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Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Bergermaschi or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Bergamasco vs German Shepherd" Compare Bergamasco and German Shepherd. Which is better: Bergamasco or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Bergamasco German Shepherd
OriginsItaly flagItaly Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1812
Reviews021
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Bergamasco and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
Bergermaschi
Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Bergamasco and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Bergamasco and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 70-84 pounds (32-38 kg), Female: 57-71 pounds (26-32 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 61 pounds (29 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Bergamasco or German Shepherd? Is a Bergamasco taller than a German Shepherd?
22-24 inches (54-62 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
23 inches (58 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Bergamasco and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$1000-$1300 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Bergamasco or German Shepherd?
Frequent: The Bergamasco is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Bergamasco dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Bergamasco dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Bergamasco and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Patient
Quiet
Determined
Vigilant
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Bergamasco vs German Shepherd?
Bergamasco dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Bergamasco vs German Shepherd?
Average to High: Bergamasco dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Bergamasco vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Bergamasco dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Bergamasco vs German Shepherd?
Bergamasco dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Bergamasco vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Bergamasco dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The Bergamasco rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Bergamascos, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Bergamasco indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Bergamasco dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Bergamasco or German Shepherd?
Bergamasco dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Bergamasco has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Bergamasco dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bergamasco bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Bergamasco: 14 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Bergamasco can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Bergamasco and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
Bergamascos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Bergamasco vs German Shepherd?
Frequent
The Bergamasco should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Bergamasco vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Bergamasco vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Bloat
Skin Allergies
Joint Dysplasia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
Bergamasco dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Bergamasco vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Bergamasco or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Bergamasco dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Bergamasco or German Shepherd?
Bergamasco dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Bergamasco has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Bergamasco and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Grey Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Easy to groom: The Bergamasco doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Bergamasco is an average drooler.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Bergamasco has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Bergamasco and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Fine
Dense
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Bergamasco or German Shepherd? Do Bergamasco dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Bergamasco dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Bergamasco dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Bergamasco dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Bergamasco or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Bergamasco dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Bergamasco or German Shepherd?
Bergamasco dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Bergamasco or German Shepherd? Can a Bergamasco and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Bergamasco dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Bergamasco dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Bergamasco vs German Shepherd?
No
Bergamasco dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Bergamasco is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Bergamascos are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Bergamasco breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Bergamasco or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Bergamasco and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Bergamasco and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Bergamasco and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Bergamasco and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Bergamasco vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Bergamasco and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Bergamasco and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Bergamasco and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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