Silky Cairn vs. Bergamasco Shepherd: Breed Differences and Similarities

Hypoallergenic

Are Silky Cairns or Bergamasco Shepherds hypoallergenic, or neither?

Both Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd are hypoallergenic dogs, which make them ideal pets for people who are allergic to pets. Although no dogs are completely hypoallergenic, these breeds come very close and are great choices for those who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd dogs?

Active
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Quick
Joyful
Inquisitive
Fearless
Assertive

Determined
Patient
Quiet
Vigilant

Shedding Level

Do Silky Cairns shed more than Bergamasco Shepherds, or which breed sheds more, Silky Cairns or Bergamasco Shepherds?

2 / 5

Silky Cairns are low shedding dogs, requiring minimal coat care.

1 / 5

Bergamasco Shepherds shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Ancestry

What are the origins of Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd breeds?

Cairn Terrier, Silky Terrier

sheepdogs, cattle dogs

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd?

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
United Kennel Club
American Canine Association, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd breeds first developed?

Unknown

ancient times

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd dogs?

Hazel
Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd?

Black

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd breeds?

Black
Brown
Cream
Fawn
Gray
Blue
White
Silver
Brindle

Black
Gray
Silver

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd breeds?

3 / 5

Silky Cairns have medium-length coats.

5 / 5

Bergamasco Shepherds are known for their coat length.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd?

2 / 5

4 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd?

Straight

Corded

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd?

A Silky Cairn can have a litter of 2-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Bergamasco Shepherd can have a litter of 13-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

3 / 5

Silky Cairns have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

5 / 5

Bergamasco Shepherds are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd, which breed is more prone to health problems?

3 / 5

While the Silky Cairn breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

2 / 5

Bergamasco Shepherds are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd breeds?

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Mitral Valve Dysplasia
Craniomandibular Osteopathy (Lion Jaw)

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd?

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Hemophilia
Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency
Atopy

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd breeds?

Eye Examinations
Blood Tests
X-rays or other radiographic imaging
Electrocardiograph (ECG - measures rate and rhythm)

X-Rays
Physical Examination

Social Needs

Silky Cairn vs Bergamasco Shepherd social needs comparison

5 / 5

Silky Cairn has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

4 / 5

Bergamasco Shepherd has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Silky Cairn or Bergamasco Shepherd?

2 / 5

Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd dogs tend to sleep less than some other breeds, but it's still important for them to get adequate sleep in order to maintain good health.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Silky Cairn vs Bergamasco Shepherd?

3 / 5

Roaming urge

Silky Cairn vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

3 / 5

2 / 5

Prey Drive

Silky Cairn or Bergamasco Shepherd - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Silky Cairns or Bergamasco Shepherds?

Both Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

1 / 5

2 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Silky Cairn or Bergamasco Shepherd walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Silky Cairn, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Bergamasco Shepherd, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Silky Cairns or Bergamasco Shepherds require more exercise?

In general most Silky Cairns usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Bergamasco Shepherds usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Silky Cairns or Bergamasco Shepherds?

4 / 5

Silky Cairns require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

2 / 5

The Bergamasco Shepherd has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd dogs?

Silky Cairn should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

In general Bergamasco Shepherd should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Silky Cairns and Bergamasco Shepherds?

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Scissors
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Silky Cairn or Bergamasco Shepherd in cups?

For an average 9-10 pound (4 - 5 kg) Silky Cairn feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 70-84 pound (32 - 38 kg) Bergamasco Shepherd feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Silky Cairn or Bergamasco Shepherd?

The average cost of a Silky Cairn is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

The average cost of a Bergamasco Shepherd is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Silky Cairn or Bergamasco Shepherd?

The average per month expenses of a Silky Cairn is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Bergamasco Shepherd is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Sensitivity Level

How do Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd compare in sensitivity?

4 / 5

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

2 / 5

Bergamasco Shepherds are adaptable and resilient, making them ideal for those seeking a less sensitive pet.

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Silky Cairn or Bergamasco Shepherd?

4 / 5

The Silky Cairn is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

3 / 5

Bergamasco Shepherds are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Child Friendly

Do Silky Cairns or Bergamasco Shepherds have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Silky Cairns are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

5 / 5

Bergamasco Shepherds make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Silky Cairn or Bergamasco Shepherd?

4 / 5

5 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Silky Cairn or Bergamasco Shepherd breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

Silky Cairns and Bergamasco Shepherds are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Silky Cairn or Bergamasco Shepherd?

3 / 5

{Silky Cairns and Bergamasco Shepherds are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Silky Cairn or Bergamasco Shepherd dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Silky Cairn or Bergamasco Shepherd?

3 / 5

Silky Cairns are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

2 / 5

Bergamasco Shepherds are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Silky Cairn and Bergamasco Shepherd?

4 / 5

Silky Cairns are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

3 / 5

Bergamasco Shepherds have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Silky Cairns and Bergamasco Shepherds compare?

4 / 5

Silky Cairns are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

2 / 5

Bergamasco Shepherds may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.