Miniature Schnauzer vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison

Miniature Schnauzer vs Bergamasco - Breed ComparisonMiniature Schnauzer is originated from Germany but Bergamasco is originated from Italy. Miniature Schnauzer may grow 26 cm / 10 inches shorter than Bergamasco. Miniature Schnauzer may weigh 28 kg / 61 pounds lesser than Bergamasco. Both Miniature Schnauzer and Bergamasco has same life span. Both Miniature Schnauzer and Bergamasco has almost same litter size. Both Miniature Schnauzer and Bergamasco requires Moderate maintenance.

History

miniature schnauzer - historyMiniature Schnauzers were first bred in Germany in the 19th century being bred from Affenpinschers and Standard Schnauzers.

This dog was always used to control rats on farms, but these days he is more a companion. It is believed that the start of the modern Miniature Schnauzer in the United States was around 1924 when dogs were imported from Germany.

It was in 1933 that the Miniature Schnauzer was recognized by the AKC as a separate breed from the Standard Schnauzer.

bergamasco - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Germany
Italy
Height Male:
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer)
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Colors Available:
salt-and-pepper coat – mix of black and white. , Black and silver
Grey, sometimes black
Coat:
Double, wiry medium-length coat
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

miniature schnauzer puppy - descriptionThe Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed that stands between 30 to 36cm in height and weighs between 5 and 10kg.

He has a sturdy body with a dense, wiry coat which most people prefer to have stripped. Because stripping is quite tedious, many of these dog owners prefer to have the coat clipped which actually gives the coat a greyish look to it.

The coat is usually a mix of black and silver. Some people refer to the Miniature Schnauzer as having a salt-and-pepper coat – hairs that are a mix of black and white. The dog has a double coat with the outer coat being wiry and the undercoat being a lot softer.

This is a dog that will need to be groomed frequently to prevent matting. A noticeable feature with these dogs is the rectangular shaped head with alert slanted eyes and bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard. In fact the word ‘Schnauzer’ means beard or muzzle.

The ears have been traditionally cropped but these days they are left and then they tend to be half-erect, half-floppy.

Temperament:

This is a tough little dog, fearless, cheeky, arrogant, alert and also friendly. A draw-card with him is that he is considered as a low-shedder and being hypoallergenic.

They’re very intelligent dogs too and will learn quickly when you give him training and socialization. This is important for a dog like this as he can quickly show you that he is strong willed and independent. Training and socialization makes him much nicer as he becomes more balanced and obedient.

He is full of life and extroverted and you can count on him to join you wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. Whether watching TV, swimming or hiking, he’ll be there and turn every occasion into a festive event. He is a loving, loyal dog, making a splendid pet.

He's protective of his human family and tends to be suspicious of strangers, and this is what makes him such a great watchdog.

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.

Characteristics

miniature schnauzer dog - characteristicsMiniature Schnauzers are such adaptable little dogs, quite happy to make a home with you in the city or in the countryside.

They’re sociable dogs, so just being with his human family wherever they are will suit him well. If he lives in the city however, he will need to have a walk everyday or taken to the park for a run.

He is also a dog that scarcely sheds, so he suits people battling with allergies. With an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, if you nurture your Mini Schnauzer and give him the best food and exercise there is, as well as loving him, you’re going to have a loyal and devoted pet.

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.

Health Problems

miniature schnauzer puppies - health problemsYour Miniature Schnauzer is pretty healthy and he isn’t likely to cost you much in terms of vet fees. There are however some common dog problems that you want to be aware of such as cataracts of the eye and hypothyroidism.

Cataract:

This a a problem in the lens of the eye. The lens should be clear, and when a dog has a cataract, it obscures the vision. The size of the cataract can lead to blindness.

Diabetes in a dog can bring on cataracts as can genetics or damage to the eye from exposure to ultraviolet light. Fortunately, dogs with cataracts can still see. Dogs with old cataracts can have surgery to remove them.

When a dog owner suspects a cataract in their pet’s eye it is best to treat it immediately with anti-inflammatory dog cataract eye drops. Cataracts never go away however without surgery.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid gland in the neck produces a hormone called thyroxine. It controls metabolism, but with hypothyroidism, enough of the hormone isn’t made. Its a common disease which affects all dog breeds.

Signs of hypothyroidism include hair loss, weight gain, intolerance to cold and a troublesome skin. To have the disease diagnosed, the vet will do a series of blood tests.

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

Caring The Pet

miniature schnauzer dogs - caringLet’s look at several ways you need to care for your Miniature Schnauzer -

Make sure you have his puppy injections on time. This means knowing which veterinarian you’ll use. Later on if you don’t want to go in for breeding, you will need to have your pet spayed or neutered.

Make sure you have a nice warm, dry spot for your dog to sleep. It can be a cardboard box, or you can buy a dog basket or sleeping platform. Make sure your pet loves it and knows he can retreat to it anytime he wants.

If he goes outside for a few hours, make sure that he has a place to lie in the shade and away from the elements.

Good food promotes good health and longevity. You can feed your pet one of the top quality commercially manufactured foods and give your pet some variety by adding in some boiled chicken, vegetables and brown rice. Some raw meat occasionally can also be excellent for your 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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  4. Blue Healer vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  5. English Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  6. Catahoula Cur vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  7. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  9. Bergamasco vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  11. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Bergamasco vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  13. Bergamasco vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Bergamasco vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  16. Bergamasco vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  17. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  18. Bergamasco vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  20. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  21. Queensland Heeler vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  22. German Coolie vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  23. Bohemian Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  24. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  25. Red Heeler vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  26. Miniature Schnauzer vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Schnauzer vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Miniature Schnauzer vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Miniature Schnauzer vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Miniature Schnauzer vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Miniature Schnauzer vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  34. Miniature Schnauzer vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Miniature Schnauzer vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  36. Miniature Schnauzer vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Miniature Schnauzer vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Miniature Schnauzer vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Miniature Schnauzer vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Miniature Schnauzer vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Miniature Schnauzer vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Miniature Schnauzer vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Schnauzer vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Miniature Schnauzer vs Kaikadi - Breed Comparison
  47. Rat Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  48. Scottish Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  49. Patterdale Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  50. Norwich Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds