A Detailed Comparison of the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

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Bergamasco Sheepdog Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

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

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

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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

A very important difference between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bergamasco Sheepdog to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback

Factor Bergamasco Sheepdog Rhodesian Ridgeback
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 13 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
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 2/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 85 pounds 70 to 85 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $1250 – $1900
Average Price No Data $1620
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

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

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

    • Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very playful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.

    Size Comparison of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

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

    On the other hand, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

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

    2 health tests are recommended for Bergamasco Sheepdog while 6 tests are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

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

    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.

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bergamasco Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    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.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bergamasco Sheepdog vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bergamasco Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bergamasco Sheepdogs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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