Maremma Sheepdog vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison

Maremma Sheepdog vs Estonian Hound - Breed ComparisonMaremma Sheepdog is originated from Italy but Estonian Hound is originated from Estonia. Maremma Sheepdog may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Estonian Hound. Maremma Sheepdog may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Estonian Hound. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Estonian Hound has almost same life span. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Estonian Hound has almost same litter size. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Estonian Hound requires Moderate maintenance.

History

maremma sheepdog - historyKnown also as the Cane de Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, the Maremma Sheepdog is often referred to as the Maremmano or the Abruzzese Sheepdog.

This is a working dog – a guardian of sheep and an indigenous dog to central Italy. The dog has been used for centuries already to guard sheep.

It was in 1924 that the first standard for the breed was published.

estonian hound - historyIn 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Italy
Estonia
Height Male:
65 - 73 cm
25 - 29 inches
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
65 - 73 cm
25 - 29 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 45 kg
77 - 100 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
35 - 45 kg
77 - 100 pounds
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 9
4 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Maremmano, Abruzzese Sheepdog
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
Colors Available:
White
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
Coat:
Long and Thick
short, rough coat
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

maremma sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Maremma Sheepdog is a large dog with a muscular build. Some people who have owned these distinctive-looking dogs say he is like a big bear. He stands at 65 to 73 cm in height, both male and female, and he weighs 35 to 45 kg.

The coat is long, thick and white with a dense undercoat. If you look you’ll see flashes of pale orange or apricot amid the white. There is thicker, longer hair around the neck area.

The nose is black, the eyes brown and the ears medium length and floppy. The long tail is set low and is thickly feathered. You can expect 6 – 10 puppies from these dogs.

Temperament:

The Maremma has always been used to guarding sheep, and today even though he is looked upon as a wonderful, friendly companion dog, he also makes an excellent watch dog, being brave and courageous. He isn’t the kind of dog that you think of as getting wildly excited over something, as he has a dignified aura about him.

He is an independent dog, so training and sociaization will be absolutely imperative as he is strong-willed and likes to do things his way. Once trained and socialized, it is amazing to see such a large dog obeying all your commands such as ‘lie down, come, sit an stay'. He is very intelligent and shouldn’t have any trouble learning these basic commands.

He is calm and gets on well with children as well as other pets in the home. With his role as guardian of sheep, he has learned to be loyal and patient and will make a loyal ad loving family pet he takes his role as guardian very seriously.

He loves hard work, and shepherds have always appreciated the splendid work he does guarding their flocks. As a companion you will also appreciate the many excellent qualities he possesses.

The Maremma Sheepdog isn’t recommended for life in the city where there is a tiny garden. He has always been accustomed to large open spaces and requires a large garden. He won’t tolerate heat well with that thick coat of his and will require a shady spot in your garden to retreat to.

estonian hound puppy - descriptionThe Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

Characteristics

maremma sheepdog dog - characteristicsThis is a beautiful dog, but large, so don’t make the mistake of wanting a large dog like this for his looks. He will be expensive to feed.

If you have the means to provide a good home for him, he is friendly and good natured, even though he is strong-willed and independent.

Provide him with a good home and you’ll have a most splendid pet and companion.

Children friendliness

estonian hound dog - characteristicsThe Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

Health Problems

maremma sheepdog puppies - health problemsThis ancient dog breed is robust and can reach 11 to 13 years of age when cared for properly. Like any other dogs, he can be prone to certain health problems.

One of these is hip dysplasia. Preventing your dog from becoming overweight can work towards preventing these kinds of musculoskeletal issues. Hip dysplasia occurs when your dog’s hip joints don’t develop properly so that the hips partially dislocate.

It is painful for your dog and it can be debilitating, leading to arthritis too and making it difficult for your pet to get around and to get up from lying down. There are a number of treatment options offered by your vet.

estonian hound puppies - health problemsWith such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Leads to lameness and arthritis
  3. Allergies skin/food
  4. See vet if issues arise
  5. Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
  6. Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

maremma sheepdog dogs - caringAs already suggested, this large dog will need space and he will need to be exercised. Apart from long walks in he countryside or in the park or your neighborhood, he will also need other activities that stimulate him mentally and physically.

Grooming:

The thick, all-weather coat of the Maremma will need a thorough bushing at least twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs. When you are brushing him, look around for signs of ticks and fleas too and run your hands over him to feel for any unusual lumps.

Diet:

The Maremma is a large-breed dog, so before you get a big dog like this, decide whether you have the financial means to feed him and look after him properly. He is going to cost a lot to feed, so think it through first.

He will need to be fed a high-quality commercial dog food which has been specially formulated for a dog of his size. Keep the food of dogs simple. We’re all tempted to feed our dog treats like things such as chocolates, coffee, nuts, onions, grapes and raisins but these can cause havoc with your dog’s stomach.

Stick to simple, nutritious food. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and vegetables such as potatoes, spinach and carrots can do wonders for your pet when you sometimes mix this into his kibble.

Try and mix some raw meat into his diet occasionally. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water.

Feeding the puppy

estonian hound dogs - caringFeed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Maremma Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Maremma Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyredoodle vs Maremma Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  4. Maremma Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Maremma Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  6. Maremma Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  7. Maremma Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  8. Maremma Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  9. Maremma Sheepdog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  10. Maremma Sheepdog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  11. Maremma Sheepdog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  12. Maremma Sheepdog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  13. Maremma Sheepdog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  14. Maremma Sheepdog vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  15. Maremma Sheepdog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  16. Maremma Sheepdog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  17. Maremma Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  18. Maremma Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Maremma Sheepdog vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  20. Maremma Sheepdog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  21. Maremma Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  22. Maremma Sheepdog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  23. Maremma Sheepdog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  24. Maremma Sheepdog vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  25. Maremma Sheepdog vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Redbone Coonhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  31. Santal Hound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Podenco Canario vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  33. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Podenco Andaluz vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. Podenco Galego vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Estonian Hound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Estonian Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  38. Estonian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  39. Estonian Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Estonian Hound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Estonian Hound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  42. Estonian Hound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  43. Estonian Hound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Estonian Hound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  45. Estonian Hound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  46. Estonian Hound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  47. Estonian Hound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  48. Estonian Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  49. Estonian Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  50. Estonian Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds