Hairless Khala vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Hairless Khala vs Bergamasco - Breed ComparisonBergamasco is originated from Italy but Hairless Khala is originated from Mexico. Bergamasco may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Hairless Khala. Bergamasco may weigh 24 kg / 53 pounds more than Hairless Khala. Both Bergamasco and Hairless Khala has almost same life span. Both Bergamasco and Hairless Khala has almost same litter size. Both Bergamasco and Hairless Khala requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Companion dog
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Italy
Mexico
Height Male:
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
Height Female:
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
6 - 14 kg
13 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
6 - 14 kg
13 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Khala Grande, Khala Medio, Bolivian Khala
Colors Available:
Grey, sometimes black
Dark grey skin
Coat:
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
Hairless
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, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
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.

hairless khalaThe Hairless Khala is from a number of Latin American countries, and these countries have a variety of these hairless hounds.

The dogs are known by different names. Khala is the Bolivian Quechua Indian name and it means 'no clothing' - an absence of fur. Both Central and South America have their hairless dogs, descendants of ancestral dogs owned by the Incan Empire.

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.

hairless khala puppy - descriptionThere are 2 kinds of hairless Khalas – the Medio one which is a short legged dog which stands at roughly 36 – 41cm in height and weighs roughly 6 – 14kg. The other kind of khala is the Hairless Khala Grande, a long legged type.

Although the dog is hairless, you'll find some hair on the top of his head. For sake of space we'll refer to the Medio variety, a medium-sized hound with hairless skin which is dark grey in color.

Temperament:

The Hairless Khala is a friendly dog with his family but tends to be reserved with strangers. He gets on well with children in the home and because he isn't a particularly energetic dog, elderly people also find that he makes a super pet for them.

He is able to adapt easily to city- as well as country living. You need to be careful with him and not allow him out in the garden in the boiling sun as his skin can burn badly. Then again, without fur, he also tends to get cold easily.

He has dark brown eyes and the ears are fairly large in size and erect. He has a chest which is deep and broad and his tail is set fairly low and is held according to his mood.

He is an intelligent dog, and therefore easily trained. He is a loving, loyal dog who is capable of bonding closely with his human family.

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.

hairless khala dog - characteristicsThe Hairless Khala will make you an excellent pet, and children and the elderly are attracted to the dog because it is loving and docile. They are aloof with strangers, but training and socialization make him far more tolerant of strangers.

The Hairless Khala is an adaptable dog breed, and will adapt well to life in the city or in the country. Found throughout the Latin American nations, today he is essentially a companion dog, loving to be a devoted friend to his human family.

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

hairless khala puppies - health problemsThe life expectancy of this dog is 10-14 years when he is treated well. The Hairless Khala is a robust dog breed but even so, there are diseases to look out for -

Skin Allergies:

Skin allergies are one of the reasons you may have to take your Hairless Khala to the vet. These sorts of skin allergies can be frustrating for a dog because the skin is irritated and itchy and he may have scaly areas or red bumps on his skin. If your dog is licking and scratching frantically, you will need to get him to the vet.

Dental Disease

Periodontal disease is inflammation of the gums, and if food and bacteria accumulate on the gums, it forms plaque and transforms into calculus, leading to gingivitis. Check your pet's teeth regularly and also brush them with special canine toothbrush and toothpaste at least 2 or 3x a week.

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.

Exercise:

hairless khala dogs - caringHe isn't a super energetic dog but still, he will need to be taken for a walk every day.You can also include typical games that all dogs love – fetching a ball or pulling on a rope.

Grooming:

Because of the dog having little or no hair, they are considered fairly hypoallergenic and also low maintenance. You'd need to brush a dog with fur, but a hairless dog requires different grooming.

Speak to your vet about bathing your dog, the type of body wash to use and how frequently it should be done. Because your dog is hairless, he may require a sun cream in the Summer and a jersey in the Winter.

He will also need his nails clipped and his teeth brushed as part of his grooming process.

Diet:

He may not have much hair, but when it comes to diet he is much the same as any other dog. If you feed him commercially manufactured food, always choose the best quality one in accordance with his age, height and activity levels.

Home-made food is always a welcome treat for your pet, but whatever you feed him, make sure it has the necessary minerals and vitamins to ensure his health. Essential fatty acids will be needed to keep the skin moist. With too much washing, the skin of these dogs will become irritated, dry and flaking if he doesn't received a nutritious, balanced diet. Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

When in any doubt as to how to look after a hairless dog, speak to your vet.

Comparison with other breeds

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  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