Maremma Sheepdog vs Kuvasz vs Great Pyrenees – Which one is a better dog breed for you?
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Name | Maremma Sheepdog | Kuvasz | Great Pyrenees |
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Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() ![]() |
Group | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) |
Popularity Rank | 398 | 157 | 66 |
Reviews | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Rate |
Other Names | Cane da Pastore, Maremmano-Abruzzese, Pastore Abruzzese, Pastore Maremmano, Abruzzo Sheepdog, Abruzzese Sheepdog, Maremma, Maremmano | Hungarian Kuvasz | Great Pyrenees, Patou, Chien Des Pyrénées, Chien De Montagne Des Pyrénées, Montañés Del Pirineo, Gos De Muntanya Dels Pirineus |
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Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
AKC Group | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931 as a Working breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933 as a Working breed. |
FCI Group | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. | Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. | Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. |
Breed Recognition |
American Canine Registry America's Pet Registry Continental Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club | No set |
American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club |
Price | $600-$800 | $500-$1200 | $500-$600 |
General Appearance - Maremma Sheepdog vs Kuvasz vs Great Pyrenees
Size | Large | Giant | Giant |
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Weight | Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg) | Male: 106-137 pounds (48-62 kg), Female: 82-110 pounds (37-50 kg) | Male: from 100 pounds (45 kg), Female: from 85 pounds (38 kg) |
Avg. Weight | Male: 85 pounds (38.5 kg), Female: 70 pounds (31.5 kg) | Male: 121 pounds (40 kg), Female: 96 pounds (48,5 kg) | Male: from 100 pounds (45 kg), Female: from 85 pounds (38 kg) |
Height | 24-29 inches (60-73 cm) | Male: 28-30 inches (71-76 cm), Female: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm) | Male: 27-32 inches (69-81 cm), Female: 25-29 inches (63-74 cm) |
Avg. Height | 26.5 inches (66.5 cm) | Male: 29 inches (73.5 cm), Female: 27 inches (68.5 cm) | Male: 29.5 inches (75 cm), Female: 27 inches (68.5 cm) |
Hair & Care - Maremma Sheepdog vs Kuvasz vs Great Pyrenees
Coat |
Rough Thick Double |
Dense Wavy Double Coarser Topcoat Moderately Harsh Slightly Stiff Finer Downy Undercoat |
Dense Double |
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Colors |
White Yellow | White | White |
Grooming | Average: The Maremma Sheepdog requires average grooming effort. | Effortless: The Kuvasz requires minimal grooming. | Average: The Great Pyrenees requires average grooming effort. |
Shedding Level | Maremma Sheepdogs shed moderately. | Kuvaszs shed above average. | Great Pyreneess shed above average. |
Characteristics - Maremma Sheepdog vs Kuvasz vs Great Pyrenees
Temperament |
Alert Dignified Intelligent Determined Friendly Loyal |
Clownish Intelligent Patient Independent Loyal Protective Brave Fearless Self-Confident Faithful Dependable |
Affectionate Fearless Patient Confident Gentle Strong Willed |
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Intelligent Rank | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. | Average: Kuvasz's has average obedience intelligence. | Average: Great Pyrenees's has average obedience intelligence. |
Trainability | Maremma Sheepdogs are quite easy to train. | Kuvaszs aren't famous for their trainability. | Great Pyreneess are easy to train. |
Playfulness | Maremma Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Kuvaszs, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Great Pyreneess are not the most playful dog breed. |
Sensitivity Level | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Kuvaszs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household and frequent guest visits. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
Affection Level | Maremma Sheepdogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Kuvaszs are average dogs regarding their affection level. | Great Pyreneess are average dogs regarding their affection level. |
Social Needs | Maremma Sheepdogs are a social breed. | Kuvaszs need for social interaction is average. | Great Pyreneess are a social breed. |
Barking | Low to Average: The Maremma Sheepdog rarely barks. | Average: The Kuvasz barks occasionally. | Average to high: The Great Pyrenees is a vocal breed. |
Watchdog Ability | Maremma Sheepdogs are good watchdogs. | Kuvaszs are one of the best watchdogs. | Great Pyreneess are one of the best watchdogs. |
Territorial | Maremma Sheepdogs strongly protect their territory. | Kuvaszs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Great Pyreneess strongly protect their territory. |
Biting Potential |
Low The Maremma Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Low The Kuvasz has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Low The Great Pyrenees has a low chance of biting somebody. |
Mouthiness | Maremma Sheepdogs have lower than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Kuvaszs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Great Pyreneess have lower than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam | Maremma Sheepdogs are not the biggest explorers. | Kuvaszs have average wanderlust potential. | Great Pyreneess have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. |
Prey Drive | Maremma Sheepdogs don't have an impulse to catch or chase small animals. | Kuvaszs don't have an impulse to catch or chase small animals. | Great Pyreneess have a high impulse to chase and catch something. |
Apartment Friendly | Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. | Kuvaszs are not apartment-friendly dogs. | Great Pyreneess are not recommended for an apartment lifestyle. |
Adaptability | Maremma Sheepdogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. | Kuvaszs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. | Great Pyreneess adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. |
Tolerates Being Left Alone | Maremma Sheepdogs 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. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. | Great Pyreneess 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. |
Fighting Dog |
Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Good With - Maremma Sheepdog vs Kuvasz vs Great Pyrenees
Stranger Friendly | Maremma Sheepdogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Kuvaszs are not the most stranger friendly dogs. | Great Pyreneess are average friendly towards strangers. |
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Child Friendly | Maremma Sheepdogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Kuvaszs are kid-friendly dogs. | Great Pyreneess are kid-friendly dogs. |
Cat Friendly | Maremma Sheepdogs are cat-friendly dogs. | Kuvaszs are average friendly towards cats. | Great Pyreneess are cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly | Maremma Sheepdogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Kuvaszs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Great Pyreneess are average friendly towards other dogs. |
Office Friendly |
No Maremma Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Kuvasz is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
No Great Pyrenees is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly | Maremma Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people. | Kuvaszs are usually recommended for elderly people. | Great Pyreneess are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Pet Friendly | Maremma Sheepdogs are usually friendly towards other pets. | Kuvaszs are generally with other pets. | Great Pyreneess are usually friendly towards other pets. |
Good For First Time Owners |
No Maremma Sheepdogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
No Kuvaszs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
No Great Pyreneess are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
Service Dog |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
Therapy Dog |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) |
Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Boat Dog |
Not really Maremma Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really Kuvasz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really Great Pyrenees breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog |
Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Health Factors - Maremma Sheepdog vs Kuvasz vs Great Pyrenees
Health Issues | The Maremma Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. | Kuvaszs are commonly healthy dogs. | Great Pyreneess are commonly healthy dogs. |
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Health Problems |
Bloat Drug Sensitivity Hip Dysplasia Obesity Vaccination Sensitivity |
Bloat Eye Diseases Hip Dysplasia Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Osteochondrosis Thyroid Disorder |
Addison's Disease Bloat Cataracts Drug Sensitivity Elbow Dysplasia Entropion Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation |
Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 10-12 years | 10-12 years |
Hypoallergenic | No | No | No |
Energy Level | Maremma Sheepdogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. | Kuvaszs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. | Great Pyreneess have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. |
Exercise Need | Maremma Sheepdogs have an average exercise need. | Kuvaszs need a lot of exercises. | Great Pyreneess have an average exercise need. |
Sleeping Need | Maremma Sheepdogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered as a lazy breed. | Kuvaszs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend to much time with sleeping. | Great Pyreneess don't need too much sleep. |
Avg. daily food consumption | 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. | 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals | 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals |
Weight Gain Potential | High: The Maremma Sheepdog breed has a strong tendency to overweight. | Average to High. | Average to High. |
Weather & Climate | Tolerates warm and cold weather. | Tolerates warm and cold weather. |
Prefers cold weather The Great Pyrenees can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. |
Stinkiness |
Medium The Maremma Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell. |
Low The Kuvasz has a low chance of bad smell. |
Medium The Great Pyrenees has an average chance of bad smell. |
Drooling tendency | The Maremma Sheepdog is an average drooler. | The Kuvasz is an average drooler. | The Great Pyrenees is a perfect example for low drooling tendency. |
Reproducibility - Maremma Sheepdog vs Kuvasz vs Great Pyrenees
Gestation Length | 60-64 days | 60-64 days | 60-64 days |
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How often can the have a litter? |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size | 5-9 puppies | 8-12 puppies | 6-9 puppies |
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Reviews
- Edit Sara
Feb 8, 2020, 11:04:24 AM:
I find the kuvasz is the most reliable dog in every way.
- Levi
Apr 29, 2020, 6:12:43 AM:
All 3 are great dogs. I personally find Maremmas most intelligent of the 3. They are also more loving to the owners than Kuvasz and more aggressive to predators than Great Pyr. Also less grooming and health issues.
- Kimberly
Sep 27, 2020, 8:45:59 PM:
I think you should change the intelligence level of the maremma in your chart. Having owned all three in the past I feel that the Maremma are the most intelligent and the most loving towards humans.
- Crystal
Jan 19, 2021, 5:39:15 AM:
WILD misinformation. Pyrs don’t drool much?Hilariously incorrect. Have a high energy level? Wrong. Pyrs are lazy when not active farm dogs.
- Scottie
Feb 14, 2021, 9:06:58 PM:
Pyrs are droolers, I've had 4. Energy levels differed from lethargic to medium. Having worked ranches with Maremmas and Pyrs I find Maremmas just bark and scare the fox or coyote away. Pyrs on the other hand kill it, which is why I prefer pyrs.