While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Bergamasco Shepherds are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the American Water Spaniel is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Determined
Patient
Quiet
Vigilant

Energetic
Intelligent
Protective
Friendly
Obedient
Trainable

Persia

United States

sheepdogs, cattle dogs

spaniel, retriever

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.

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

ancient times

1800s

Brown

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Black

Black
Brown

Black
Gray
Silver

Black
Brown
Red
Sable

Bergamasco Shepherds are known for their coat length.

American Water Spaniels have medium-length coats.

Corded

Wavy

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.

An American Water Spaniel can have a litter of 10-13 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.

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

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

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Mitral Valve Disease
Degenerative Myelopathy

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Distichiasis
Lenticular Opacities
Hip Dysplasia
Heart Disease

X-Rays
Physical Examination

Hip X-Rays
Heart
Eye Examination

Bergamasco Shepherds' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

American Water Spaniels thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

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

American Water Spaniel has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Bergamasco Shepherds require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

American Water Spaniels need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Bergamasco Shepherds sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

American Water Spaniels are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Bergamasco Shepherd is an average drooler, monitor for excessive drooling which may indicate health issues.

American Water Spaniel minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Bergamasco Shepherd dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

American Water Spaniels bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Bergamasco Shepherd dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

American Water Spaniel dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

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.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For American Water Spaniel, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

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.

In general most American Water Spaniels 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.

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

The American Water Spaniel requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

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

Ideally, American Water Spaniel should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Scissors
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Comb
Deshedder
Clipper
Nail Clipper

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.

For an average 30-45 pound (14 - 20 kg) American Water Spaniel feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

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

The average cost of an American Water Spaniel is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

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.

The average per month expenses of an American Water Spaniel is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 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.

Bergamasco Shepherd has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

American Water Spaniels are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

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

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

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

American Water Spaniels make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Bergamasco Shepherds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

American Water Spaniels are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

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

American Water Spaniels are highly friendly around strangers.

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

American Water Spaniels are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

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

American Water Spaniels are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.