Last Updated: Nov 06, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Introduction
- Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Overview
- Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
- The Popularity of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Popularity of Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Which one drools more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Bergamasco Sheepdog
- How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Does the Bernese Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Bernese Mountain Dog and for the Bergamasco Sheepdog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant-sized dog while the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Bernese Mountain Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
On the other hand, the Bergamasco Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Bernese Mountain Dog to the Bergamasco Sheepdog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
| Factor | Bernese Mountain Dog | Bergamasco Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches | 20 to 24 inches |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 6 to 10 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Weight | 70 to 115 pounds | 55 to 85 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 8.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $2390 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2995 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 25 | 169 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bernese Mountain Dog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Bergamasco Sheepdog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Bernese Mountain Dog is 66 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Bergamasco Sheepdog is 95 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Bergamasco Sheepdog, we still believe that the Bernese Mountain Dog is a better pet than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
This is because Bernese Mountain Dogs are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Bernese Mountain Dog will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Bernese Mountain Dog :-). We are for the Bernese Mountain Dog. So get a Bernese Mountain Dog!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
The Bernese Mountain Dog weighs 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. The Bernese Mountain Dog is 23 to 28 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Bergamasco Sheepdog weighs 55 to 85 pounds when fully grown. The Bergamasco Sheepdog is 20 to 24 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
The lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is between 6 to 10 years. The average lifespan of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 8.0 years.
The lifespan of the Bergamasco Sheepdog is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Bergamasco Sheepdog is 14.0 years.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog lives longer than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The Popularity of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Popularity of Bergamasco Sheepdog
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Bernese Mountain Dog is more popular with dog owners than the Bergamasco Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 25 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Bergamasco Sheepdog is 169 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Bernese Mountain Dog
Popularity of Bergamasco Sheepdog
| Year | Bernese Mountain Dog Popularity Rank | Bergamasco Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 32 | no data |
| 2014 | 32 | 96.0 |
| 2015 | 29 | 174.0 |
| 2016 | 27 | 184.0 |
| 2017 | 25 | 181.0 |
| 2018 | 22 | 187.0 |
| 2019 | 23 | 180.0 |
| 2020 | 22 | 173.0 |
| 2021 | 20 | 179.0 |
Health Problems of Bernese Mountain Dog versus Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Bernese Mountain Dog than for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
6 health tests are recommended for Bernese Mountain Dog while 2 tests are recommended for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bernese Mountain Dogs and in Bergamasco Sheepdogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Problems
Bernese Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bernese Mountain Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bernese Mountain Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bernese Mountain Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bernese Mountain Dogs here.
Bergamasco Sheepdog Health Problems
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bergamasco Sheepdog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Bergamasco Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bergamasco Sheepdog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bergamasco Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bergamasco Sheepdogs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs shed more than Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are moderately easy to groom.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs good family dogs? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Easier to Train than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Bergamasco Sheepdog
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a very high tendency to drool.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Bernese Mountain Dogs and Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Bernese Mountain Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Bernese Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Bernese Mountain Dogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.
Bernese Mountain Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Bernese Mountain Dog compares to other breeds aside from the Bergamasco Sheepdog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog to other breeds:
Bernese Mountain Dog versus Irish Wolfhound Bernese Mountain Dog versus Labrador Retriever Bernese Mountain Dog versus Cane Corso Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bullmastiff Bernese Mountain Dog versus Vizsla Bernese Mountain Dog versus Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog versus Alaskan Malamute Bernese Mountain Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Bernese Mountain Dog versus Mastiff Bernese Mountain Dog versus Rottweiler Bernese Mountain Dog versus Golden Retriever Bernese Mountain Dog versus Leonberger Bernese Mountain Dog versus Great Pyrenees Bernese Mountain Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff Bernese Mountain Dog versus Newfoundland Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bernedoodle Bernese Mountain Dog versus Dalmatian Bernese Mountain Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Bergamasco Sheepdog better suits you and your family.