Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison

Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bergamasco - Breed ComparisonEstrela Mountain Dog is originated from Portugal but Bergamasco is originated from Italy. Estrela Mountain Dog may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Bergamasco. Estrela Mountain Dog may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Bergamasco. Estrela Mountain Dog may live 3 years less than Bergamasco. Both Estrela Mountain Dog and Bergamasco has almost same litter size. Both Estrela Mountain Dog and Bergamasco requires Moderate maintenance.

History

estrela mountain dog - historyAlso known as the Cao da Serra de Estrela, the large Estrela Mountain Dog from Portugal is an ancient breed, having been used for centuries to guard homesteads and livestock.

The Estrela, as a herding dog, has been developed over a long period of time because shepherds particularly wanted a dog that could survive in the mountains and be strong enough to guard livestock from predators.

The first official recorded breed standard was published in 1933, with an attempt to make the Estrela a distinct breed with a hooked tail and double dew claws.

Today the Estrela is a dog which can be found in other countries beyond Portugal, and in fact in 1973 pairs of the dogs were imported to the United States.

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.

Description

estrela mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe large Estrela Mountain Dog stands between 62 and 72cm and weighs between 30kg and 50kg.

The dog has 2 coat types – short and long but always coarse and thick. The coat is available in a number of colors, from fawn to gray to yellow and brindle and there can be white and black mixed throughout the coat.

The head of the dog is large and long, the neck fairly short and thick, he has dark brown eyes, a bright, intelligent expression with small, floppy ears which are set high on the skull, falling backwards against the side of the head. The tail is long and thick and the dog has a deep chest.

Temperament:

A large, athletic dog, the Estrela Mountain Dog is actually a calm dog, while still being protective towards his human family.

He is an intelligent dog who responds well to training and socialization. He is an independent dog, so this training and socialization is important - will be good for him, turning him into an obedient, relaxed pet who gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

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

estrela mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Estrela Mountain Dog loves his human family and takes guarding them and protecting them seriously. He is a strong willed, independent dog that will require training and socialization. He makes an excellent pet, and is calm and gentle with children.

The Estrela Mountain Dog has so much going for him – he is beautiful to look at, he is loyal and protective with his human family, he is intelligent, loving and a healthy type of breed, and he is just waiting to become a member of your 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

estrela mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe Estrela Mountain Dog can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age, but as with any large dog, he will have a tendency to suffer from hip- and elbow dysplasia.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is another common heart failure disease found particularly in large-breed dogs. The Estrela is prone to this disease and you’ll notice he has shortness of breath, abdominal swelling and coughing. The disease may not be curable, but there are certainly treatments for it.

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:

estrela mountain dog dogs - caringThe Estrela Mountain Dog is a large dog and thankfully, when it comes to feeding him, experts in dog feeding have come up with commercially manufactured dog feeds that particularly cater for a dog’s age, his size and any illnesses he may have.

As a large dog, your Estrela Mountain Dog can suffer with joint problems such as hip dysplasia. For hip dysplasia you want to be looking at a dog food for large dogs which contains joint-health ingredients. An ingredient in the dog food such as glucosamine can work to reduce the damage brought about by hip dysplasia.

Mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken into his kibble from time to time. You want your pet to live a long, healthy life and raw meat added in occasionally can increase your pets energy levels, reduce the risk of joint disease and ensure a shiny, soft coat. Raw meat can provide iron, zinc, vitamins, minerals and potassium.

Grooming:

The Estrela isn’t a huge shedder, but his beautiful, thick coat will require brushing twice a week. It’s your chance to check him over for fleas and ticks as well, and the entire grooming process – checking his ears, nails and teeth – is an excellent bonding experience for you and your canine friend.

Exercise:

The Estrela may be large, but he is fairly calm. He’ll love to join you on your daily walks or for a ball game in the garden. He can adapt to life in the city or the country, but his big size will mean he isn’t suited to a tiny property.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Portugal
Italy
Height Male:
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
62 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Cao da Serra de Estrela
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Colors Available:
Fawn, gray, yellow, brindle
Grey, sometimes black
Coat:
Short or long - coarse and thick
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, 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:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  4. Blue Healer vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  5. English Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  6. Catahoula Cur vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  7. Catalan Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  9. Bergamasco vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  11. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Bergamasco vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  13. Bergamasco vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Bergamasco vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  16. Bergamasco vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  17. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  18. Bergamasco vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  20. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  21. Queensland Heeler vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  22. German Coolie vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  23. Bohemian Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  24. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  25. Red Heeler vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  26. Old English Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Rough Collie vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Saarlooswolfhond vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Estrela Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  32. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  33. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  34. Estrela Mountain Dog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  36. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. South Russian Ovcharka vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Samoyed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Labradoodle vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Mixed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Great Pyrenees vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Labrador Husky vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Perro de Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Irish Setter vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds