Bergamasco vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison

Bergamasco vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed ComparisonBavarian Mountain Hound is originated from Germany but Bergamasco is originated from Italy. Bavarian Mountain Hound may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Bergamasco. Bavarian Mountain Hound may weigh 13 kg / 28 pounds lesser than Bergamasco. Both Bavarian Mountain Hound and Bergamasco has almost same life span. Both Bavarian Mountain Hound and Bergamasco has same litter size. Both Bavarian Mountain Hound and Bergamasco requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
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Germany
Italy
Height Male:
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 23 kg
39 - 51 pounds
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Bavarian Mountain Scent-Hound
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Colors Available:
Bavarian Mountain Hound is usually multicolored. Some the variations are in fawn, red, brown or black
Grey, sometimes black
Coat:
Short and thick. It can be harsh on some places, but it is generally silky and shiny.
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Curious, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Quiet, 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:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

bavarian mountain houndThe Bavarian Mountain Hound was originally bred mixing the Bavarian Hound and the Hanover Hound. They decided to mix these breeds in a hope that the new breed will have the best of the parents. Actually, it turned out better than they could even imagine, since they created a great family dog, with magnificent stamina, quiet temperament and supersensitive nose that made them great hunters.

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

bavarian mountain hound puppy - descriptionThe Bavarian Mountain Hound is a medium sized breed of a dog. They have larger bones, but there is a very low risk of obesity. This is a very active dog, with a very muscular body. Their bone structure defines in a wide chest, and their back legs set a little bit higher than the front legs. They have strong necks and pear-shaped heads. They have strong jaws, ideal for a hunting dog. They are very specific because of their big brown eyes. The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a perfect pet. First of all, he is not a pack dog. He gets attached to his family and he is not very friendly with strangers. If they are trained well, they will never attack a stranger but they will bark and let you know that something isn’t right.

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

bavarian mountain hound dog - characteristicsSpecial talents: Since the Bavarian Mountain Hound is born with a strong scent, they are great for hunting. They can be trained to be search dogs.

Adaptability

If you live slow and quiet life indoors, maybe the Bavarian Mountain Hound is not the best choice for you. They are a calm breed, they do not bark a lot, but they need daily outdoor activity. They usually get attached to the owner, but in case you raise this dog in a family, they will be attached to adults and the children. They are very good while playing and living with the children, but if you usually have a lot of other children or strangers in a house, he will adapt to that kind of social life very easy.

It is very important that you start an early socialization of your Bavarian Mountain Hound. In situations where you raise this breed without the social life, they will have difficulties when they find themselves in situations with other animals. If you raise this breed with other animals in the same home, they will learn to play with other dogs, cats etc.

Learning ability

Bavarian Mountain Hound is not easy to train because they get easy distracted with smelling something more interesting than listening to your commands. It is not advised to have this breed as your first pet because they need an experienced trainer with a lot of patience and understanding.

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

bavarian mountain hound puppies - health problemsThe Bavarian Mountain Hound is a quiet type of the dog. They don’t ask for a lot of attention and even if they develop some health issues you will have a hard time finding it out. So, the regular vet checks are a necessity. They usually suffer from an ear infection. The vet will usually check for a hip or an elbow dysplasia since those diseases occur with highly active breeds. Some irritations with eyelids are also found in the medical history of this breed but they are generally very rare.

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 tips

bavarian mountain hound dogs - caringThere is a big difference in feeding the Bavarian Mountain Hound since you can raise him to be a pet or a dog for hunting. If you decided to keep this breed as a pet, they will do just fine with one of the dry foods that are good quality. If you want to raise them as a hunting dog, an active dog, then they will need a high-quality dry food and occasionally some raw minced meat.

Diet tips for puppies

High-quality food for puppies with a lot of nutrients that will help in growing the healthy bones and beautiful coat.

Points for Good Health

Since they have a short coat, the Bavarian Mountain Hounds don’t need a regular or any special kind of grooming. They will do just fine with occasional brushing. They don’t shed a lot, but in a season when they do you are free to brush them more regularly. They enjoy the brushings, cuddles, scratching, belly rubs - they are very lovable breed. But, as advised, take them to regular vet check because they can be very quiet even when they feel the pain.

Games and Exercises

The Bavarian Mountain Hound has a gene of a working dog and that is the reason why they need a lot of the activity on a daily basis. No matter if you take him to walk, run or a bike ride, they will love it. They do not like being on the leash since they love to use their nose to play. If you socialise them well, the dog park will be a great thing for them.

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