Why you Should Get the Yorkshire Terrier Instead of the Berger Picard.

Last Updated: Apr 09, 2022

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Yorkshire Terrier Versus Berger Picard: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard. 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 Berger Picard.

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 Berger Picard.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Berger Picard

Yorkshire Terrier versus Berger Picard: Overview

A very important difference between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Berger Picard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Berger Picard is a large-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 Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Yorkshire Terrier to the Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard

FactorYorkshire TerrierBerger Picard
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years13 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Kid-Friendly2/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/52/5
Easy To Groom2/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Low Prey Drive4/53/5
Dog Friendly3/53/5
Easy To Train3/54/5
Intelligence3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/54/5
Good For Novice Owners4/54/5
Affectionate With Family4/55/5
General Health4/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/51/5
Weight4 to 6 pounds50 to 70 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/53/5
Easygoing1/51/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Height8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho
Average Lifespan13.5 years13.5 years
Average Price$2420$2350
Price Range$1600 – $2950$1900 – $3050
Temperament Score83.7 percent95.2 percent
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
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds9148

    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 Berger Picard. 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 Berger Picard is 86 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Berger Picard, we still believe that the Yorkshire Terrier is a better pet than the Berger Picard.

    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 Berger Picard

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Berger Picard

    Below is a list of where the Yorkshire Terrier and the Berger Picard are most different:

  • Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Berger Picards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Yorkshire Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Berger Picards are very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Berger Picard

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

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Berger Picard.

    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 Berger Picard weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Berger Picard is 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Size of Yorkshire Terrier versus Size of Berger Picard

    Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Berger Picard

    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 Berger Picard is between 13 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Berger Picard is 13.5 years.

    The Berger Picard live as long as the Yorkshire Terrier.

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Berger Picard

    Temperament of the Berger Picard Versus the Yorkshire Terrier

    The Berger Picard has a better temperament than the Yorkshire Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Berger Picard is 95.2 percent while the temperament score for the Yorkshire Terrier is 83.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 83.7 percent, the Yorkshire Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 95.2 percent, the Berger Picard has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Berger Picard by measuring the temperaments of 43 Yorkshire Terriers and 21 Berger Picards.

    Price of Yorkshire Terrier versus Price of Berger Picard

    The average price of the Yorkshire Terrier puppy is $2420. The price of the Yorkshire Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2950. However, the price of a Yorkshire Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 957 Yorkshire Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Berger Picard puppy is $2350. The price of the Berger Picard typically ranges from $1900 – $3050. However, the price of the Berger Picard can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Berger Picard puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Yorkshire Terrier is more expensive than the Berger Picard.

    `
    Yorkshire Terrier Berger Picard
    Average Price $2420 $2350
    Price Range $1600 to $2950 $1900 to $3050

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Yorkshire Terrier and Berger Picard. For different price points, the charts show how many Yorkshire Terrier puppies or how many Berger Picard puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Yorkshire Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Yorkshire Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Berger Picards

    A breakdown of the prices of Berger Picards

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Yorkshire Terrier puppy or the Berger Picard puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Berger Picard

    The Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier versus Popularity of Berger Picard

    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 Berger Picard over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Yorkshire Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Berger Picard. 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 Berger Picard is 148 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier

    Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier

    Popularity of Berger Picard

    Popularity of Berger Picard

    `
    Year Yorkshire Terrier Popularity Rank Berger Picard Popularity Rank
    2013 6 no data
    2014 6 no data
    2015 7 no data
    2016 9 141.0
    2017 9 146.0
    2018 10 144.0
    2019 12 146.0
    2020 13 151.0
    2021 13 163.0

    Health Problems of Yorkshire Terrier versus Health Problems of Berger Picard

    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 Berger Picard 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 Berger Picard.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Yorkshire Terrier than for the Berger Picard.

    7 health tests are recommended for Yorkshire Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Berger Picard.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Yorkshire Terriers and in Berger Picards.

    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.

    Berger Picard Health Problems

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

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Berger Picards here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Yorkshire Terriers and Berger Picards

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Yorkshire Terrier Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    This is because the Yorkshire Terrier ranks 1 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 321 Yorkshire Terriers, 9 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Yorkshire Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Yorkshire Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 1 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 3 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 23 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 88 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 159 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Berger Picard Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.

    This is because the Berger Picard ranks 6 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 96 Berger Picards, 6 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Berger Picards, and how common these diseases are in Berger Picards relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 6 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 6 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 9 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 53 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 58 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 64 out of 198 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Yorkshire Terrier and in Berger Picard and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Yorkshire Terrier and the Berger Picard:

    `
    Disease Yorkshire Terrier Rank Berger Picard Rank
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems 1 out of 40 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 3 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Dentition Database problems 23 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 88 out of 182 dog breeds 9 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 159 out of 198 dog breeds 64 out of 198 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 6 out of 71 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 6 out of 159 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 53 out of 115 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 58 out of 144 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Berger Picard

    Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Berger Picards can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Berger Picards?

    Yorkshire Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Berger Picards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Berger Picard?

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

    Berger Picards are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Berger Picard?

    Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Berger Picards get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Berger Picards?

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

    Berger Picards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Berger Picard?

    Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Berger Picards are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Berger Picard

    Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Berger Picards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Berger Picards?

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

    Berger Picards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Yorkshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Berger Picard?

    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.

    Berger Picards have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Berger Picards?

    Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Berger Picards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Berger Picards Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Berger Picards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Berger Picard

    Yorkshire Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Berger Picards do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Berger Picards Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Berger Picards can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Yorkshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Berger Picard?

    Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Berger Picards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Berger Picard?

    Yorkshire Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Berger Picards 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 Berger Picard. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier to other breeds:

    Yorkshire Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     Yorkshire Terrier versus Bolognese     Yorkshire Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Chihuahua     Yorkshire Terrier versus Shih Tzu     Yorkshire Terrier versus Cockalier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Yorkshire Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Yorkshire Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Yorkshire Terrier versus Shetland Sheepdog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Border Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Boerboel     Yorkshire Terrier versus Canaan Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus French Spaniel     Yorkshire Terrier versus Keeshond     

    Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier versus Berger Picard. 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 Berger Picard better suits you and your family.