McNab vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

McNab vs Bergamasco - Breed ComparisonMcNab is originated from United States but Bergamasco is originated from Italy. Both McNab and Bergamasco are having almost same height. McNab may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than Bergamasco. Both McNab and Bergamasco has same life span. McNab may have less litter size than Bergamasco. McNab requires Low maintenance. But Bergamasco requires Moderate maintenance

History

mcnab - historyThe attractive McNab dog is also known as the McNab Shepherd or McNab Collie. This very lively dog originated in the Mendocino region of Northern California, being specifically bred to withstand tough weather conditions and rough terrain.

The dog is becoming popular outside of California now. A Scottish rancher with the surname McNab left Scotland and arrived in California in the 19th century. He crossed Scottish Border Collies with Shepherd dogs and the ranchers in California started using these dogs for herding livestock.

Today they are still being used as herding dogs in California and other countries. The dog isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club. It was in 2014 that a group of McNab Shepherd breeders established the McNab Shepherd Registry so as to work towards the advancement of the McNab Shepherd.

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:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United States
Italy
Height Male:
40 - 64 cm
15 - 26 inches
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
40 - 64 cm
15 - 26 inches
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 30 kg
30 - 67 pounds
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 30 kg
30 - 67 pounds
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
6 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
McNab Shepherd, McNab Collie
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Colors Available:
Black or red with white feet, white tipped tails and white markings around the face
Grey, sometimes black
Coat:
Short and dense
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
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:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

mcnab puppy - descriptionThe McNab Dog is a medium-sized working dog. The appearance of this dog varies quite a bit. For instance you may come across a dog with erect ears or floppy ears or a long tail or one that is naturally bobbed.

When it comes to size, you will find that between the males and females they stand at roughly 40 – 64cm and weigh anything from 14 – 30kg.

Most of these McNabs are black or red with white feet, white tipped tails and white markings around the face. The coat is weather resistant and fairly short and dense. You also get tri-colored McNabs. Eyes are usually a brown or copper color though you might find some with bluish eyes as well.

Temperament:

These are such intelligent dogs so with training and socialization you’ll find he is able to learn easily and quickly. He is a self assured dog, so he will respond well to an owner who is firm and fair, patient, kind and consistent.

He is best suited to life in the country as he needs lots of place to run around. If you don’t live on a farm, take the dog for long walks every day as he requires lots of exercise and mental stimulation. He is a loving family member too, getting along well with kids in the home as well as other pets. He is also a good guard- and watch dog, taking his job as protector of his human family very seriously.

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

mcnab dog - characteristicsThe McNab makes a splendid pet and is known to be even-tempered, being friendly and tolerant with his entire human family.

He gets on well with children in the home as well as other pets. He has always been a hard working pet and doubles up as being an excellent guard dog too. Those who have had the McNab as a pet say that you couldn’t get a more excellent family canine friend.

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

mcnab puppies - health problemsThis dog doesn’t really have genetic health issues, but they can suffer with hip dysplasia, a problem that many dogs battle with, whether small or large, young or old.

They can also suffer with epilepsy and an eye disease such as entropion where the lid of the eye is turned inwards. Check its ears and teeth regularly for infections and keep up to date with his vaccinations.

The McNab is a health dog breed so you aren't likely to face any of these common dog health issues.

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

Diet:

mcnab dogs - caringYou can feed your McNab dog commercial dry kibble, but then you want to be sure its the best quality one. Buying inferior foods means that you’re getting a whole lot of ingredients in the food that are bad – sugar, salt, preservatives, fillers, colorants etc. Rather go for the best brands that will ensure that your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs.

Homemade food is also important and foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta as well as cooked or raw vegetables chopped up and added to his dry kibble can make for a delicious, wholesome treat. It will be to his benefit if you can every now and then give him some raw meat as well. Make sure to see that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

McNab Shepherds are very active dogs and they are going to require quite a bit of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. They are dogs who have been used to herding livestock and he loves this busy life. It is why he wouldn’t be happy living in the city but is better suited to farm life or in a home with a large garden. Long walks and hikes will suit him as well as swimming and joining in every game there is.

Grooming:

The McNab is considered to be a low maintenance dog and grooming the short thick coat will be required twice a week. Always check around the eyes and ears as well as inside the mouth for problems and infections.

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. Sakhalin Husky vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  5. McNab vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. McNab vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  7. McNab vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  8. McNab vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  9. McNab vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  10. McNab vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  11. McNab vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  12. McNab vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. McNab vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. McNab vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  15. McNab vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  16. McNab vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  17. McNab vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  18. McNab vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  19. McNab vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  20. McNab vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. McNab vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  22. McNab vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  23. McNab vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. McNab vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  25. McNab vs Kintamani - 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