Breed Comparison: Bergamasco Sheepdog Versus Great Pyrenees

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Bergamasco Sheepdog Versus Great Pyrenees: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees. 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 Great Pyrenees.

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 Great Pyrenees.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees: Overview

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

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bergamasco Sheepdog to the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees

Factor Bergamasco Sheepdog Great Pyrenees
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 13 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 85 pounds 85 to 160 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $500 – $1000
Average Price No Data $830
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Auburn
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Optigen
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 Great Pyrenees. 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 Great Pyrenees is 63 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a better pet than the Great Pyrenees. 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 Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees

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

    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Great Pyreneess shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Great Pyreneess have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Great Pyreneess do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are good for new dog owners. However, Great Pyreneess are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Great Pyreneess have the tendency to develop certain health problems.

    The Similarities Between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees

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

    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees are very playful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees are highly intelligent.

    Size Comparison of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees

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

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

    On the other hand, Great Pyreneess weigh 85 to 160 pounds when fully grown. Great Pyreneess are 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees

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

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs live longer than Great Pyreneess.

    Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Great Pyrenees

    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 Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Great Pyrenees 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 Great Pyrenees is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Great Pyrenees than for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    2 health tests are recommended for Bergamasco Sheepdog while 5 tests are recommended for the Great Pyrenees.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bergamasco Sheepdogs and in Great Pyreneess.

    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.

    Great Pyrenees Health Problems

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

  • Auburn
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Optigen
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Great Pyreneess here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees

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

    Great Pyreneess can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs shed more than Great Pyreneess?

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

    Great Pyreneess shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Great Pyrenees

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Great Pyreneess do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Great Pyrenees?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

    Great Pyreneess are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bergamasco Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Great Pyrenees?

    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.

    Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyreneess?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Great Pyreneess can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bergamasco Sheepdog vs. Great Pyrenees

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

    Great Pyreneess have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Great Pyreneess Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Great Pyreneess 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 Great Pyrenees?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Great Pyreneess get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bergamasco Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Great Pyreneess?

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

    Great Pyreneess are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bergamasco Sheepdogs and Great Pyreneess?

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

    Great Pyreneess get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Great Pyrenees?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Great Pyreneess are not easy to train.

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Great Pyrenees?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Great Pyreneess do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Great Pyreneess are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees. 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 Great Pyrenees better suits you and your family.