Wheaten Terrier vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Wheaten Terrier vs Bergamasco - Breed ComparisonBergamasco is originated from Italy but Wheaten Terrier is originated from Ireland. Bergamasco may grow 12 cm / 5 inches higher than Wheaten Terrier. Bergamasco may weigh 18 kg / 40 pounds more than Wheaten Terrier. Bergamasco may live 3 years more than Wheaten Terrier. Both Bergamasco and Wheaten Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Bergamasco and Wheaten Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
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Italy
Ireland
Height Male:
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
Height Female:
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
The Wheaten
Colors Available:
Grey, sometimes black
Wheaten, gingery
Coat:
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
Soft single coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

The Wheaten Terrier hails from Ireland, some 200 years ago.

wheaten terrierThe dog was bred to be a useful dog to have around the farm. He was needed to help with the guarding and herding of livestock and to keep the rat population down.

This little dog has a long history, but in spite of this, he wasn’t recognized as a breed in his home country by the Irish Kennel Club until 1937.

It was in 1943 that the Wheaten was recognized by the British Kennel Club. They were exported to the United States in the 1940s and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973.

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.

wheaten terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wheaten Terrier is a robustly built, medium-sized dog with males and females standing at between 43 to 50cm in height and weighing between 13 to 20kg.

The soft, single coat is a silky texture and a wheaten, gingery color. A bonus is that the coat doesn’t shed much. Puppies are born with darkish coats of a reddish-brown color but the coat lightens significantly as the puppy grows older.

Most Wheaten Terrier owners opt to have the dog professionally groomed. Their tails have always been docked.

Temperament:

Your Wheaten Terrier is a smart dog, albeit headstrong and stubborn. His intelligence makes it easy to have him trained.

They love their human family and aren’t known for any aggression issues. They’re energetic, playful dogs and are sometimes even looked upon as being hyperactive. They’re able to get along well with other dogs and cats in the house. They generally make great family pets.

These dogs are well suited to life in the city as well as the countryside just so long as he gets his daily walks and other forms of exercise.

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.

wheaten terrier dog - characteristicsThe Wheaten Terrier is such a bouncy, lively little dog that he brings joy into any home.

He is energetic, playful and full of the joys of living but you don’t want to take advantage of his good nature.

Don’t leave him stuck in your back yard but include him in all your family activities. He’s your best friend, providing you with unconditional love that few humans can equal.

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

wheaten terrier puppies - health problemsYour Wheaten Terrier is a dog breed that can live healthily with you for a good number of years.

Just like most other dogs, they are prone to some heritable diseases. Perhaps a condition to look out for with this particular dog is protein wasting conditions - protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE).

Both of these diseases are actually fatal but if caught early enough, they can be managed with dietary changes and medication.

Your dog produces proteins known as enzymes, one group being digestive enzymes that help with the breakdown and digestion of food. When your pet battles with malabsorption, digestive enzymes don’t absorb protein and it passes through the large intestine into the faeces. Your dog will have inflammatory bowel disease.

Dogs with PLE for instance, will have vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss.

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.

wheaten terrier dogs - caringBrush your pet’s coat twice a week to keep it healthy and have him professionally trimmed to keep him looking nice and groomed.

Dental disease is a common problem with dogs, and more specifically small dogs. Dental problems start with tartar build-up on the teeth and then infection of the gums and roots can set in too. The teeth have to be kept in good condition as rotten teeth can have a negative impact on other important body parts like the heart and kidneys.

Have your pet vaccinated against bacterial and viral infections such as rabies and parvo.

Speak to your vet about the many worms and other parasites that can invade your pet’s body.

Have your Wheaten spayed or neutered if you want to avoid unwanted puppies.

Provide your Wheaten with the best food there is to encourage good health and longevity. Keep his meals simple and consistent and always go for high-quality foods that are in keeping with your dog’s age, Kibble as well as home-made food are good choices. Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Provide your Wheaten Terrier with good exercise. Remember though that these dogs are sensitive to warm temperatures, and you don’t want to have him exercising in hot weather because of the fear of heat stress.

Comparison with other breeds

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