Petzlover
Bergamasco is originated from Italy but Telomian is originated from Malaysia. Bergamasco may grow 14 cm / 6 inches higher than Telomian. Bergamasco may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Telomian. Both Bergamasco and Telomian has almost same life span. Both Bergamasco and Telomian has almost same litter size. Both Bergamasco and Telomian requires Moderate Maintenance.
The 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 Telomian, out of Malaysia is rare and the only dog bred in Malaysia that lives outside the country. The breed was originally called Village dog or Anjing Kampung in Malay. The Telo is still considered one of the rarest dogs in the world. They are considered as a possible missing link between the Australian Dingo and the African Basenji.
They were bred to kill vermin by indigenous people, the Orang Asli of Malasia. They have an amazing ability to climb bred into them because these indigenous people lived in stilt houses. Even as they kept the Theomian to hunt vermian, the Orang Asli believed dogs were evil spirits who would eventually turn on them.
In 1963, Dr. Orville Elliot, an anthropologist from the West, discovered the breed and named them the Telomian for the Telom River they lived near. He took a pair to the United States and by 1970 there was a Telomian Dog Club in the U.S. By 1973 another pair had been imported and it is thought that all the Telomians who live in the United States today are descendants of these two pairs.
Like the New Guinea Singing Dog and the Basenji, the Telo do not bark but rather have a unique howl. Being bred from wild dogs, the Telo is not fully domesticate and puppies need a lot of socialization. The Telomian is on the Dog Registry of America Inc and America’s Pet Registry but is not recognized by any pedigree registry.
This 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.
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.
This is a somewhat unique looking breed. They are small dogs, sturdy, athletic dogs with short coat, a square body and a long back. Their coat is smooth and sable and the ticking is white. They often have black masks and purple tongues. They are about 15-18 inches in height and weigh about 18-28 pounds. Their head is well proportioned and they have erect ears, almond shaped eyes and deep chests.
The Telo is still so undomesticated that the female only comes into estrus once a year in September to October. They have great command of their paws and can use them more like cats or racoons. They climb with them and hold toys, objects or food in them. This is related to their need to climb since homes were built on stilts in the jungles of Malaysia.
This 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.
2.Special talents – climbing ability, use of their paws, able to hunt their own food.
3.Adaptability – they are not big so you would think apartment living would be ok but because of their energy and prey drive they really need a place to run.
Your 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
This is a somewhat unique looking breed. They are small dogs, sturdy, athletic dogs with short coat, a square body and a long back. Their coat is smooth and sable and the ticking is white. They often have black masks and purple tongues. They are about 15-18 inches in height and weigh about 18-28 pounds. Their head is well proportioned and they have erect ears, almond shaped eyes and deep chests.
The Telo is still so undomesticated that the female only comes into estrus once a year in September to October. They have great command of their paws and can use them more like cats or racoons. They climb with them and hold toys, objects or food in them. This is related to their need to climb since homes were built on stilts in the jungles of Malaysia.
The 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.
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.
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.
This is an isolated, rare breed with very few known genetic health issues. They tend to be very healthy and athletic if well cared for and fed properly. The only issues they are known to have throughout the breed are hip and elbow dysplasia. Both of these issues we know can lead to arthritis and or lameness. Individual dogs may face other challenges such as allergies and obesity, but as a breed they are extremely healthy, much as the dingo and other wild dogs remain healthy.
Don’t overfeed them and watch what they might eat or try to eat when outside. They are used to feeding themselves in the wild and the domesticated dogs retain that prey drive and desire to eat what they catch.