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

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Bergamasco Sheepdog Versus Havanese: Introduction

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

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

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 Havanese.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Havanese: Overview

A very important difference between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Havanese is a small-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 Havanese 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 Havanese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bergamasco Sheepdog to the Havanese 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 Havanese

Factor Bergamasco Sheepdog Havanese
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 13 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
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 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 85 pounds 7 to 13 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1700 – $2750
Average Price No Data $2180
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Havanese. 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 Havanese is 91 out of 125.

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

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

    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom. However, Havaneses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese

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

    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese are very playful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Havanese are highly intelligent.

    Size Comparison of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Havanese

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

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

    On the other hand, Havaneses weigh 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Havaneses are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Havanese

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

    The lifespan of Havaneses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Havaneses is 13.5 years.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs live longer than Havaneses.

    Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Havanese

    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 Havanese 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 Havanese is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

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

    2 health tests are recommended for Bergamasco Sheepdog while 4 tests are recommended for the Havanese.

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

    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.

    Havanese Health Problems

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

  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Havanese

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

    Havaneses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs shed more than Havaneses?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Havanese

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Havaneses do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Havaneses are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bergamasco Sheepdog vs. Havanese

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

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Havaneses can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bergamasco Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Havaneses?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Bergamasco Sheepdogs and Havaneses?

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

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

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Havanese?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Havaneses are very easy to train.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.

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