A Detailed Comparison of the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje.

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Bergamasco Sheepdog Versus Kooikerhondje: Introduction

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

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

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 Kooikerhondje.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje: Overview

Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje are similar in size. The Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje 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 Kooikerhondje 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 Kooikerhondje: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bergamasco Sheepdog to the Kooikerhondje 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 Kooikerhondje

Factor Bergamasco Sheepdog Kooikerhondje
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 13 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 85 pounds 20 to 25 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•  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 Kooikerhondje. 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 Kooikerhondje is 70 out of 125.

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

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

    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Kooikerhondjes do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    The Similarities Between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje

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

    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje are very playful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Kooikerhondje are highly intelligent.

    Size Comparison of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje

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

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

    On the other hand, Kooikerhondjes weigh 20 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Kooikerhondjes are 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje

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

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs live longer than Kooikerhondjes.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Kooikerhondje

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

    Kooikerhondjes do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs shed more than Kooikerhondjes?

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

    Kooikerhondjes shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Kooikerhondje

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Kooikerhondjes do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Kooikerhondjes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Kooikerhondjes?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Kooikerhondjes bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Kooikerhondjes can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bergamasco Sheepdog vs. Kooikerhondje

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

    Kooikerhondjes 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 Kooikerhondjes Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Kooikerhondjes 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 Kooikerhondje?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Bergamasco Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Kooikerhondjes?

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

    Kooikerhondjes are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bergamasco Sheepdogs and Kooikerhondjes?

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

    Kooikerhondjes do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Kooikerhondje?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Kooikerhondjes are not easy to train.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Kooikerhondjes adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Kooikerhondjes are OK for new dog owners.

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