Bernese Mountain Dog vs Bergamasco Sheepdog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Working Group
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bernese Mountain Dog Overview
Majestic and powerful, Bernese Mountain Dogs boast a striking tri-colored coat with distinctive markings. Their sturdy build and broad chest reflect their heritage as working dogs, while their gentle expression and soft brown eyes reveal their warm temperament. Standing tall with a well-balanced frame, these dogs combine strength with remarkable agility.
Bergamasco Sheepdog Overview
Bergamasco Sheepdogs feature distinctive matted coat flocks that naturally form to protect them while herding. Their robust build combines strength with agility, standing 23.5 inches at the shoulder. The unique three-layered coat consists of fine, goat-like hair, woolly hair, and outer guard hair that merge to form the characteristic flocks. Their intelligent eyes and alert expression reflect their keen herding instincts and watchful nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bernese Mountain Dogs are more energetic than Bergamasco Sheepdogs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bernese Mountain Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Bergamasco Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Bergamasco Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Bergamasco Sheepdogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Bergamasco Sheepdog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Bernese Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Bergamasco Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Bergamasco Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Bergamasco Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-70 cm | 22-24 inches 56-60 cm |
| Weight | 70-115 lbs 32-52 kg | 57-84 lbs 26-38 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Frequent | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Bergamasco Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Good-Natured, Calm, Strong | Independent, Sociable, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bernese Mountain Dog | Bergamasco Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bernese Mountain Dog Temperament
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being good-natured, calm, strong, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Bergamasco Sheepdog Temperament
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is characterized by being independent, sociable, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bernese Mountain Dog and Bergamasco Sheepdog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 1/5
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rating: 4/5
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Bernese Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bernese Mountain Dogs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bernese Mountain Dogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Bergamasco Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bergamasco Sheepdogs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bergamasco Sheepdogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cancer
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Bergamasco Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Bloat
- Elbow dysplasia
- Allergies
Pros & Cons
Bernese Mountain Dog
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Loyal family companion
- Good working dog capabilities
- Excellent guard dog instincts
Cons
- Short lifespan
- Heavy shedding
- Heat sensitivity
- Significant grooming needs
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Pros
- Excellent guardian instincts
- Low-shedding coat
- Intelligent and trainable
- Good with families
Cons
- Complex grooming needs
- Strong-willed nature
- Requires experienced owner
- Needs regular exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bernese Mountain Dog and Bergamasco Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.