Breed Comparison: Berger Picard Versus Chinook

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Berger Picard Versus Chinook: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Berger Picard and the Chinook? 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 Berger Picard and the Chinook 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 Berger Picard and the Chinook.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Berger Picard and the Chinook 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 Berger Picard and for the Chinook. 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 Berger Picard and the Chinook.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Berger Picard or the Chinook.

Berger Picard versus Chinook: Overview

Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook are similar in size. The Berger Picard and the Chinook are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Berger Picard 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 Chinook 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.

Berger Picard versus Chinook: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Berger Picard to the Chinook 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 Berger Picard and the Chinook

Factor Berger Picard Chinook
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 13 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 55 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2600 No Data
Price Range $2400 – $2800 No Data
Temperament Score 95.2 percent 77.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Berger Picard 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 Chinook. 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 Berger Picard is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Chinook is 87 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chinook is a better pet than the Berger Picard. So, you should get the Chinook!

    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 Berger Picard and the Chinook so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Berger Picard and the Chinook

    Below is a list of where the Berger Picard and the Chinook are most different:

    • Berger Picards are good for new dog owners. However, Chinooks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Berger Picards are very easy to groom. However, Chinooks require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Berger Picard and the Chinook

    The Berger Picard and the Chinook are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Berger Picard and the Chinook are most similar:

    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook are very easy to train.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Berger Picard and the Chinook are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Berger Picard versus Chinook

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Berger Picard and the Chinook.

    Berger Picards weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Berger Picards are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Chinooks weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chinooks are 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Berger Picard versus Chinook

    The lifespan of Berger Picards is between 13 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Berger Picards is 13.5 years.

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

    Temperament of the Berger Picard Versus the Chinook

    The Berger Picard has a better temperament than the Chinook.

    This is because the temperament score for the Berger Picard is 95.2 percent while the temperament score for the Chinook is 77.8 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 95.2 percent, the Berger Picard has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 77.8 percent, the Chinook has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Berger Picard and the Chinook by measuring the temperaments of 21 Berger Picards and 9 Chinooks.

    Health Problems of Berger Picard versus Health Problems of Chinook

    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 Berger Picard and the Chinook 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 Chinook is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Berger Picard.

    3 health tests are recommended for Berger Picard while 3 tests are recommended for the Chinook.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Berger Picards and in Chinooks.

    Berger Picard Health Problems

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

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Berger Picards here.

    Chinook Health Problems

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

  • Clear By Parentage
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Berger Picard versus Chinook

    Berger Picards can be left alone only for a short time.

    Chinooks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Berger Picards shed more than Chinooks?

    Berger Picards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Berger Picard or the Chinook

    Berger Picards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Chinooks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Berger Picard or the Chinook?

    Berger Picards are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Berger Picard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chinook?

    Berger Picards have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Chinooks 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 Berger Picards Bark and Howl? What about Chinooks?

    Berger Picards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Berger Picards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chinooks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Berger Picards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Chinooks can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Berger Picard vs. Chinook

    Berger Picards do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Chinooks do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Berger Picards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chinooks Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Berger Picards can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Chinooks can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Berger Picard or the Chinook?

    Berger Picards get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Chinooks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Berger Picards good family dogs? What about Chinooks?

    Berger Picards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Berger Picards and Chinooks?

    Berger Picards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Chinooks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Berger Picard Easier to Train than the Chinook?

    Berger Picards are very easy to train.

    Chinooks are very easy to train.

    Is the Berger Picard Better for Apartment Owners than the Chinook?

    Berger Picards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Chinooks adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Berger Picard or the Chinook?

    Berger Picards are very good for new dog owners.

    Chinooks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Berger Picard versus Chinook. 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 Berger Picard and the Chinook better suits you and your family.