Chihuahua versus Berger Picard. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Mar 21, 2022

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Chihuahua Versus Berger Picard: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua or the Berger Picard.

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Berger Picard

Chihuahua versus Berger Picard: Overview

A very important difference between the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a tiny-sized dog while the Berger Picard is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Chihuahua 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.

Chihuahua versus Berger Picard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Berger Picard

FactorChihuahuaBerger Picard
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather1/54/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Minimal Exercise Needs5/51/5
Life Span10 to 18 years13 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Dog Friendly2/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/52/5
General Health2/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/51/5
Weight3 to 6 pounds50 to 70 pounds
Good For Novice Owners4/54/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/55/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/53/5
Easygoing1/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Easy To Groom5/55/5
Height6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho
Average Lifespan14.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1820$2350
Price Range$850 – $2500$1900 – $3050
Temperament Score69.6 percent95.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds30148

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua is 84 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 Chihuahua is a better pet than the Berger Picard.

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

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

    Chihuahua versus Berger Picard

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard

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

  • Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Berger Picards can tolerate cold weather.
  • Chihuahuas have low exercise needs. However, Berger Picards require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chihuahuas have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Berger Picards are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard

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

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Berger Picard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Berger Picard are very easy to groom.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Berger Picard

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

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Berger Picards weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Berger Picards are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Berger Picard

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

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

    Chihuahuas live longer than Berger Picards.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Chihuahua versus Berger Picard

    Temperament of the Chihuahua Versus the Berger Picard

    The Berger Picard has a better temperament than the Chihuahua.

    This is because the temperament score for the Berger Picard is 95.2 percent while the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 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 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Berger Picard by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 21 Berger Picards.

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Berger Picard

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1820. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $15500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1980 Chihuahua 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 Berger Picard is more expensive than the Chihuahua.

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    Chihuahua Berger Picard
    Average Price $1820 $2350
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $1900 to $3050

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. 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 Chihuahua 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.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    Chihuahua versus Berger Picard

    The Popularity of Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Berger Picard over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chihuahua is more popular with dog owners than the Berger Picard. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chihuahua is 30 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Berger Picard is 148 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Berger Picard

    Popularity of Berger Picard

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    Year Chihuahua Popularity Rank Berger Picard Popularity Rank
    2013 22 no data
    2014 24 no data
    2015 28 no data
    2016 30 141.0
    2017 32 146.0
    2018 33 144.0
    2019 35 146.0
    2020 34 151.0
    2021 37 163.0

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Berger Picard

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Berger Picards?

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

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Berger Picard?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

    Berger Picards are very easy to groom.

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

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Berger Picards get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Berger Picards?

    Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

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

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Berger Picard?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Berger Picards are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Berger Picard

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Berger Picards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Berger Picards?

    Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Berger Picard?

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

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

    Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Berger Picards?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Berger Picards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Berger Picards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Berger Picard

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

    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 Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Berger Picards Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chihuahuas 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 Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Berger Picard?

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Berger Picards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

    Berger Picards are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Berger Picard better suits you and your family.