Norfolk Terrier vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Norfolk Terrier vs Bergamasco - Breed ComparisonNorfolk Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Bergamasco is originated from Italy. Norfolk Terrier may grow 36 cm / 14 inches shorter than Bergamasco. Norfolk Terrier may weigh 32 kg / 70 pounds lesser than Bergamasco. Both Norfolk Terrier and Bergamasco has same life span. Norfolk Terrier may have less litter size than Bergamasco. Both Norfolk Terrier and Bergamasco requires Moderate maintenance.

History

norfolk terrier - historyIt was in the 1880s that a working terrier was developed in eastern England. The Norfolk Terrier was developed by crossing local terrier-like dogs with the Irish Terrier breed as well as small red terriers.

Known first as the Cantab Terrier and then later as the Trumpington Terrier, the name changed further but in 1932, the Norwich was accepted into the English Kennel Club and the first written standard was created.

The Norfolk Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1979. It has gained recognition as an independent breed but is a variety of the Norwich Terrier, distinguished from it by having floppy ears and not erect ears. Both the Norfolk- and Norwich are the smallest of the working terriers.

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:
United Kingdom
Italy
Height Male:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
6 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Norfolk
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Colors Available:
black and grey or grizzle, Wheaten, red
Grey, sometimes black
Coat:
Wire-haired coat, straight and dense
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, 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

norfolk terrier puppy - descriptionThe Norfolk Terrier is a small purebred dog, standing at 23 to 25cm in height and weighing roughly between 4.5kg and 6kg. The dog has a wire-haired coat which can be in different colors such as wheaten, red, black and grey or grizzle.

The hair on his head and ears is shorter and smoother and he has longer whiskers and eyebrows. The chest is deep, the front legs are short and straight and the tail has always been docked to half its length but left long these days. The tail is set high and carried erect.

Temperament:

Norfolks are feisty, fearless dogs with an independent streak. They’re gentle though, and when it comes to being a companion dog, they get on well with children and other pets. They thrive on their human family’s companionship and wouldn’t do well at all if they were constantly left outside.

They’re not yappy dogs but will bark occasionally so he can sound the alarm if strangers approach.

This little dog is able to live in the city or the countryside, but just because he is little, you can’t neglect his exercise needs. He will most certainly need to be exercised every day and taken for walks as he is an energetic, lively dog. He is intelligent too and easy to train and socialize, turning him into such an obedient, pleasurable pet.

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

norfolk terrier dog - characteristicsFearless and brave, the Norfolk Terrier promises to be a wonderful companion.

They're social, loving dogs and want to be part of the household. He is lively and active too and wants to be included in your walks and your games. He loves nothing more than to be running across a field after a ball.

They’re such amicable pets that they make great dogs for first-time dog owners. Let him into your heart and your home – he makes such a splendid pet – that once you’ve had one, you’ll realize you can never be without such a wonderful pet and companion again.

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

norfolk terrier puppies - health problemsThe life expectancy of your Norfolk Terrier is 8 to 14 years, but there are some who have received excellent care and who have reached 17 years of age.

Just as with any other dog, they are prone to common dog illnesses, and these can include dental issues and mitral valve disease. They also are prone to hip dysplasia, and according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) they are known for problematic hips.

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

Grooming:

norfolk terrier dogs - caringThe Norfolk Terrier’s hard, wiry, straight coat requires being hand stripped about twice a year by hand or with a stripping knife. The paws will also need to be trimmed.

It is recommended to keep the hair short around the anus for hygienic purposes and the tail itself will need to be stripped.

The Norfolk doesn’t shed his coat naturally, and the hair keeps growing, making the dog uncomfortable and ungroomed looking. The dog will certainly need to have his hair kept away from around the eyes.

If you don’t want to strip your dog, there are people who take their dogs to professional groomers, but then this professional grooming makes it that the texture of the dog’s coat changes from wiry to soft.

Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so check your dog’s teeth regularly. A bad tooth can play havoc with your dogs general health.

Diet:

As with any other dog, the Norfolk Terrier will do well on high-quality kibble, specially formulated for small dog breeds. For a tasty treat, boil some chicken and vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach in a pot, chop them up and add to his kibble with some brown rice and pasta. A tiny bit of raw meat added in occasionally is all this little dog needs to stay healthy and content.

Don’t ‘treat’ him by giving him chocolates, chips and peanuts. You will upset his stomach. Dogs do best on simply, healthy, tasty diets such as mentioned above. Make sure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water. 

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

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds