Airedale Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Airedale Terrier Versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier or the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

Airedale Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Overview

Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are similar in size. The Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Airedale Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog

Factor Airedale Terrier Bergamasco Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 13 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Height 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 24 inches
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 55 to 85 pounds
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1400 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Bergamasco Sheepdog is 95 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a better pet than the Airedale Terrier. So, you should get the Bergamasco Sheepdog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are most different:

    • Airedale Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Bergamasco Sheepdogs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Airedale Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog

    The Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are most similar:

    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are very easy to train.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Airedale Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Bergamasco Sheepdogs weigh 55 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Bergamasco Sheepdogs are 20 to 24 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Airedale Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Airedale Terriers is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Airedale Terriers is 11.5 years.

    The lifespan of Bergamasco Sheepdogs is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Bergamasco Sheepdogs is 14.0 years.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs live longer than Airedale Terriers.

    Health Problems of Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Airedale Terrier than for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    5 health tests are recommended for Airedale Terrier while 2 tests are recommended for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Airedale Terriers and in Bergamasco Sheepdogs.

    Airedale Terrier Health Problems

    Airedale Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Airedale Terriers 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:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bergamasco Sheepdogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Bergamasco Sheepdogs?

    Airedale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Airedale Terriers 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 Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?

    Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Airedale Terriers 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 Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?

    Airedale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Airedale Terriers and Bergamasco Sheepdogs?

    Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Airedale Terrier or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog better suits you and your family.