Maremma Sheepdog vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

Maremma Sheepdog vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed ComparisonMaremma Sheepdog is originated from Italy but Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier is originated from Ireland. Maremma Sheepdog may grow 25 cm / 10 inches higher than Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Maremma Sheepdog may weigh 27 kg / 60 pounds more than Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier has almost same life span. Both Maremma Sheepdog and Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier has almost same litter size. Maremma Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance. But Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier requires Low 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.

irish staffordshire bull terrier - historyThe Staffordshire Bull Terrier comes from Staffordshire, England, but the Irish Staffie was later developed by Irish breeders so its origin is essentially Ireland. They were developed from bulldogs and different terrier breeds.

The dog was always used for bull baiting, but when this sport died out, the Irish breeders wanted to create a taller, leaner dog suited for dog fighting. When dog fighting was banned the breed became rare again, but today it has been restored and is essentially a popular companion pet.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Italy
Ireland
Height Male:
65 - 73 cm
25 - 29 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
65 - 73 cm
25 - 29 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 45 kg
77 - 100 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
35 - 45 kg
77 - 100 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 9
5 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Maremmano, Abruzzese Sheepdog
Irish Staffie
Colors Available:
White
Fawn, black or brindle - bi-colored, tan
Coat:
Long and Thick
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
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.

irish staffordshire bull terrier puppy - descriptionThe Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium sized pure-breed dog standing at roughly 43 to 48cm and weighing anything from 14 to 18kg.

He has a short, smooth coat which can be a mix of colors such as fawn, tan, black or brindle. The coat can also be bi-colored such as in fawn and white or black and white. He is a powerfully built dog with short legs which are fairly wide apart.

He has a large head and short muzzle with powerful jaws.Sometimes when he pants after a hectic bout of exercise he gets a comical, grinning look on his face. The ears are semi-erect, semi-upright and he has a long tail.

Temperament:

Your Irish Staffy is a feisty, confident dog that has been known to have a temperament which leads towards aggression. It is why he should be trained and socialized to make him more amicable and obedient. He is an intelligent and alert dog, so won't have difficulty with training.

A well trained and socialized Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier will get on well with children in the home as he is a playful, jovial dog, always ready for a game.

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.

irish staffordshire bull terrier dog - characteristicsThe older Irish Staffie has always been an aggressive type dog used for fighting, but today the modern breed is capable of being a splendid, entertaining, amicable pet with an even temper. He is feisty for sure, being brave, fearless, loyal and loving with his human family members.

All it requires with this dog is to have a firm, loving upbringing, some training and socialization as well as good food and plenty of love and attention. Many dogs get labelled wrongly because of the humans that rear them the wrong way. When done correctly, the Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier promises to be a wonderful, loving, loyal pet.

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.

irish staffordshire bull terrier puppies - health problemsThe Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier, just like with any other dog, has a good chance of living a good number of years if he is fed properly. He can live to be anything up to between 10 and 16 years.

Say what you like, good nutrition and the lifestyle you provide for your Irish Staffie will determine how long he lives. An unhappy dog that has to beg for love and attention won't do well. Your Irish Staffie can live to a ripe age but he is still at risk for certain health problems.

Mastocytoma:

These mast cell tumors are graded according to their location in the skin. Certain dogs like Boxers and bulldogs are more susceptible to mast cell tumors than other breeds, and the Irish Staffie isn't immune either. Most times the tumor develops in an older dog, though young dogs have also been known to develop the tumor. These tumors can be inactive for a while and then experience some rapid growth with some redness and fluid build up. Immediate veterinary intervention will be required.

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.

Exercise:

irish staffordshire bull terrier dogs - caringThe Irish Staffie is an active dog, who is always game for anything. He will certainly need active owners who include him in all their activities. He has a lot of stamina and endurance and will want to join you on your walks, hikes and swimming. Ignoring his exercise needs can turn him into a restless, unhappy, frustrated, destructive dog.

Grooming:

Having a short, smooth coat means your Irish Staffie being a low maintenance dog. He does shed a bit so his coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs. Its always a good opportunity to check him for fleas and ticks too.

If the short coat gets too dirty, a wipe down with a damp cloth can keep the coat bright and shiny. Certainly avoid bathing him too often as this can aggravate the skin.

Check his nails and trim them if they get too long. Check his ears and teeth as these are all problem areas which can contribute to your dog becoming ill.

Diet:

Your Irish Staffie is such an energetic dog that he will need excellent food that promotes this energy. Whether you buy him the best commercially manufactured kibble, you want to also add in some home-made food such as cooked chicken, rice and vegetables as well as including some raw meat occasionally. The food you provide your Staffie with needs to be full of vitamins and minerals to avoid illness. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

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. Schnauzer vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Irish Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Lakeland Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Jagdterrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Japanese Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Old English Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Scoland Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Skye Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  42. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Welsh Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds