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Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Comparison - Dog breed selector: Abruzzese Sheepdog or Irish Blue Terrier or Hovie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart" Compare Maremma Sheepdog and Kerry Blue Terrier. Which is better: Maremma Sheepdog or Kerry Blue Terrier or Hovawart?
 
 
 
Name Maremma Sheepdog Kerry Blue Terrier Hovawart
OriginsItaly flagItaly Ireland flagIreland Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs Guard Dogs
Popularity Rank398129375
Reviews522
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart breeds.
Abruzzese Sheepdog
Abruzzo Sheepdog
Maremma
Maremmano
Maremmano-Abruzzese
Pastore Abruzzese
Pastore Maremmano
Cane da Pastore
Irish Blue Terrier
Kerry
Hovie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Large
Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) 33-40 pounds (15-18 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 85 pounds (38.5 kg), Female: 70 pounds (31.5 kg) 36.5 pounds (16.5 kg) 55 - 90 pounds (25 - 51 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maremma Sheepdog or Kerry Blue Terrier or Hovawart? Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart height comparison:
24-29 inches (60-73 cm) Male: 18.5-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (44-48 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
26.5 inches (66.5 cm) Male: 18.5-20 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (46 cm) 23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $500-$600 $1000-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maremma Sheepdog or Kerry Blue Terrier or Hovawart?
Average: The Maremma Sheepdog is a commonly available dog breed.
Frequent: The Kerry Blue Terrier is easier than average to get.
Average: The Hovawart is a commonly available dog breed.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Smart: The Kerry Blue Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which is easiest to train?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Hovawart dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which breed is most alert?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Hovawart dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which breed is most protective?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Hovawart dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart? Compare temperaments.
Dignified
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Determined
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Strong
Willed
Spirited
Active
Devoted
Outright
Tempered
Watchful
Reserved
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Kerry Blue Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Hovawart dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart?
High: Maremma Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Average to High: Hovawart dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart social needs comparison:
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Hovawart dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Kerry Blue Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Hovawart dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
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Kerry Blue Terrier dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Hovawart dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Maremma Sheepdog rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Kerry Blue Terrier is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The Hovawart rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Maremma Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Kerry Blue Terrier is a playful breed.
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Average: Hovawarts, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Maremma Sheepdog indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Kerry Blue Terrier breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hovawart breed.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: Maremma Sheepdog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Kerry Blue Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Hovawart dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maremma Sheepdog or Kerry Blue Terrier or Hovawart?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Kerry Blue Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Hovawart dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Maremma Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Kerry Blue Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Hovawart has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which uses mouth most during play?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Kerry Blue Terrier dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Hovawart dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Maremma Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Kerry Blue Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Hovawart bite force: The Strongest.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which breed lives longest?
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog: 12 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Kerry Blue Terrier: 13 years
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Hovawart: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Kerry Blue Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which has fewer health issues?
The Maremma Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Hovawart is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Maremma Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Kerry Blue Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Hovawart should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Vaccination Sensitivity
Drug Sensitivity
Obesity
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Underactive Thyroid

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which breed is most active?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Kerry Blue Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Hovawart dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maremma Sheepdog or Kerry Blue Terrier or Hovawart? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Kerry Blue Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Hovawart dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maremma Sheepdog or Kerry Blue Terrier or Hovawart?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Hovawart dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Maremma Sheepdog breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Kerry Blue Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Hovawart has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. What colors are available?
White
Yellow
Black
Gray
Blue
Silver
Black
Blonde
Golden
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maremma Sheepdog requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Easy to groom: The Hovawart doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which drools least?
The Maremma Sheepdog is an average drooler.
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The Kerry Blue Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Hovawart is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Maremma Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Kerry Blue Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Hovawart has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough
Thick
Double
Curly Silky
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maremma Sheepdog or Kerry Blue Terrier or Hovawart? Maremma Sheepdog or Kerry Blue Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Maremma Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Kerry Blue Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Hovawart dogs shed moderately.
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Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which is best with kids?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Kerry Blue Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Hovawart dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maremma Sheepdog or Kerry Blue Terrier or Hovawart? Which dog is more friendly?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Hovawart dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maremma Sheepdog or Kerry Blue Terrier or Hovawart?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maremma Sheepdog or Kerry Blue Terrier or Hovawart?
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Hovawart dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart?
Yes
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Hovawart dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Maremma Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Kerry Blue Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Hovawart is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Maremma Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Kerry Blue Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Hovawarts are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Maremma Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Kerry Blue Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Hovawart breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which has most puppies?
5-9 puppies 4-8 puppies 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Maremma Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1922 as a Terrier breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maremma Sheepdog, Kerry Blue Terrier, and Hovawart. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
No data available American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service

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