Updated on December 1, 2022
Find out more about these fantastic purebred dogs.
The Great Pyrenees and the Maremma are two examples of the growing popularity of sheepdog breeds in the United States thanks to their even temperaments and innate protective instincts. Learn more about the wonderful purebred dogs that are the subject of this inquiry.
Maremma Dogs Vs Great Pyrenees
Some dog breeds, including the Great Pyrenees and the Maremma, seem so similar that they are often confused with one another. Great Pyrenees and Maremmas are two distinct breeds of dog, and you should be aware of the distinctions between them before purchasing either.
Are Maremma and Great Pyrenees the Same?
The Maremma and the Great Pyrenees are two completely different breeds of dog. The American Kennel Club and other international groups share recognition of these two breeds as purebred dogs. Therefore, it is important to clarify if you are being sold a Maremma or Great Pyrenees pup, as these breeds are not interchangeable.
Some individuals may get the two breeds mixed up because of the striking similarities between them. Both of these breeds were originally developed to keep predators away from farms and their livestock.
Keep in mind that you are buying a guardian breed, and guardian breeds are typically bright, headstrong, and easily bored if they do not get intensive exercise on a daily basis.
Anyone who has witnessed the work of a shepherding dog will readily grasp what we are talking about. Neither a Maremma nor a Pyrenees is going to make for a very cute pet. To the contrary, you’ll be receiving dogs that are genetically programmed to perform their assigned tasks.
Fortunately, as long as they get some additional moderate exercise, both breeds may adjust to live in a family or at home. Both types can be more relaxed and content if they are relegated to the role of nanny rather than working sheep.
But don’t count on any cattle dog getting along well with other dogs or strangers. If you don’t want your Maremmas or Great Pyrenees to attack anyone who happens to be at your door, they need to be socialised.
Maremma Information
Lineage – The Maremma Sheepdog was developed in Italy, namely in the regions of Posture Abruzzese and Pastore Maremma no. These regions have their own distinct bloodlines, but their resulting Maremma Sheepdogs look and act just like their American counterparts.
Style: Maremma Many sheepdogs have snowy white coats, but it’s perfectly natural for some to have a slight yellowish tinge. The average adult Maremma Sheepdog weighs between 60 and 100 pounds. They are not a huge or “extremely big” breed at all but rather a breed of average size. Their stout build makes them perfect for herding sheep.
Maremma’s Persona Sheepdogs have an unwavering devotion to their owner. They have a more friendly and noble demeanour than other sheepdog breeds. However, they are always on the lookout since their nervous systems are programmed to protect them against wolves and bears.
Shepherd dogs are fiercely loyal to their owners and protectors of the flock, but they also have a tendency to be aggressive. When wild creatures physically threaten sheep, a Maremma Sheepdog will not hesitate to fight back.
They can be good with kids, but only if they’ve been properly socialised, and very young children shouldn’t be left alone with a dog. If you don’t want any problems, you shouldn’t introduce your unsocialized Maremma Sheepdog to any strangers, either.
Great Pyrenees Information
The Great Pyrenees has a long history and is a prestigious dog breed. Even Great Pyrenees fossils attest to the region’s antiquity. According to excavations, this species has existed since roughly 1800 B.C.
Dogs like the Anatolian Shepherd, the Maremma Shepherd, and the Kurasz are thought to have descended from the Great Pyrenees. But the Great Pyrenees is famous for its offensive and defensive prowess.
It has been known to lay down its life to save the lives of its owners, making it the ideal livestock protector. In other words, it will always prioritise its own safety over that of the people or animals it is trying to shield.
Physical characteristics The Great Pyrenees has a double coat that keeps it warm in cold weather and a powerful physique. These beasts of prey are big enough to handle any intruders they encounter on their own.
A long, coarse coat that is sometimes wavy or straight by nature. It has a thick outer coat and a finer, softer undercoat. While mostly white, this animal’s fur may have yellow, grey, or tan spots. It’s been said that adult Great Pyrenees can weigh up to 100 pounds.
Personality — The Great Pyrenees is the progenitor of other low-strung sheepdogs, and as such, it is best suited to homes with experienced owners who are familiar with energetic sheepdog breeds. The Great Pyrenees are a breed of dog that was originally developed to care for livestock while living alone in valleys and other isolated areas.
Despite its lack of nanny dog tendencies, the Great Pyrenees can still make a wonderful addition to any family. We can relax knowing that the house is safe so long as there are no noisy kids (or young kids who are left unattended). Sheepdogs have a reputation for being extremely loyal to their human families.
Is There a Difference Between the Pyrenees and Great Pyrenees?
In rare cases, people may get the wrong dog because their names sound alike. The Great Pyrenees, for instance, go by the name Pyrenees, which can also mean the Pyrenean Mastiff. Originally from Spain, the purebred Pyrenean Mastiff is a type of shepherd dog.
Even though the Great Pyrenees were brought to Europe in the 1600s, it is unknown if these two populations ever interbred. The Pyrenees are a mountain range straddling the border between Spain and France; nevertheless, the word alone is not a credible historical identifier for purebreds. Instead, it was theorised that the ancient Mooser dogs, with their broad chests, were brought to what is now known as Europe by the Phoenicians.
The Pyrenean Mastiff, another giant sheepdog breed, is similarly known for its hostility toward outsiders. In comparison to the Great Pyrenees, it is a little friendlier with newcomers but still fiercely protective of its territory. In addition, its coat requires less care than that of a Great Pyrenees.
