Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Better than the Pekingese as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Bergamasco Sheepdog Versus Pekingese: Introduction

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

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

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 Pekingese.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Pekingese: Overview

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

The table below compares the Bergamasco Sheepdog to the Pekingese 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 Pekingese

Factor Bergamasco Sheepdog Pekingese
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 13 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Easygoing 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
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 5/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 85 pounds 7 to 14 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1288 – $2500
Average Price No Data $1930
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 Pekingese. 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 Pekingese is 77 out of 125.

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

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

    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Pekingeses have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom. However, Pekingeses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Pekingeses do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Pekingeses have the tendency to develop certain health problems.

    The Similarities Between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Pekingese

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

    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Pekingese do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Pekingese are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Pekingese are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Pekingese are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Pekingese do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Pekingese are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Pekingese can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Pekingese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Pekingese are very playful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Pekingese are highly intelligent.

    Size Comparison of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Pekingese

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

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

    On the other hand, Pekingeses weigh 7 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Pekingeses are 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Pekingese

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

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs live longer than Pekingeses.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Pekingese

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

    Pekingeses can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs shed more than Pekingeses?

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

    Pekingeses shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Pekingese

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pekingeses do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Pekingeses 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 Pekingeses?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Pekingeses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pekingeses can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bergamasco Sheepdog vs. Pekingese

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

    Pekingeses 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 Pekingeses Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pekingeses cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Pekingeses do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Bergamasco Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Pekingeses?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Bergamasco Sheepdogs and Pekingeses?

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

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

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Pekingese?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Pekingeses are fairly easy to train.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Pekingeses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Pekingeses are very good for new dog owners.

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