Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison

Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Bergamasco - Breed ComparisonBergamasco is originated from Italy but Karelo-Finnish Laika is originated from Russia. Bergamasco may grow 14 cm / 6 inches higher than Karelo-Finnish Laika. Bergamasco may weigh 24 kg / 53 pounds more than Karelo-Finnish Laika. Both Bergamasco and Karelo-Finnish Laika has same life span. Both Bergamasco and Karelo-Finnish Laika has same litter size. Bergamasco requires Moderate Maintenance. But Karelo-Finnish Laika requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Italy
Russia
Height Male:
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
38 - 48 cm
14 - 19 inches
Height Female:
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
38 - 48 cm
14 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Laika
Colors Available:
Grey, sometimes black
Reddish
Coat:
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
Longish and coarse
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low 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.

karelo finnish laikaThe Karelo Finnish Laika is a Spitz type hunting dog from the Karelia area of Russia.Some people say the dog developed in Sweden. The dog is from a group of ‘Laika’ breeds and has that typical Spitz-type look – the sharpish face, the erect ears and the tail which curls over the back.

This attractive dog was developed as a hunting dog, and has a thick, weatherproof coat.The Karelo-Finnish Laika breed developed because people wanted a smaller sized hunting dog that could cope well with the weather, and these Laika dogs matched well.

The breed is ancient – centuries old, and after dying out in numbers during the second world war, the breed was revived when Russians imported Finnish Spitzes from Finland and bred them. The dog is similar to the Finnish Spitz, and in 2006 the Finnish Kennel Club and Russian Kennel Federation included the Karelo-Finnish Laika as a Finnish Spitz breed.

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.

karelo finnish laika puppy - descriptionWith his wolf-like appearance, the Karelo Finnish Laika is a sharp, intelligent dog and is the smallest Laika in Russia used for hunting. He stands at about 38–48 cm in height and weighs about 11 - 14 kg.

His coat is a reddish color and the fur is fairly long and coarse with a dense, soft undercoat. He looks like a red fox with his sharp, bright face, his erect ears, black nose and bushy tail which curls over the back.

Temperament:

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is a sweet dog with a quiet character. Whenever you suggest a game for him, he throws his docile side to the wind and becomes highly energetic and animated. He is an active dog and loves nothing more than a game with his human family members.

He is mistrustful of strangers, he tends to bark easily and he is territorial and all these characteristic go towards making him a good watchdog. He is quite prepared to live peacefully alongside other dogs in the home, more so when he has been trained and socialized.

He makes a great friend and pet for families and is more than ready to be loving and loyal to 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.

karelo finnish laika dog - characteristicsThe Karelo Finnish Laika is such an energetic dog, full of life and he promises to make an affectionate family dog.

He is a fairly low maintenance dog too and not prone to getting sick easily. Treat this attractive Laika dog like he deserves and you’ll find that he makes a splendid pet.

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

karelo finnish laika puppies - health problemsApart from his good looks, the Karelo-Finnish Laika happens to be a pretty healthy breed and there are no known hereditary health problems with him. Diseases which can affect any dog -

Hip Dysplasia:

Many large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. In hip dysplasia, joint problems cause arthritis and pain and eventually lameness. These days, when buying a puppy, people ask breeders about whether the parents were screened for hip dysplasia.

Obesity:

Any dog fed the wrong diet and who isn’t exercised can become overweight. Obesity in dogs is linked to many health problems in dogs. If you’re in doubt about your pet, consult with your vet on the best food for him.

Cancer:

Many dogs are at risk for certain types of cancer, including lymphoma which is cancer of the lymph nodes. When you are brushing your pet, check him for any unusual lumps so that you can catch cancer early.

Heart Conditions:

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is where the chambers of the heart are stretched out and don't pump blood properly. Sometimes it can go undetected for a while until the dog becomes seriously ill, requiring emergency medical attention. Medications can regulate heart rhythm but there is no cure.

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.

karelo finnish laika dogs - caringThe Karelo-Finnish Laika is a most attractive looking dog and his thick, double coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from dust, grass and burrs. He sheds throughout the year so this brushing will keep the loose dog hair under control.

Diet:

Watch your Karelo-Finnish Laika’s diet as a lean, mean dog can live longer than one who is overfed. Dogs which are overweight are likely to develop joint problems and heart disease.

The quality of food you feed your pet is hugely important. Popping chocolates and peanuts into his mouth because you love him so much will be toxic for him. Apart from his top quality dry kibble, add in some cooked chicken, rice and vegetables as a tasty treat and mix in a little bit of raw meat also when you can.

Exercise:

Exercise for your Karelo Finnish Laika is a key component to prolonging his life, and he absolutely loves games, walks and action all the way. It will keep him in shape, keep him happy and prolong his life.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Bergamasco vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  5. Bergamasco vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  10. Bergamasco vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  27. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison