Maremma sheepdogs and the Great Pyrenees are both large, gentle giants. But which one is right for you and your family?
In this article, we’ll compare these two popular dog breeds so you can make the best decision for your home.
Breeding History – Compared
Maremma
Great Pyrenees
Maremmas are an ancient breed of sheepdog that originated from the Maremma region of Italy. They were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep from predators such as wolves and bears.
Today, they make excellent family companions and guard dogs. They are loyal, protective, and gentle with children. Maremmas are also known for being very independent and headstrong, so they may not be the best fit for first-time dog owners.
Great Pyrenees are also large, fluffy dogs that make great family pets. They were originally bred in the Pyrenees Mountains to protect sheep from predators such as wolves and bears.
Today, they make excellent family companions and guard dogs. They are loyal, protective, and gentle with children. However, they can be stubborn and may not respond well to harsh training methods.
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Size and Features – Compared
Maremma Sheepdogs and Great Pyrenees are both large, working dog breeds. They were bred for similar purposes and have many similarities, but there are also some important differences between the two breeds.
Maremmas are slightly larger than Great Pyrenees, with males averaging about 25.5 to 28.5 inches at the shoulder and females 25.5 to 26.75 inches. Great Pyrenees males average about 27 and 32 inches at the shoulder, and females 25 to 29 inches.
Both breeds have thick, double coats that protect them from cold weather and provide insulation. The Fluffy coat of a Maremma is dense and wavy, while the white coat of a Great Pyrenees is longer and fluffier.
While both breeds are gentle giants, Maremmas are more independent and aloof than Great Pyrenees. Maremmas are also more difficult to train than Great Pyrenees, who are naturally very obedient.
Temperament – Compared
The Great Pyrenees and Maremma are two large, white breeds of dog that make great guardians.
Both breeds have a calm and gentle demeanor, but the Maremma is more independent, while the Great Pyrenees is more affectionate. The Maremma is also less likely to bark than the Great Pyrenees.
When it comes to living indoors, both breeds have a tendency to be destructive and may not get along well with other pets. Both are great companions for people who live in rural areas but should not be left alone for too long.
Training Needs – Compared
The Maremma and the Great Pyrenees are two large, white, fluffy dogs that look very similar. Both breeds were originally bred to be working dogs, guarding livestock against predators such as wolves.
However, they can make great family pets if given the proper training and socialization. Here is a comparison of the training needs of these two breeds.
Obedience training
Maremma and Great Pyrenees are two very different dog breeds, so their obedience training needs to be approached in different ways.
The Maremma is bred as a guard dog, so they have a strong instinct to protect their territory. This can make obedience training challenging, as they may be resistant to leaving their post or following commands that take them away from home.
However, with patience and consistency, Maremma can be taught to obey commands and follow directions.
The Great Pyrenees are gentle giants, but they can be stubborn when it comes to following commands. They need a firm yet loving hand during obedience training, and positive reinforcement is often the best way to get them to cooperate.
Like the Maremma, Great Pyrenees are also bred as guard dogs, so they may be hesitant to leave their post when called. The best method is to introduce them to obedience training at an early age and use positive reinforcement throughout the process.
Potty Training
The Maremma and Great Pyrenees are two of the most popular dog breeds. They are also two of the most difficult breeds to potty train. This is because they are both very independent and stubborn.
However, with a little patience and a lot of positive reinforcement, it is possible to potty train them. Here are some tips on how to do it:
1. Start early: The sooner you start potty training your Maremma or Great Pyrenees, the better. This is because they are both very independent and will not respond well to being told what to do later in life.
2. Be consistent: Consistency is key when potty training any dog, but it is especially important with these two breeds. They will not respond well to being told to go outside one day, and then inside the next.
3. Reward good behavior: Both of these breeds are very independent and stubborn, so positive reinforcement is a must.
Socialization
There are a few key things to keep in mind when socializing your Maremma Sheepdog. First, this breed can be impatient with other animals, so early socialization with other dogs is important.
Secondly, they are very protective by nature and will be guarded towards strangers if not properly socialized. Finally, Maremmas are very intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation; therefore, obedience training and socialization is essential for this breed.
The Great Pyrenees is also a dog that needs proper socialization. Without it, they can become aloof and suspicious of strangers. They are also a guarding breed by nature and need to be properly trained and socialized in order to avoid becoming aggressive.
Aggression Levels – Compared
There are a few key things to consider when discussing the aggression levels of the Maremma vs Great Pyrenees. For one, it’s important to note that the aggression levels of these two dog breeds can vary greatly depending on their individual personalities.
However, in general, the Maremma is considered to be more aggressive than the Great Pyrenees. This is likely due to the fact that the Maremma was originally bred as a guard dog, while the Great Pyrenees was bred as a working dog.
As such, the Maremma is more likely to display aggressive behaviors such as barking and growling when they feel threatened or protect something they consider to be their territory.
On the other hand, great Pyrenees are typically less aggressive and more even-tempered. They may bark or growl occasionally, but they’re less likely to do so unless they’re provoked.
What Exercise Do They Need?
The Maremma and the Great Pyrenees have different exercise needs, which must be taken into account when choosing the right dog for your lifestyle.
The Maremma is a large, powerful breed that was originally bred for guarding livestock. They are reasonably active dogs that need moderate exercise, preferably in a rural setting where they can run and roam freely. 1 hour of daily exercise is required.
Without enough exercise, they can become destructive and difficult to handle.
The Great Pyrenees is also a large breed, but they are much more laid back than the Maremma. They were originally bred as working dogs in the mountains of France and Spain and still possess a strong work ethic today.
While they are gentle giants that make great family pets, they also require regular daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. One hour of daily exercise is recommended.
Hiking
Both breeds make great hiking companions, but the Maremma is better suited for longer hikes and more difficult terrain. The Great Pyrenees is more content to walk at a leisurely pace, making it better suited for shorter hikes or walks around the neighborhood.
Swimming
This is another excellent way to get your dog’s heart rate up while also providing them with some relief from the heat. Both breeds love water, and swimming is a great way to keep them cool in the summer months.
The Great Pyrenees is a gentle giant that loves nothing more than a good walk or runs. They are built for endurance and can cover a lot of ground with ease.
However, their thick fur coat can make them overheat quickly in warm weather, so swimming is not always ideal for this breed.
Walking
There are many differences between the walking routines for the Maremma and Great Pyrenees. The Great Pyrenees is a much larger dog, so it needs more exercise. It also has a lot of energy and can get bored easily, so a long walk is necessary.
The Maremma is a slightly smaller dog and doesn’t require as much exercise as the Great Pyrenees. It is also less energetic and can be content with a shorter walk.
Running
This is a great way to get your dog’s heart pumping and its muscles moving. Both the Maremma and Great Pyrenees are built for running, so this is an ideal exercise for them. Just be sure not to overdo it, as both breeds can easily become overheated.
Mental Stimulation – Compared
A dog’s brain needs mental stimulation just as much as it needs physical activity. Without mental stimulation, a dog can become bored, anxious, and even destructive.
The Maremma is an independent thinker who loves to roam and explore. The Great Pyrenees is a gentle giant who is equally content to laze around the house all day or play with its family.
While both breeds need physical exercise, it is important to find creative ways to keep their brain’s occupied and stimulated. The following are some options worth considering:
Interactive Toys
For starters, both the Maremma and the Great Pyrenees love to chew. This means that any toy you select should be made of durable materials that can withstand some serious chewing.
You’ll also want to choose a toy that is specifically designed for large-breed dogs; smaller toys can pose a choking hazard.
These toys will help in keeping the dog mentally stimulated. They will also give your dog an outlet for all that extra energy they have!
Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle feeders are a great way to keep your Maremma, or Great Pyrenees occupied and challenged. They can be used to dispense food, treats, or even medicine.
Puzzle feeders come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that is perfect for your dog.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a puzzle feeder for your Maremma or Great Pyrenees:
1. Size – Make sure the puzzle feeder is big enough for your dog to get their mouth around. You don’t want them to get frustrated and give up.
2. Difficulty – Start with a simple puzzle feeder and gradually make it more difficult as your dog gets the hang of it.
3. Material – Choose a durable material that will stand up to some chewing.
Training Sessions
There are many benefits to mental stimulation for dogs, including reducing boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors. For the Maremma and Great Pyrenees, two large breeds known for their guarding instincts, mental stimulation is especially important.
These two breeds were historically used for livestock guardianship, a job that required them to be constantly on the alert and ready to defend their flock.
Today, many Maremma and Great Pyrenees are still used for livestock guardian work, but others are now companion animals.
Whether your Maremma or Great Pyrenees is working or living as a pet, it is important to provide them with regular training sessions that offer mental stimulation.
Long Walks
While your Great Pyrenees or Maremma is walking with you, have them heel alongside you. This not only provides mental stimulation but it also strengthens the bond between the two of you.
“Wherever possible, try to add a touch of creativity to your daily training sessions. Whether it is having them walk on a leash alongside you as you walk up and down the street, or teaching them to follow a scent trail, your Great Pyrenees or Maremma will thank you for providing them with a job”.
Without enough mental stimulation, the Maremma may become restless and destructive, while the Great Pyrenees may become withdrawn and depressed.
Grooming Needs – Compared
When it comes to grooming, both the Maremma and Great Pyrenees are moderate-maintenance breeds.
Brushing
Both dogs have double coats that shed seasonally, but the Maremma’s coat is definitely easier to brush. The Great Pyrenees has a longer coat that is more prone to tangles.
The Maremma’s short, soft, and shiny coat is easy to brush with a rubber curry brush or simply a dog comb. Regular brushing will help keep the shedding under control and the coat shiny.
The Maremma is known to shed a lot, so brushing their coat daily will help prevent loose hair from getting stuck in your home.
Bathing
When bathing the Maremma, use dog shampoo and keep the water temperature on the cooler side.
This breed is sensitive to hot water. When bathing the Great Pyrenees, use a dog shampoo that rinses well and doesn’t leave a residue or texture.
Ears
Cleaning the ears of the Maremma, like most dogs, is very important. You can use a cotton ball and some dog ear cleanser to get in the crevices of the ears.
The Great Pyrenees has floppy ears that are prone to infections, so cleaning them often will help prevent problems down the road. Make sure you use a dog ear cleanser that is safe for the breed.
Teeth
When it comes to brushing your dog’s teeth, there are a few things to take into account. The first is the size of your dog. A large dog like a Maremma or Great Pyrenees will need a different toothbrush than a small dog.
The second thing to consider is the type of toothbrush. There are two types of toothbrushes, manual and electric. Manual toothbrushes are easier to use on large dogs, while electric toothbrushes are better for smaller dogs.
The third thing to consider is the type of toothpaste you use. There are three types of toothpaste, fluoride, baking soda, and peroxide. Fluoride is the most effective at preventing cavities, but it can be harsh on your dog’s teeth if used too frequently.
Health Conditions – Compared
The Maremma Sheepdog is a relatively healthy breed with few health problems. However, they are susceptible to hip dysplasia, ear infections, and bloat.
The Great Pyrenees is also a relatively healthy breed, but they are more prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cancer, epilepsy, ear infections, and bloat.
Hip Dysplasia
Both breeds have a history of being used for protecting sheep from predators such as wolves and bears. However, these two breeds differ in their susceptibility to hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not form properly, resulting in pain and lameness.
Maremma Sheepdogs are much less likely to develop hip dysplasia than Great Pyrenees. This is thought to be due to the fact that Maremma Sheepdogs were bred specifically for this purpose, while Great Pyrenees were not.
The genetic lines of Maremma Sheepdogs are also much better documented than those of the Great Pyrenees, which makes it easier to identify and avoid health problems such as hip dysplasia.
It can be treated with surgery, but it is a painful and expensive procedure.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a condition that affects the growth and development of a dog’s elbow joint. It is a common cause of lameness in young dogs and can lead to arthritis as they age.
The condition is thought to be genetic and is more common in certain breeds, such as the Maremma Sheepdog and Great Pyrenees. There are several different types of elbow dysplasia, which can vary in severity.
Treatment options include weight management, exercise restriction, pain relief, and surgery.
Cancer
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, and Great Pyrenees are no exception. But what about their close cousins, the Maremma Sheepdog?
The Maremma Sheepdog is a large, white flock-guarding dog breed that originates from Italy. They are closely related to the Great Pyrenees, sharing many of the same characteristics.
However, there is one major difference between the two breeds: cancer rates.
Cancer occurs much more frequently in Great Pyrenees than in Maremma Sheepdogs. In fact, cancer rates in Maremma Sheepdogs are so low that they are virtually non-existent.
This difference is likely due to the fact that Maremma Sheepdogs are bred for health and longevity, while Great Pyrenees are not. When it comes to cancer prevention, diet is the first step. The key is to feed your dog food that will help prevent cancer.
The first step when creating an anti-cancer diet for your dog is to choose a good quality, grain-free dog food. Grain-free diets are much healthier for dogs than grain-based diets and can help prevent cancer.
Grain-free dog foods generally have fewer preservatives, which also helps reduce your dog’s risk of cancer. It can also be managed by feeding a dog food with fewer calories, which is not as difficult as it seems.
Dogs can easily eat less than you think. They are often given the same amount of food day after day, month after month. They don’t need to be fed that much at all.
Epilepsy
The Great Pyrenees are more likely to have idiopathic epilepsy, which means that the cause is unknown.
The Maremma is more likely to have secondary epilepsy, which means that there is an underlying condition that is causing the seizures. Another difference is that seizures in Maremma tend to be shorter and less intense than those in Great Pyrenees.
Finally, the Maremma is more likely to outgrow their epilepsy, while Great Pyrenees tend to need lifelong treatment.
Ear Infections
Maremma Sheepdogs and Great Pyrenees are both large, white breeds of dog. But one difference is that Maremmas are more prone to ear infections than Great Pyrenees.
This is because the shape of their ears can make it difficult for air to circulate and dry out the ear canal. This can create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow and cause an infection.
“If you have a Maremma, be sure to check their ears regularly and clean them if necessary. If you notice any signs of an infection, take your dog to the vet immediately”.
Bloat
There are a number of ways to tell if your dog is bloated, but the most common indicators are a swollen abdomen, increased appetite, and restlessness. While bloat can affect any breed of dog, it’s particularly common in large breeds like the Maremma and Great Pyrenees.
Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas or fluid and puts pressure on the diaphragm. This can cause difficulty breathing, pain, and even death if left untreated. If you suspect your dog is bloated, take them to the vet immediately.
There are several things you can do to prevent bloat in your dog, including feeding them small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal and avoiding exercise immediately after eating. If your dog is prone to bloat, talk to your vet about other preventive measures such as Gastropexy surgery.
Overall, the Maremma Sheepdog is the healthier of the two breeds. However, both breeds are generally healthy dogs with long lifespans.
Nutrition Requirements – Compared
As both the Maremma and Great Pyrenees are large active dogs, they require a healthy diet that is high in protein and low in fat.
Some common commercial dog foods that are popular amongst dog owners include:
Table Scraps
No matter how well-behaved your Maremma or Great Pyrenees is, resist the urge to feed them table scraps. While it may be tempting to give in to those pleading eyes, it’s not worth the risk. Here’s why:
First, table scraps are usually high in fat and calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity.
And while a little extra weight might not seem like a big deal, it can actually put your dog at risk for serious health problems like joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease.
Second, feeding table scraps can cause digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting. It’s important to remember that dogs have a different digestive system than we do, so their bodies may not be able to handle certain foods as well as ours can.
Third, it s hard to know exactly what s in table scraps. While some foods are fine for dogs, others can make them sick or even kill them. For example, chocolate is deadly to pets, so you should never give it to your dog.
If you do decide to give your dog some table scraps, its best to keep this to a minimum and be mindful of what you are feeding them.
Doggie Treats
When it comes to doggie treats, there are a lot of options out there. But which one is best for your Maremma or the Great Pyrenees?
If you’re looking for a treat that’s specifically designed for large breeds like the Maremma or Great Pyrenees, then you should check out Bully Bunches.
These treats are made with all-natural ingredients and are free of fillers, so you can be sure your dog is getting the nutrition they need.
For a more traditional treatment option, consider something like bones or rawhide chews. These will give your dog something to gnaw on and can help keep their teeth clean.
Just make sure to supervise your dog while they’re chewing, as bones can pose a choking hazard. If you’re looking to spoil your dog with some tasty treats, you can’t go wrong with any of the options we reviewed.
Dog Friendliness – Compared
Both breeds are bred for their ability to protect livestock from predators, but the Maremma is more aggressive towards strangers and other dogs. The Great Pyrenees is more laid back and easygoing, making it a friendlier option between the two breeds.
Child Friendliness
There are a few things to consider when choosing between the Maremma and Great Pyrenees as child-friendly dogs. The Maremma is a large, calm breed that is gentle with children.
They are also protective of their family and make good watchdogs. The Great Pyrenees is also a large breed, but they are not as calm as the Maremma. They are friendly with children but may be too hyperactive for very young kids.
Drooling Levels – Compared
Though both the Maremma and Great Pyrenees are known for their drooling, the Maremma is thought to be the sloppier of the two.
This is likely due to the fact that the Great Pyrenees has a shorter muzzle, which doesn’t allow as much opportunity for drool to accumulate.
The Maremma, on the other hand, has a longer muzzle and hangs its tongue out more often, giving drool a chance to drip down. To control the drooling, you can try using a rubber harness or a basket muzzle.
Barking Levels – Compared
There are two very different types of dogs when it comes to barking. The Maremma is a quiet dog who rarely ever barks.
On the other hand, the Great Pyrenees is known for being a very vocal dog. They will bark at anything and everything that they see or hear.
Weather Tolerance – Compared
The Maremma is a native of Italy, where it was bred to protect sheep from wolves in the cold, mountainous regions.
The Great Pyrenees is from France, where it was used to guard flocks against bears and other predators in the Pyrenees mountains. Both breeds are used for livestock guardian work in North America today.
So, which one is more weather tolerant? Both breeds can withstand cold temperatures, but the Great Pyrenees is better equipped to deal with extreme cold and heavy snowfall.
As a pet owner, you should be aware of the weather conditions in your area and make sure that your dog is adequately protected.
Life Expectancy – Compared
When it comes to life expectancy, both the Maremma and Great Pyrenees are relatively long-lived breeds. on average, Maremmas tend to live between 11 to 14 years, while Great Pyrenees typically have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
However, there are always exceptions to the rule, and some individual dogs of either breed may live much longer – or shorter – lives depending on a variety of genetic and lifestyle factors.
“Generally speaking, the biggest determining factor in a dog’s lifespan is genetics. This means that if you are looking for a dog with a longer potential lifespan, it is important to do your research and choose a breeder who has healthy parents and grandparents that lived long lives”.
Puppy Prices – Compared
Maremma puppies cost between $600 – $800. While a Great Pyrenees puppy from a reputable breeder costs between $1000 and $2500.
The price of a puppy is based on many factors, including the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s lineage, and the demand for the breed.
Great Pyrenees puppies are in high demand due to their popularity, so prices are often on the higher end. However, both dogs make great family pets and are worth the investment.
So, if you’re looking for a gentle giant to add to your family, be sure to do your research to see which breed is the best fit for you.
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