Why you Should Get the Yorkshire Terrier Instead of the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

Last Updated: Apr 09, 2022

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Yorkshire Terrier Versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier or the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog

Yorkshire Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Yorkshire Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog

FactorYorkshire TerrierBergamasco Sheepdog
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years13 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Kid-Friendly2/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/54/5
Does NOT Shed4/54/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/54/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Low Prey Drive4/54/5
Dog Friendly3/54/5
Easy To Train3/53/5
Intelligence3/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/53/5
Good For Novice Owners4/54/5
Affectionate With Family4/54/5
General Health4/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/54/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/53/5
Weight4 to 6 pounds55 to 85 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/53/5
Easygoing1/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Height8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder20 to 24 inches
Average Lifespan13.5 years14.0 years
Average Price$2420No Data
Price Range$1600 – $2950No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds9169

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is 76 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 Yorkshire Terrier is a better pet than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    This is because Yorkshire Terriers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Yorkshire Terrier will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Yorkshire Terrier :-). We are for the Yorkshire Terrier. So get a Yorkshire Terrier!

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are most different:

  • Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Yorkshire Terriers are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone. However, Bergamasco Sheepdogs are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog

    The Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are most similar:

  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    The Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. The Yorkshire Terrier is 8 to 9 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.

    Size of Yorkshire Terrier versus Size of Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog

    The lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier 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 live longer than the Yorkshire Terrier.

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
    Yorkshire Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog

    The Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Yorkshire Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Bergamasco Sheepdog. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Yorkshire Terrier is 9 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Bergamasco Sheepdog is 169 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier

    Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier

    Popularity of Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Popularity of Bergamasco Sheepdog

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    Year Yorkshire Terrier Popularity Rank Bergamasco Sheepdog Popularity Rank
    2013 6 no data
    2014 6 96.0
    2015 7 174.0
    2016 9 184.0
    2017 9 181.0
    2018 10 187.0
    2019 12 180.0
    2020 13 173.0
    2021 13 179.0

    Health Problems of Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Yorkshire Terrier than for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    7 health tests are recommended for Yorkshire Terrier while 2 tests are recommended for the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Yorkshire Terriers and in Bergamasco Sheepdogs.

    Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems

    Yorkshire Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Yorkshire Terriers 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:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bergamasco Sheepdogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Bergamasco Sheepdogs?

    Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Yorkshire Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?

    Yorkshire Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Bergamasco Sheepdogs?

    Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Yorkshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Yorkshire Terriers 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.

    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 Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Bergamasco Sheepdogs?

    Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Bergamasco Sheepdog

    Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bergamasco Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Yorkshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

    Yorkshire Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Bergamasco Sheepdogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Yorkshire Terrier compares to other breeds aside from the Bergamasco Sheepdog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier to other breeds:

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Great Pyrenees     Yorkshire Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     Yorkshire Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus German Pinscher     Yorkshire Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Yorkshire Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Yorkipoo     Yorkshire Terrier versus Westiepoo     Yorkshire Terrier versus Newfoundland     Yorkshire Terrier versus Mal Shi     Yorkshire Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Yorkshire Terrier versus Bernedoodle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Yorkshire Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Kai Ken     Yorkshire Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     

    Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Bergamasco Sheepdog better suits you and your family.