A Detailed Comparison of the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Neapolitan Mastiff.

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Bergamasco Sheepdog Versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

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 Neapolitan Mastiff.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Overview

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

The table below compares the Bergamasco Sheepdog to the Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Neapolitan Mastiff

Factor Bergamasco Sheepdog Neapolitan Mastiff
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Life Span 13 to 15 years 8 to 10 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
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 5/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 24 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Weight 55 to 85 pounds 120 to 200 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 9.0 years
Price Range No Data $1800 – $4000
Average Price No Data $3060
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Neapolitan Mastiff. 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 Neapolitan Mastiff is 71 out of 125.

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

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

    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs do not have the tendency to drool. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are good for new dog owners. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Neapolitan Mastiffs have the tendency to develop certain health problems.

    The Similarities Between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Neapolitan Mastiff

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

    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Neapolitan Mastiff do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Neapolitan Mastiff are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Neapolitan Mastiff have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Neapolitan Mastiff do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Neapolitan Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Neapolitan Mastiff are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Neapolitan Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Neapolitan Mastiff are very playful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Neapolitan Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Size Comparison of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff

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

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

    On the other hand, Neapolitan Mastiffs weigh 120 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Neapolitan Mastiffs are 24 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff

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

    The lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiffs is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiffs is 9.0 years.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs live longer than Neapolitan Mastiffs.

    Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Neapolitan Mastiff

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Neapolitan Mastiff Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Neapolitan Mastiff

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

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs shed more than Neapolitan Mastiffs?

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

    Neapolitan Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Neapolitan Mastiff

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Bergamasco Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    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.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs 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 Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bergamasco Sheepdog vs. Neapolitan Mastiff

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

    Neapolitan Mastiffs 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 Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Bergamasco Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Neapolitan Mastiffs?

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

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bergamasco Sheepdogs and Neapolitan Mastiffs?

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

    Neapolitan Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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