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Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Comparison – Which dog is better Cao De Agua or Bergermaschi?

"Find similarities and differences between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco" Compare Portuguese Water Dog and Bergamasco. Which is better: Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco?
 
 
 
Name Portuguese Water Dog Bergamasco
OriginsPortugal flagPortugal Italy flagItaly
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank54181
Reviews50
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Cao De Agua
Portie
Water Dog
Bergermaschi
Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco? Is the Portuguese Water Dog bigger than the Bergamasco breed? Is a Portuguese Water Dog smaller than a Bergamasco?
Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco weight comparison:
Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg) Male: 70-84 pounds (32-38 kg), Female: 57-71 pounds (26-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 61 pounds (29 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco? Is a Portuguese Water Dog taller than a Bergamasco?
Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm) 22-24 inches (54-62 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm) 23 inches (58 cm)

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Portuguese Water Dog and Bergamasco?
$2500-$2800 $1000-$1300
Availability
Which is easier to get, Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco?
Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Bergamasco is easier than average to get.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco smarter? Which is best? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco intelligence:
Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Trainability
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco trainability comparison. What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Bergamasco dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Bergamasco dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco behavior/temperament comparison:
Intelligent
Docile
Obedient
Brave
Impetuous
Quarrelsome
Patient
Quiet
Determined
Vigilant
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Bergamasco dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco?
High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average to High: Bergamasco dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
See more.
Social Needs
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco social needs comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Bergamasco dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Bergamasco dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco? Which can be better for hunting?
Portuguese Water Dog 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.
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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco playfulness comparison:
The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Bergamascos, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco?
Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Bergamasco rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco?
Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.
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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Bergamasco dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bergamasco bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Portuguese Water Dog more dangerous than a Bergamasco?

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Bergamasco has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco mouthiness comparison:
Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bergamasco dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco health comparison. Which is the healthier: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Bergamascos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Entropion
Ectropion
Distichiasis
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
Addison's Disease
Megaesophagus
Irritable Bowel Disease (ibd)
Abnormally Small Eyes
GM-1 Storage Disease
Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Colitis
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis
Lymphangiectasia
Bloat
Skin Allergies
Joint Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco?
Average
The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Bergamasco should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco lifespan comparison. How long do Portuguese Water Dog and Bergamasco breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Portuguese Water Dog and Bergamasco?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Bergamasco: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Portuguese Water Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
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.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco? Does the Portuguese Water Dog breed eat more than the Bergamasco breed?
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Bergamasco has an average risk for obesity.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco coat comparison:
Curly Fine
Dense
Colors
What are the original Portuguese Water Dog and Bergamasco color? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco color comparison:
Black
White
Brown
Grey
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco grooming comparison:
Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Bergamasco doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco? Do Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed more than Bergamasco dogs?
Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bergamasco dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco?

Low 🔽

The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Bergamasco has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco?
The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Bergamasco is an average drooler.
See more.

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Good With Comparison

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Portuguese Water Dog or Bergamasco? Which is better for autism?

Not really

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

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

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

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

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco?

Yes

Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Bergamasco breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Not really

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

Not really

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

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Portuguese Water Dog and Bergamasco have? Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco litter size comparison:
4-8 puppies 6-10 puppies

Portuguese Water Dog vs Bergamasco Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The Kennel Club
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

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