A Detailed Comparison of the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Akbash Versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

Akbash versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akbash is a large-sized dog while the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Akbash 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.

Akbash versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akbash 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 Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog

Factor Akbash Bergamasco Sheepdog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 13 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 3/5
Height 27 to 34 inches 20 to 24 inches
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 140 pounds 55 to 85 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $610 No Data
Price Range $500 – $800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akbash 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 Akbash is 83 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 Akbash. 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 Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog

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

    • Both the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog have low exercise needs.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Akbash and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Akbash versus Bergamasco Sheepdog

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

    Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 inches 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 Akbash versus Bergamasco Sheepdog

    The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 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 Akbashs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akbash versus Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

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

    Do Akbashs shed more than Bergamasco Sheepdogs?

    Akbashs 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 one drools more, the Akbash or the Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akbash or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Akbash Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Akbashs 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.

    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 Akbashs Bark and Howl? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?

    Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akbash vs. Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akbashs 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.

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

    Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Akbashs good family dogs? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?

    Akbashs 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 Akbashs and Bergamasco Sheepdogs?

    Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Akbash Easier to Train than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Akbash Better for Apartment Owners than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

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