Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
- The Popularity of Australian Shepherd versus Popularity of Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Australian Shepherd versus Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Bergamasco Sheepdog
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd or the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Australian Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Overview
Both the Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are similar in size. The Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are Herding Dogs. This means both the Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog 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.
Australian Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Bergamasco Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 24 inches |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 55 to 85 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | No Data |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 15 | 169 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 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 Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
This is because Australian Shepherds are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Australian Shepherd will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Australian Shepherd :-). We are for the Australian Shepherd. So get a Australian Shepherd!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
The Australian Shepherd weighs 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Shepherd is 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Australian Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is 13.5 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 live longer than the Australian Shepherd.
The Popularity of Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Australian Shepherd is more popular with dog owners than the Bergamasco Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Australian Shepherd is 15 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Bergamasco Sheepdog is 169 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Australian Shepherd
Popularity of Bergamasco Sheepdog
| Year | Australian Shepherd Popularity Rank | Bergamasco Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 20 | no data |
| 2014 | 18 | 96.0 |
| 2015 | 17 | 174.0 |
| 2016 | 16 | 184.0 |
| 2017 | 17 | 181.0 |
| 2018 | 15 | 187.0 |
| 2019 | 13 | 180.0 |
| 2020 | 12 | 173.0 |
| 2021 | 12 | 179.0 |
Health Problems of Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Australian Shepherd than for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
7 health tests are recommended for Australian Shepherd while 2 tests are recommended for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Australian Shepherds and in Bergamasco Sheepdogs.
Australian Shepherd Health Problems
Australian Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Australian Shepherds 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: Australian Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Bergamasco Sheepdog
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.
Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Australian Shepherd compares to other breeds aside from the Bergamasco Sheepdog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus American Pit Bull Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Shiba Inu Australian Shepherd versus Brittany Australian Shepherd versus Mal Shi Australian Shepherd versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Australian Shepherd versus German Pinscher Australian Shepherd versus Black Russian Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Kooikerhondje Australian Shepherd versus King Shepherd Australian Shepherd versus Aussiedoodle Australian Shepherd versus Bouvier des Flandres Australian Shepherd versus Great Dane Australian Shepherd versus Belgian Malinois Australian Shepherd versus Swedish Vallhund Australian Shepherd versus Schnoodle Australian Shepherd versus Akita Chow Australian Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the Bergamasco Sheepdog better suits you and your family.