Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Better than the Irish Water Spaniel as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Bergamasco Sheepdog Versus Irish Water Spaniel: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Water Spaniel.

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 Irish Water Spaniel.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Overview

Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Irish Water Spaniel are similar in size. The Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Irish Water Spaniel are both medium-sized dogs.

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 Irish Water Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bergamasco Sheepdog to the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel

Factor Bergamasco Sheepdog Irish Water Spaniel
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 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 85 pounds 45 to 65 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    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 Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Water Spaniel is 81 out of 125.

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

    Below is a list of where the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Irish Water Spaniel are most different:

    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Irish Water Spaniels have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Irish Water Spaniels have the tendency to develop certain health problems.

    The Similarities Between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Irish Water Spaniel

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

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

    Size Comparison of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Irish Water Spaniel.

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

    On the other hand, Irish Water Spaniels weigh 45 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Irish Water Spaniels are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel

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

    The lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniels is 11.0 years.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs live longer than Irish Water Spaniels.

    Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Irish Water Spaniel

    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 Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Water Spaniel is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Irish Water Spaniel than for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    2 health tests are recommended for Bergamasco Sheepdog while 5 tests are recommended for the Irish Water Spaniel.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bergamasco Sheepdogs and in Irish Water Spaniels.

    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.

    Irish Water Spaniel Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Water Spaniels here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel

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

    Irish Water Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs shed more than Irish Water Spaniels?

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

    Irish Water Spaniels do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Irish Water Spaniel

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Irish Water Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

    Irish Water Spaniels are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Bergamasco Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Water Spaniel?

    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.

    Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Water Spaniels?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Irish Water Spaniels are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Irish Water Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bergamasco Sheepdog vs. Irish Water Spaniel

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

    Irish Water Spaniels have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Water Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Irish Water Spaniels can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Water Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bergamasco Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Irish Water Spaniels?

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

    Irish Water Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bergamasco Sheepdogs and Irish Water Spaniels?

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

    Irish Water Spaniels get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Irish Water Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Irish Water Spaniels adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Irish Water Spaniel?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Irish Water Spaniels are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Water Spaniel better suits you and your family.