problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 114 Collies, 16 of them had Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Collies, and how common these diseases are in Collies 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 Collie and in Maremma Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog:
| Disease | Collie Rank | Maremma Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Collie Eye Anomaly problems | 1 out of 7 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 1 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems | 1 out of 7 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 13 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 16 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 65 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 107 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 182 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: Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog
Collies do not like to be left alone.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Collies shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?
Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Collies 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 Collie or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Collies get along very well with other dogs.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Collies good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Collies are very easy to train.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Collie or the Maremma Sheepdog
Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.
Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.
How Kid-friendly are Collies and Maremma Sheepdogs?
Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Collies 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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?
Collies 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 Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.
Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Maremma Sheepdog
Collies do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
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 Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?
Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Collie or the Maremma Sheepdog?
Collies are very good for new dog owners.
Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Maremma Sheepdog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Collie to other breeds:
Collie versus Hovawart Collie versus Chihuahua Collie versus Lhasapoo Collie versus American Eskimo Dog Collie versus Weimaraner Collie versus Barbet Collie versus Xoloitzcuintli Collie versus Akita Chow Collie versus Tibetan Terrier Collie versus English Springer Spaniel Collie versus Black Russian Terrier Collie versus Irish Setter Collie versus Australian Cattle Dog Collie versus Lakeland Terrier Collie versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Collie versus Pomsky Collie versus Tibetan MastiffConclusion: Collie 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 Collie and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.