Last Updated: Jun 19, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Introduction
- German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Overview
- German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
- The Popularity of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Popularity of Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Health Problems of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Health Problems of Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Bergamasco Sheepdog
- How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer or the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Overview
Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are similar in size. The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the German Shorthaired Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
On the other hand, the Bergamasco Sheepdog 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.
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
| Factor | German Shorthaired Pointer | Bergamasco Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho | 20 to 24 inches |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 13 to 15 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 70 pounds | 55 to 85 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | $1140 | No Data |
| Price Range | $800 – $1300 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 10 | 169 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer is 75 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 German Shorthaired Pointer is a better pet than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
This is because German Shorthaired Pointers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the German Shorthaired Pointer will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the German Shorthaired Pointer :-). We are for the German Shorthaired Pointer. So get a German Shorthaired Pointer!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog
The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are most similar:
Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
The German Shorthaired Pointer weighs 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The German Shorthaired Pointer is 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 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.
Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
The lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer.
The Popularity of German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the German Shorthaired Pointer is more popular with dog owners than the Bergamasco Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 10 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Bergamasco Sheepdog is 169 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of German Shorthaired Pointer
Popularity of Bergamasco Sheepdog
| Year | German Shorthaired Pointer Popularity Rank | Bergamasco Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | no data |
| 2014 | 12 | 96.0 |
| 2015 | 11 | 174.0 |
| 2016 | 11 | 184.0 |
| 2017 | 10 | 181.0 |
| 2018 | 9 | 187.0 |
| 2019 | 9 | 180.0 |
| 2020 | 9 | 173.0 |
| 2021 | 9 | 179.0 |
Health Problems of German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Shorthaired Pointer than for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
7 health tests are recommended for German Shorthaired Pointer while 2 tests are recommended for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Shorthaired Pointers and in Bergamasco Sheepdogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer Health Problems
German Shorthaired Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Shorthaired Pointers 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: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
German Shorthaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
German Shorthaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Bergamasco Sheepdog
German Shorthaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
German Shorthaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
German Shorthaired Pointers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other 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 German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?
German Shorthaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shorthaired Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Bergamasco Sheepdog
German Shorthaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
German Shorthaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.
German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the German Shorthaired Pointer compares to other breeds aside from the Bergamasco Sheepdog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer to other breeds:
German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Aussiedoodle German Shorthaired Pointer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog German Shorthaired Pointer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Japanese Chin German Shorthaired Pointer versus Glen of Imaal Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Silky Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Toy Fox Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund German Shorthaired Pointer versus Kishu Ken German Shorthaired Pointer versus Komondor German Shorthaired Pointer versus Puli German Shorthaired Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shiba Inu German Shorthaired Pointer versus Akita
Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Bergamasco Sheepdog better suits you and your family.