Is the Chihuahua Better than the Maremma Sheepdog as a Pet? Answer…

Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022

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Chihuahua Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua or the Maremma Sheepdog.

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Maremma Sheepdog

Chihuahua versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a tiny-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Chihuahua 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.

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.

Chihuahua versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog

FactorChihuahuaMaremma Sheepdog
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather1/54/5
Does NOT Drool5/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs5/52/5
Life Span10 to 18 years11 to 13 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/52/5
Dog Friendly2/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/51/5
Does NOT Shed4/51/5
General Health2/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/51/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Weight3 to 6 pounds65 to 100 pounds
Good For Novice Owners4/51/5
Easy To Train4/51/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Potential For Playfulness4/52/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/51/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Easy To Groom5/52/5
Height6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Average Lifespan14.0 years12.0 years
Average Price$1820$1080
Price Range$850 – $2500$495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Maremma Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Chihuahuas have low exercise needs. However, Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Chihuahuas have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Chihuahuas are good for new dog owners. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Chihuahuas are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.
  • Chihuahuas adapt well to apartment living. However, Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Chihuahuas are very easy to groom. However, Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Maremma Sheepdogs weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Maremma Sheepdogs are 23.5 to 28.5 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Maremma Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

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

    Chihuahuas live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1820. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $15500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1980 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

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    Chihuahua Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $1820 $1080
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $495 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Chihuahua and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Chihuahua puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chihuahua 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.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

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

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

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

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

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

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

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

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Chihuahuas 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 Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

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

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

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.