Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Better than the Bolognese as a Pet? Our Answer.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Bergamasco Sheepdog Versus Bolognese: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese 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 Bergamasco Sheepdog and for the Bolognese. 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 Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Bolognese.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Bolognese: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Bolognese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Bolognese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bergamasco Sheepdog to the Bolognese 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 Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese

Factor Bergamasco Sheepdog Bolognese
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 13 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Easygoing 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 9 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 85 pounds 8 to 14 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1888 – $2162
Average Price No Data $2030
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bergamasco Sheepdog 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 Bolognese. 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 Bergamasco Sheepdog is 95 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Bolognese is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a better pet than the Bolognese. 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 Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese

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

    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle. However, Bologneses are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Bologneses have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom. However, Bologneses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese

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

    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese are very playful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Bolognese are highly intelligent.

    Size Comparison of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Bolognese

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs weigh 55 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Bergamasco Sheepdogs are 20 to 24 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Bologneses weigh 8 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Bologneses are 9 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Bolognese

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

    The lifespan of Bologneses is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bologneses is 13.0 years.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs live longer than Bologneses.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Bolognese

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

    Bologneses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs shed more than Bologneses?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Bolognese

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Bologneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Bologneses 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.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Bologneses?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Bologneses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bergamasco Sheepdog vs. Bolognese

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

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

    Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bologneses Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Bologneses can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Bologneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bergamasco Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Bologneses?

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

    Bologneses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bergamasco Sheepdogs and Bologneses?

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

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

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Bolognese?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Bologneses are very easy to train.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Bologneses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Bologneses are OK for new dog owners.

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