Bergamasco vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Bergamasco vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed ComparisonAustralian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is originated from Australia but Bergamasco is originated from Italy. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog may grow 11 cm / 4 inches shorter than Bergamasco. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Bergamasco. Both Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and Bergamasco has same life span. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog may have less litter size than Bergamasco. Both Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog and Bergamasco requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
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Australia
Italy
Height Male:
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
Weight Female:
43 - 50 kg
94 - 111 pounds
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Stumpy, Stumpy Tail
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Colors Available:
speckled red- or speckled blue.
Grey, sometimes black
Coat:
short to medium length, dense and straight
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
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:
Yes
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

australian stumpy tail cattle dogThere is quite a bit of mystery surrounding the origin of the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. The breed was developed as a working dog to herd sheep and cattle, but there are quite a few theories about the development of the breed. It is agreed however, that the dog was developed in Australia and came about from crossing the Australian Dingo and British herding dogs.

Perhaps the most popular theory for the origin of the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is that the breed was developed by a man named Timmins, sheep drover and a cattle operating in New South Wales during the colonial period. Whatever the dog’s origins, it was in 1996 that the United Kennel Club, the 2nd largest dog registry in the world and the United States, granted full recognition to the Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog as a member of the Herding Group. The breed’s name was changed to the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog in 2002. Today he remains almost exclusively a tail-less working dog.

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

Naturally Tail-less

australian stumpy tail cattle dog puppy - descriptionAn interesting fact about the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is that he is naturally tail-less so no tail docking has been required for this naturally bobtailed dog. He is medium-sized to large-sized with his most distinctive feature being the lack of a tail. The coat of the dog is short to medium length, dense and straight. Another interesting aspect is that the coat color is a speckled blue or speckled red.

A Well Proportioned Dog

Height of the dog is 46–51 centimetres at the withers the dog is normally squarely proportioned with long legs and pricked ears. The dog has no exaggerated features and what you see is what you get – a plain, hard-working dog which is fit and muscular. He is equally long from chest to rump as he is from the ground to the shoulder.

The muzzle of the dog is of average length, but fairly broad and the nose is always black. The dog is intelligent, alert and also mischievous and he makes a good pet. With proper socialization, he’ll get on well with children they know and who treat them with kindness. He is alert and makes a very good watchdog, being fairly territorial.

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

australian stumpy tail cattle dog dog - characteristicsThe Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is a hardy dog, capable of hardships that would take its toll on other dog breeds. He is a wonderful athlete and if you’ve got him working with your livestock, he’ll tirelessly perform his duties – small wonder he is so valued in the Australian cattle industry.

Your Partner in Adventure

If you’re looking for a robust breed who will have all the energy needed to accompany you on all your adventures, he won’t disappoint. He is amazingly capable and always willing.

Caution with Small Children and other Pets

He’s a family dog and will be loving, devoted and loyal. Care should be taken with him around small children and other pets as he’s not to comfortable around them and he doesn’t tolerate strangers too well either. Train him and socialize him and you’ll have an amazing friend for life.

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

australian stumpy tail cattle dog puppies - health problemsThe Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is regarded as being an extremely healthy breed, and the average life expectancy of this breed is at least 14 to 15 years and older.

They don’t suffer with many genetically inherited conditions, but they are susceptible to

  1. hip dysplasia
  2. progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
  3. cataracts

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

australian stumpy tail cattle dog dogs - caringThe beauty about the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is that he is low to moderate maintenance. He will require a good weekly brushing as he can shed quite a bit when the season’s change and his new coat comes in. He is hypoallergenic.

Feeding

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog puppies will need 4 bowls of food over a 24 hour period Puppies from 6 months on can have 2 bowls a day. Speak to your vet about the best foods for your dog and ensure fresh, cool water is constantly available to your pet.

Don’t just feed your dog pellets continuously – mix in some raw meat and some cooked chicken and rice for variety and to ensure a shiny, glossy coat.

Plenty of Exercise

The Stumpy is a hugely energetic dog and he will become bored and frustrated if he doesn’t get plenty of exercise and games. Ball throwing, swimming, long walks and a run in the park will be important for the Stumpy that doesn’t live on a farm. Leaving him alone without exercise will lead to anti-social behaviour such as continuous barking, digging and chewing.

Vet Checks

Take your Stumpy to the vet if you suspect health problems. Certainly, when you buy a puppy, make sure that he has all his vaccinations. There are certain health problems that are more common in the Australian Cattle dog and you want to do whatever it takes to ensure your dog steers clear of 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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  28. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison