MyDogBreeds
Himalayan Sheepdog is originated from India but Bergamasco is originated from Italy. Himalayan Sheepdog may grow 9 cm / 4 inches higher than Bergamasco. Himalayan Sheepdog may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Bergamasco. Both Himalayan Sheepdog and Bergamasco has almost same life span. Both Himalayan Sheepdog and Bergamasco has same litter size. Himalayan Sheepdog requires High maintenance. But Bergamasco requires Moderate maintenance
The Himalayan Sheepdog comes from Nepal originally and was bred as a guardian for livestock. The exact location where the breed comes from is not documented well but it is thought that they come from North India and Nepal and they are rare outside of that area. They are a mountain dog – close in ancestry to the Himalayan Mastiff, and the Kinnaur Sheepdog of Tibet (Himalaya). All these Himalayan mountain dogs were all called “Gaddi dogs”. The term was used for all the large dogs no matter what their breeds actually were.
The Himalayan Sheepdog is called by various names depending on where they were from. They are called Gaddi Leopardhund in Himachai Pradesh, In Nepal they are known as Bhote Kukkur or Bhotiya. Then there are Chamba Gaddi dogs. They are an ancient breed that existed before documentation on breeds was kept.
They acted as both guardians and herders. They guarded the mountain men’s encampments as well as the livestock. They were also used at times to hunt large animals. Today they are found only within Nepal and India. These Himalayan Sheepdogs are on the verge of extinction in India. There are no breeding programs and their isolation has caused the dilution of the gene pool. It is not recognized by any clubs including the UKC and the AKC.
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 breed is a large dog, very athletic and strong. The Himalayan Sheepdog is muscular with a deep chest, strong neck and strong shoulders. It has a medium tail that is thick and busy, curled high over its back. It is a daunting dog that can be very intimidating. They have well padded and large paws. With a broad head and wide forehead, they have a strong, wide muzzle. Their ears are high on the head and hang from the sides. They have almond shaped medium eyes that are deep set with a black nose.
They are a very active and swift dogs. By their nature they are constantly in motion, patrolling their territory and guarding their flock and people. Their devotion to their people and their courage is the stuff of legends. Their coat is double with a large ruff around their necks that resembles a mane. The inner coat is dense and short while the outer coat is longer but dense as well.
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.
Yes with enough proper socialization
Protection and loyalty
They are not especially adaptable and need a large yard. They are not good in an apartment.
Intelligent but stubborn and independent making them able to learn if they want to.
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.
This is a pretty healthy breed with very few health issues. They have the usual large dog issues.
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
Feed the puppy 2-3 times a day with a total of two cups of a quality dog food for large breed dogs.
Feed the adult dog twice a day with 3 to 4 cups of a high quality dry dog food for large breed dogs.
They are very strong and athletic.
The Himalayan Sheepdog needs exercise but not to be overworked. They should be taken on long walks at least once a day. They might play fetch or run in a yard, but they don’t like too much exercise.
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.