French Brittany vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

French Brittany vs Bergamasco - Breed ComparisonFrench Brittany is originated from France but Bergamasco is originated from Italy. French Brittany may grow 42 cm / 16 inches shorter than Bergamasco. French Brittany may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than Bergamasco. Both French Brittany and Bergamasco has almost same life span. Both French Brittany and Bergamasco has almost same litter size. French Brittany requires Low maintenance. But Bergamasco requires Moderate maintenance

History

french brittany - historyBrittanys are the product of France, actually developed in the Brittany Province. They are gun dogs designed to hunt birds. Referred to more often than not as a Spaniel their method of working is much more in line with the setters and pointers. They are believed to be developed somewhere between the 17th and 19th centuries, but not recognized until the 20th century. Orange and white dogs were portrayed on 17th century tapestries, hunting and retrieving. In 1850 the Reverend Davies wrote the first record of Brittanys that was verifiable.

The Brittany was recognized for the first time in 1907 as their own breed even though they participated in the Paris Dog Show in 1900. Once recognized the standards were written as well. It was not until 1931 that the breed was recognized in America and 1934 before the American Kennel Club approved them. Until 1982 they were known as the French Brittany Spaniel. The Spaniel was dropped in ’82. In the United Kingdom the Brittany is known as an HPR (Hunt, Point and Retrieve) breed and they do so with both birds and small game such as hares. The Brittany’s have more dual champions than any other American Kennel Club Sporting Breed in both Confirmation and Field Trials.

There are some differences between the current day French Brittany and the “American Brittany”. They are the same breed but different sub-sets and there are differences that can be noted between the two. The French Brittany is smaller than the newer American version and works closer to the hunter and the guns, while the American Brittany runs ahead of the hunter quite often. Some breeders however don’t consider these differences to be sub-sets and believe that the American breeders should accept the French standards reflecting the origin of the breed.

bergamasco - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
France
Italy
Height Male:
17 - 20 cm
6 - 8 inches
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
15 - 19 cm
5 - 8 inches
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 17 kg
28 - 38 pounds
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany Spaniel
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Colors Available:
liver roan, black and white (not universally accepted), orange roan, Orange and white, black roan, liver and white, tricolor
Grey, sometimes black
Coat:
flowing , medium length
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

french brittany puppy - descriptionThe French Brittany is an energetic, compact, solid, athletic dog. They have average size heads, intelligent expressions, floppy ears, and a long, elastic and free gait. Most Brittanys are born with short tails but if not, they are docked outside the United Kingdom. Docking is illegal in the United Kingdom so those Brittanys might have a long tail.

Their coats are orange roan, orange and white and liver roan. A tricoat of orange, liver and white is allowed within a specific placement of the three colors.

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.

Characteristics

1.Children

french brittany dog - characteristicsVery friendly with children

Special talents

Dual champions in Field Trials and Confirmation. They both point and retrieve.

Adaptability

They are not as adaptable as some hunting breeds. They are very active and need space both indoors and out. They are not recommended for life in apartments in the city. A rural environment is best. They do not adapt well to the damp and cold weather.

Learning ability

They are very intelligent and have very high learning ability.

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.

Health Problems

french brittany puppies - health problemsGenerally, a hardy breed that is mostly healthy, the Brittany in France usually lives on average 12 years 6 months. In the UK the average if 12 years and 11 months and many dogs living to be 14 or 15. Some of the health issues that might pop up for the Brittany include:

  1. Ear Infections
  2. Hip Dysplasia
  3. Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
  4. Epilepsy

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

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

french brittany dogs - caringFeed puppies a high quality puppy food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about one to one and a half cups per day in 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

For the adult French Brittany feed a high quality adult dry food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about two cups per day in 2 meals.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision and scent

Games and Exercises

The French Brittany is an active and enthusiastic bird dog that loves to exercise. They have the stamina and drive that goes with an efficient and successful hunting dog. They need daily exercise, regular walks and excel at field trials and confirmation. They are also good at lure chase, flyball, rally and obedience.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. French Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. French Brittany vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  4. French Brittany vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  5. French Brittany vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  6. French Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  7. French Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  8. French Brittany vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  9. French Brittany vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  10. French Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. French Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  12. French Brittany vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  13. French Brittany vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. French Brittany vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  15. French Brittany vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  16. French Brittany vs Drentse Patrijshond - Breed Comparison
  17. Pudelpointer vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  18. Picardy Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  19. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  20. Irish Water Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  21. Stabyhoun vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  22. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  23. Vizsla vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  24. Large Munsterlander vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  25. Tyrolean Hound vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  27. Collie vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  28. Dutch Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  29. Blue Healer vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  30. English Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  31. Catahoula Cur vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  32. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  33. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  34. Bergamasco vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  36. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Bergamasco vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  38. Bergamasco vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Bergamasco vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  40. Bergamasco vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  41. Bergamasco vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  42. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  43. Bergamasco vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  45. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  46. Queensland Heeler vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  47. German Coolie vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  48. Bohemian Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  49. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  50. Red Heeler vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds