Bergamasco vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Bergamasco vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonAmerican Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States but Bergamasco is originated from Italy. American Cocker Spaniel may grow 22 cm / 8 inches shorter than Bergamasco. American Cocker Spaniel may weigh 24 kg / 52 pounds lesser than Bergamasco. Both American Cocker Spaniel and Bergamasco has same life span. American Cocker Spaniel may have less litter size than Bergamasco. Both American Cocker Spaniel and Bergamasco requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Herding dogs
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United States
Italy
Height Male:
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Colors Available:
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
Grey, sometimes black
Coat:
Long, fine, shiney
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american cocker spanielDescended from the English Cocker Spaniel when the latter were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. American hunters wanted a smaller dog for bird hunting, so they crossed them with smaller spaniel breeds. The English and the American Cockers were considered the same breed until 1935 when the American Kennel Club officially separated them into 2 distinct breeds. After this the American Cocker’s popularity increased dramatically. To this day they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Recently their popularity has spread back to England. The American Cocker Spaniel has evolved from a hunting dog life to a very popular family pet.

bergamascoThe 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.

Description

american cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Cocker spaniel is a sturdy dog of medium size. The have a rounded head with a broad and deep muzzle. The jaw is even and square while the teeth have a scissors bite. The American Cocker has round eyes that are almost always dark with the exception of the Merle who can have blue colored eyes. They have long ears and a docked tail in the U.S. Docking is illegal in most of Europe. The American Cocker bred for field hunts have shorter coats than those bred for show. Grooming is essential for this longhaired breed. It is especially important for the eyes and ears to be kept clean.

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

Favored Qualities

american cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, happy dog. They are high energy, high spirited, friendly dogs who like people and other animals alike. They are happy to be with you and want to please you. He can find a home in the country and in the city alike. He is inquisitive and easy to train.

Potential Difficulties

But be warned they can be stubborn and hard to housebreak. They can be shy and need a lot of socialization as a pup. They can take over a household if you are not the strong pack leader they need. They have a tendency to urinate when excited and must live inside with the family. They are far too social to be left outside. An unhappy, unstable cocker can be into resource guarding of things, spaces and people. They can bark obsessively or be hyperactive. They must have a loving home with the family.

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

american cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsPerhaps the least of the American Cocker Spaniel’s health concerns are the tendency to overeat and become obese. The more serious concerns include glaucoma, cataracts, dysplasia, allergies, Cherry eye, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

IMHA

The most serious health issue the breed faces is IMHA or Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia which can be deadly. In fact, it is almost always fatal and comes on quickly. With this condition the dog can bleed out internally and there is little that veterinary medicine can do.

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 puppies and adults

american cocker spaniel dogs - caringThe American Cocker Spaniel breed requires attention to detail and making sure your puppy gets enough and your adult doesn’t get too much. Feed the pups twice a day until they reach the age of 4 months and then cut them back to the adult dose of once a day at supper time. Feed from a cup to a cup and a half.

Health Issues

not previously mentioned include Ectropion and Entropion, Prolapse of the nicititans gland, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Have your puppy tested for eye diseases and any issues with the knee and hip. These are social dogs and will not do well alone outside. They need to live inside.

Exercise and games

The American Cockers love to play and need a lot of exercise. Nice long walks, games of fetch or even agility will keep your Cocker happy. have plenty of stamina and need regular exercise. They also enjoy a good hunt.

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

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  30. American Cocker Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. American Cocker Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. American Cocker Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. American Cocker Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. American Cocker Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. American Cocker Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. American Cocker Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. American Cocker Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. American Cocker Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. American Cocker Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. American Cocker Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. American Cocker Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. American Cocker Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. American Cocker Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. American Cocker Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. American Cocker Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. American Cocker Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. American Cocker Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. American Cocker Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. American Cocker Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. American Cocker Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison