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

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Bergamasco Sheepdog Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction

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

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

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 Shiba Inu.

Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Shiba Inu: Overview

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

The table below compares the Bergamasco Sheepdog to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu

Factor Bergamasco Sheepdog Shiba Inu
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 13 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 85 pounds 17 to 23 pounds
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $1600 – $2500
Average Price No Data $2130
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a better pet than the Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu

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

    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu are very playful.
    • Both the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Shiba Inu are highly intelligent.

    Size Comparison of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Shiba Inu

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

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

    On the other hand, Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Shiba Inu

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

    The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.

    Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu

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

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

    2 health tests are recommended for Bergamasco Sheepdog while 3 tests are recommended for the Shiba Inu.

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

    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.

    Shiba Inu Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiba Inus here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bergamasco Sheepdog versus Shiba Inu

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

    Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs shed more than Shiba Inus?

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

    Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Shiba Inu

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Shiba Inu?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bergamasco Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?

    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.

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

    Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bergamasco Sheepdog vs. Shiba Inu

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

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

    Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Bergamasco Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?

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

    Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bergamasco Sheepdogs and Shiba Inus?

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

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Is the Bergamasco Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.

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