Breed Comparison: Bergamasco Sheepdog Versus Maremma Sheepdog

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Bergamasco Sheepdog Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

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 Maremma Sheepdog.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

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

The table below compares the Bergamasco Sheepdog to the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Bergamasco Sheepdog Maremma Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 13 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Weight 55 to 85 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $675 – $1500
Average Price No Data $1220
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
    		•

    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 Maremma Sheepdog. 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 Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

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

    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Maremma Sheepdogs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are good for new dog owners. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers.

    The Similarities Between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog

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

    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.

    Size Comparison of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

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

    On the other hand, Maremma Sheepdogs weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Maremma Sheepdogs are 23.5 to 28.5 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs live longer than Maremma Sheepdogs.

    Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Maremma Sheepdog Health Problems

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

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Maremma 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.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bergamasco Sheepdog vs. Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bergamasco Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Bergamasco Sheepdogs and Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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