Chow Chow vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Chow Chow vs Bergamasco - Breed ComparisonBergamasco is originated from Italy but Chow Chow is originated from China. Bergamasco may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Chow Chow. Bergamasco may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than Chow Chow. Both Bergamasco and Chow Chow has almost same life span. Both Bergamasco and Chow Chow has almost same litter size. Bergamasco requires Moderate Maintenance. But Chow Chow requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Non sporting dog
undefined
Italy
China
Height Male:
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
41 - 60 cm
16 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
chowhound, chow, chowdren
Colors Available:
Grey, sometimes black
cream and blue, Red (light gold to deep red-brown) • Cinnamon (light tan to brown) • Black
Coat:
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
double thick and coarse
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

bergamascoThe Bergamasco comes from northern Italy. This medium sized sheepdog is of ancient origin. Known as an Italian sheep herding breed, his name actually comes from the town where he comes from - Bergamo.

It was after World War II that there was danger that this breed would disappear as the need for herding and shepherding was diminishing. An Italian breeder, however, Dr. Maria Andreoli, stepped in to save the breed.

It was in 2015 that the American Kennel Club also changed the breed’s status from Miscellaneous to the Herding Group.

chow chowNorthern China is the original home of the Chow Chow. In that region of China, the breed was known as the Songshi Quan – “the puffy-lion” dog. They have also been known in China as the “Dog of the Tang Empire” or the Tang Quan. The Chow is believed to be an ancient breed that the Foo Dog, or stone dog guardians of Buddhist palaces and temples, is modeled after. It is one of the most ancient of dog breeds that are still around today.

It is believed that they have existed for around 2000 years or perhaps even as far back as 3000 years, starting out in Mongolia and migrating to China. The ancientness of the Chow Chow has been validated through DNA testing. In China all those centuries ago, the Chow Chow was born to be a working dog. They hunted, herded, guarded and pulled carts. They went on quests with the Mongolian armies when China was invaded, as well as when the Mongolians invaded the Middle East and Europe later on.

Today’s Canadian Kennel Club has about 350 Chows registered while the AKC gets 10,000 new registrations every year.

Description

A Rastafarian Look

bergamasco puppy - descriptionThis medium sized sheepdog stands 54 – 62cm in height and weighs up to 38 kg as an adult. It is his coat which draws the most attention. It is of a coarse texture and actually greasy to the touch. It actually forms into strands or almost like dreadlocks from the top of the body, so that people agree he is one of shaggiest dog breeds there are.

From age 1 on the coat starts to become woolly, and then the flocks start to form. As these clumps of hair appear, it will become necessary to separate them into smaller cords by hand to ensure attractive formation Brushing isn’t necessary but a big toothed comb can keep their hair ‘groomed’.

The colour of the coat is solid grey with patches of shades of grey and sometimes black. His dense, heavy coat makes it that he is suited to cooler climates. Because he is a herding dog, he wouldn’t do well in an apartment but would suit a home with a large garden.

Intelligent and Playful

He is intelligent and social but will need firm handling as he is a boisterous dog. He has a muscular yet compact body with a large head, long tail, high-set semi-drooping ears and large, gentle looking brown eyes. Although not instinctively aggressive, he makes an excellent watch dog with strong protective instincts to protect his human family.

He views new people into his circle with suspicion and wariness. He is good with kids and pets in the home and is playful and energetic.

chow chow puppy - descriptionThe Chow really does look like a small lion with a black tongue. The dog is sturdy and square with erect, small ears on a broad skull. They have a very dense double coat. Their eyes are deep set and look like almonds, while they all have that very distinctive purple or black tongue. Their lips are also distinctive with their blue color. The nose is black, but some Chows might have a blue nose. The tail is curly.

These are medium size dogs when it comes to height and weight, but they are powerfully built for their size. Their power is in their compact body holding the energy and strength of a much larger dog. Its hind legs are almost entirely straight, unusual for any dog. They get their lion appearance from the huge ruff that stands behind their heads. Their chest is broad and deep.

Characteristics

bergamasco dog - characteristicsThis is a working dog so they are naturally alert. He is also intelligent and independent and this independence is seen with training as he doesn’t take easily to following instructions, becoming stubborn. You’ll certainly want to have your Bergamasco socialized and trained as he can be a boisterous dog, bounding with energy.

This is a dog that will need to be kept busy and provided with plenty of activities so that he remains happy, playful and relaxed.

Lively and intelligent, these dogs also form strong bonds with their owners and get on well with the children in the home. He will take well to country life as opposed to living in the city.

chow chow dog - characteristicsLoyal and true to their family and those they know; the Chow Chow is a little standoffish with strangers. They are very protective and usually attach themselves to one or two people. They are intelligent but stubborn, which can affect your training with them. They need to respect their people and Chows respect hose who take care of them. They can be aggressive toward dogs of their same sex especially if those dogs are the same breed as well.

They are known to be very clean and many have compared them to cats in that regard. They appear to be dignified and refined. They are usually very quiet but very adaptable dogs.

Health Problems

bergamasco puppies - health problemsYour Bergamasco can live to be 13 to 15 years of age and he is considered to be a healthy breed. Nonetheless you want to be aware of health issues that are common to this breed

he is vulnerable to heat. He can die of heat exhaustion quicker than other breeds

keep an eye on him for hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and skin allergies

chow chow puppies - health problemsAlthough an ancient breed that obviously has survived many centuries of trials, the Cho Chow of today is prone to several different health conditions. These include:

Eyelid Entropion

This condition can require surgery to keep the turning eyelid from injuring the eye ball.

Hip Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Stomach Cancer

Ear Infections

Make sure you keep the ears clean and keep an eye on them.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

bergamasco dogs - caringThe Bergamasco isn’t a shedder but his coat will need to be combed once a week just to keep it in order. You don’t want to bath him too often, especially during the Winter as his coat takes a long time to dry. It isn’t recommended to shave a Bergamasco as the coat regulates the dogs temperature – keeping him warm and cold as the weather demands.

Foods

They thrive on a blend of kibble (dry) mixed with raw and-or moist food once or twice a day. Remember to include quality chicken, turkey, etc. mixed with some vegetables and rice into your dog’s diet. Ensure a constant supply of fresh water in an easily-cleanable bowl.

Exercise

Balls and ropes are important for building muscle strength and burning energy. Remember your Bergamasco is a working breed and will need plenty of games and exercise.

chow chow dogs - caringDon’t overfeed a Chow Chow as they are hard workers and big eaters. Feed them at least twice a day.

Health issues

Additional health issues include:

Glaucoma

This eye disease can lead to blindness if not checked and treated.

Juvenile Cataracts

These can be removed from an adolescent puppy.

Lymphoma

Again, the Chow is susceptible to cancer.

Diabetes

Can lead to heart or kidney problems if left untreated.

Hot Spots/Allergies/Melanoma

Keep a close eye on your Chow Chow skin.

Exercise and games

The Chow Chow was developed as working dog, but today’s version is more laid back and doesn’t need excessive exercise. Daily walks will suffice. They live very happily in the city if walked regularly. They are not really a competitive breed outside of obedience and confirmation. They are seldom seen in sports like agility or frisbee.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Chow Chow vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Chow Chow vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Chow Chow vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Chow Chow vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Chow Chow vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Chow Chow vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Chow Chow vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Chow Chow vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Chow Chow vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Chow Chow vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Chow Chow vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Chow Chow vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Chow Chow vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Chow Chow vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Chow Chow vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Chow Chow vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Chow Chow vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Chow Chow vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Chow Chow vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Chow Chow vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Chow Chow vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Chow Chow vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Chow Chow vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Chow Chow vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Chow Chow vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Bergamasco vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Bergamasco vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Bergamasco vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Bergamasco vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Bergamasco vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bergamasco vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Bergamasco vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Bergamasco vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bergamasco vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Bergamasco vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Bergamasco vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Bergamasco vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Bergamasco vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Bergamasco vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Bergamasco vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Bergamasco vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Bergamasco vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Bergamasco vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Bergamasco vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Bergamasco vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Bergamasco vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Bergamasco vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Bergamasco vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Bergamasco vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Bergamasco vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison