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Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Border Collie Versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Introduction
- Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Overview
- Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of the Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
- The Popularity of Border Collie versus Popularity of Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Border Collie versus Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Do Border Collies shed more than Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Collie or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Collie or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Are Border Collies good family dogs? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Is the Border Collie Easier to Train than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Which one drools more, the Border Collie or the Bergamasco Sheepdog
- How Kid-friendly are Border Collies and Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Does the Border Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Do Border Collies Bark and Howl? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Can Border Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Border Collie vs. Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Can Border Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Border Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Border Collie Versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog? 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 Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog 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 Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog 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 Border Collie and for the Bergamasco Sheepdog. 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 Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Border Collie or the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Note that the border collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth-coat border collie and the rough-coat border collie. Read our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.
Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.
Finally, just like the border collie, the collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough collie and the smooth collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.
Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Overview
Both the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are similar in size. The Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are Herding Dogs. This means both the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog 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.
Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Border Collie to the Bergamasco Sheepdog 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 Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
| Factor | Border Collie | Bergamasco Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Height | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder | 20 to 24 inches |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 30 to 45 pounds | 55 to 85 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $1000 | No Data |
| Price Range | $600 – $1250 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 36 | 169 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border Collie 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 Bergamasco Sheepdog. 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 Border Collie is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Bergamasco Sheepdog is 95 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Bergamasco Sheepdog, we still believe that the Border Collie is a better pet than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
This is because Border Collies are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Border Collie will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Border Collie :-). We are for the Border Collie. So get a Border Collie!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
The Border Collie weighs 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. The Border Collie is 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Bergamasco Sheepdog weighs 55 to 85 pounds when fully grown. The Bergamasco Sheepdog is 20 to 24 inches when fully grown.
Here is our article on Border Collie size, Border Collie growth, and Border Collie weight.
Lifespan of Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
The lifespan of the Border Collie is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Border Collie is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of the Bergamasco Sheepdog is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Bergamasco Sheepdog is 14.0 years.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog lives longer than the Border Collie.
Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie lifespan and how long Border Collie live.
The Popularity of Border Collie versus Popularity of Bergamasco Sheepdog
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Border Collie is more popular with dog owners than the Bergamasco Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Border Collie is 36 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Bergamasco Sheepdog is 169 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Border Collie
Popularity of Bergamasco Sheepdog
| Year | Border Collie Popularity Rank | Bergamasco Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 44 | no data |
| 2014 | 40 | 96.0 |
| 2015 | 38 | 174.0 |
| 2016 | 38 | 184.0 |
| 2017 | 38 | 181.0 |
| 2018 | 35 | 187.0 |
| 2019 | 33 | 180.0 |
| 2020 | 32 | 173.0 |
| 2021 | 31 | 179.0 |
Health Problems of Border Collie versus Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog
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 Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog 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 Border Collie is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Border Collie than for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
13 health tests are recommended for Border Collie while 2 tests are recommended for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Border Collies and in Bergamasco Sheepdogs.
Border Collie Health Problems
Border Collies are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Border Collie 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 Border Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Border Collie 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 Border Collies for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Border Collies here.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bergamasco Sheepdogs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
Border Collies do not like to be left alone.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Border Collies shed more than Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
Border Collies shed moderately.
Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Border Collies, and on how to groom a Border Collie
Bergamasco Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Collie or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Border Collies are moderately easy to groom.
To learn more about how to properly groom a Border Collie, check out our article on how to groom a Border Collie.
Learn more on how to take care of a Border Collie here.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Collie or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Border Collies get along fairly well with other dogs.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Border Collies good family dogs? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
Border Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Border Collie make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.
Learn about Border Collie temperament here.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Border Collie Easier to Train than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Border Collies are very easy to train.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Border Collie or the Bergamasco Sheepdog
Border Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Border Collies and Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
Border Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Border Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Border Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
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.
Do Border Collies Bark and Howl? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
Border Collies are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Border Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Border Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Border Collie vs. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Border Collies have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Border Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Border Collies can tolerate hot weather.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the Border Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Border Collies do not adapt well to apartment living.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Border Collie or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Border Collies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.
Border Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Border Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Bergamasco Sheepdog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Border Collie to other breeds:
Border Collie versus Saluki Border Collie versus Papillon Border Collie versus Redbone Coonhound Border Collie versus Karelian Bear Dog Border Collie versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Border Collie versus Japanese Chin Border Collie versus Black Russian Terrier Border Collie versus Spinone Italiano Border Collie versus Kuvasz Border Collie versus Bulldog Border Collie versus English Springer Spaniel Border Collie versus Carolina Dog Border Collie versus Tibetan Mastiff Border Collie versus Azawakh Border Collie versus KooikerhondjeConclusion: Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog. 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 Border Collie and the Bergamasco Sheepdog better suits you and your family.
