MyDogBreeds
English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) is originated from United Kingdom but Bergamasco is originated from Italy. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) may grow 27 cm / 10 inches shorter than Bergamasco. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) may weigh 34 kg / 74 pounds lesser than Bergamasco. Both English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) and Bergamasco has almost same life span. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) may have less litter size than Bergamasco. Both English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) and Bergamasco requires Moderate maintenance.
They English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) is closely related to the Manchester Terrier and the Old English Black and Tan Terrier. The English Toy Terrier was developed to entertain humans in the rat pit due to its speed and agility. This is a sport that was very popular in English cities during Victorian times. Terriers went into the pits with a large number of rats and the winner would be the dog that killed a certain number of rats the fastest. The watchers would take bets on their favorite dog.
The English Toy Terrier was developed to be smaller than the Manchester Terrier, because smaller dogs were desired for the pit. In 1848 a small 2.5 kg black and tan terrier took less than an hour to kill 300 rats. When the Kennel Club was formed the sport of rat killing was outlawed. Because it was such a good looking dog, the black and tan was soon excelling in the show ring. To begin with there was one breed of Black and Tan Terriers and two weight classes. In 1920, the two were divided into separate breeds – the Manchester Terrier and the Black and Tan Terrier. It wasn’t until 1962 that the name changed to the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan).In 1959, the declining numbers of Manchester Terriers caused the AKC to combine them again into one breed with two kinds: Toy and Standard.
Today the English Toy Terrier is one of the most vulnerable of the native breeds and efforts are in place to increase the gene pool and popularity of the dog. The UKC has also re-registered the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) in the stud book if it is a certified Toy. The breed is not AKC recognized.
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 English Toy Terrier is a small compact breed that resembles the Miniature Pinscher and the Manchester Terrier. The English Toy Terrier has a narrow but long head with a black nose, wedge muzzle and dark, almond shaped eyes. The ears are flame shaped and the chest is deep and narrow. He has thick legs and a tapered tail. The breed is of course black and tan – with the tan on the face, chest and legs.
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.
The English Toy Terrier is a stubborn, strong willed little dog. It has a fearless disposition and its alertness make it a great candidate for a guard dog despite its size. They will chase small animals due to their innate prey drive. They are affectionate and loyal and need to be with people. They love to be cuddled and petted, but usually choose one person that they become very close to. He is more than a lap dog. He can be playful, or he can be a small working dog.
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.
Like many Toy dogs, the English Toy Terrier is susceptible to:
Dislocated kneecap – many small breeds are susceptible to this.
There has been a congenital line of deafness in the English Toy Terrier since it was developed with a cross from the English White Terrier. Unfortunately, some still breed these deaf dogs and continue to pass on the condition.
More painful than in the human eye, pressure builds up behind the eye ball. Dogs build up more pressure than humans and this can lead to blindness.
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
As a high energy small dog feed a high quality dry food that is designed specifically for small dogs. Feed about ¼ of a cup of food split into 2 meals.
In addition to the health issues mentioned above:
This is an inherited blood disease in which a lack of protein has a negative effect of the platelets. This causes them not to form clots and so the dog has a bleeding issue.
Degeneration of the femur ball joint due to a blood deficiency issue. This can lead to arthritis.
Affects the lens by blocking the drainage from the eye creating a glaucoma like pressure.
The English Toy Terrier can develop skin issues so watch him closely.
The English Toy Terrier can be very energetic but that doesn’t actually mean she needs a ton of exercise. Because she is small she does not need as much as you might think. A half hour walk once a day is enough or just letting her run in your fenced yard.
He is an intelligent little dog who needs mental stimulation as much if not more than the solution. Play games like catch, hide and seek, frisbee, and performing tricks.
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.