MyDogBreeds
Chorkie is originated from United States but Bergamasco is originated from Italy. Chorkie may grow 53 cm / 20 inches shorter than Bergamasco. Chorkie may weigh 29 kg / 63 pounds lesser than Bergamasco. Chorkie may live 3 years less than Bergamasco. Chorkie may have less litter size than Bergamasco. Chorkie requires Low maintenance. But Bergamasco requires Moderate maintenance
The Chorkie is a very popular little dog but he is not a purebred. The Chorkie was developed by crossing the Yorkshire Terrier with the Chihuahua. Probably the most popular Chorkie ever was the Taco Bell dog in the 1990s. This hybrid is a young breed created in the late 1900’s. These small, toy dogs are great lapdogs. It’s not possible to know the exact heritage of the Chorkies but the initial crossing of the two breeds occurred in the early part of the 20th century.
The Chorkie makes a great indoor pet best suited for the single or elderly person. Not because the Chorkie does not like children but because they are so small they can be easily injured by children. They are continuing to grow in popularity all the time among those who enjoy the new designer dogs.
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.
As mentioned previously the Chorkie is a mix between the Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) and the Chihuahua. They Tend to look more like the terrier than the Chi with a small head carried high on a well-proportioned body, with the long silky hair of the Yorkie. Their head carried the shape of the Chihuahua. Like the Chihuahua, they have mostly pointed ears although some Chorkies have droopy ears. The Chorkie coat is silky, long, and can be in a variety of colors. The ears are either fringed like the Yorkie or smooth like the Chihuahua.
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.
Remember that the Chorkie is a cross breed and not a purebred. Its temperament is that of a mixed breed dog which is usually laid back and mellow. The Chorkie might bark a lot as both the Yorkshire and the Chihuahua are known to bark. It can carry the traits of either or both of its parents.
The Chorkie is a great lap dog though he can be stubborn and wear their owner out with all their energy. They are playful and willful and need strong leadership despite their small size. They will bark at anything they find to be suspicious. Despite their size they are highly intelligent and very loyal, affectionate dogs. They love their people and will not like it if you leave them alone very often. They are quite brave to the point of being reckless and can be aggressive toward dogs a lot bigger than they are. Due to their courage and their barking they are great family dogs.
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.
Chorkies can have any of the health issues of any toy dog but they are known to be prone to allergies and skin issues. They are susceptible to injury from children or rough play including possible tracheal collapse.
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
These small dogs have a lot of energy and need to eat a food that is high in quality calories. No empty calories for these guys. Feed them at least twice a day and no more than a fourth of a cup of dry food for the entire day. They can become overweight easily so do not overfeed.
Additional health issues might include knee cap dislocation leading to arthritis or lameness and a tendency to develop low blood sugar.
Again, these are high energy little dogs. They need to be exercised or at least have brisk play inside the house. They excel at competitive games such as barn hunt, agility and obedience.
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.