Ryukyu Inu vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Ryukyu Inu vs Bergamasco - Breed ComparisonRyukyu Inu is originated from Japan but Bergamasco is originated from Italy. Ryukyu Inu may grow 12 cm / 4 inches shorter than Bergamasco. Ryukyu Inu may weigh 13 kg / 28 pounds lesser than Bergamasco. Ryukyu Inu may live 3 years less than Bergamasco. Both Ryukyu Inu and Bergamasco has almost same litter size. Ryukyu Inu requires Low maintenance. But Bergamasco requires Moderate maintenance

History

ryukyu inu - historyThe Ryukyu Inu is a medium-sized dog that comes from Okinawa, Japan.

It’s a dog that is fairly rare having been used to track boar. There isn’t much information on the dog’s history but after its numbers declined after World War II, there was an urge in the 1980s to save the breed.

The dog isn’t recognized by any major Kennel Clubs.

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

ryukyu inu puppy - descriptionJapanese dog breeds end with the word ‘Inu’ or ‘Ken’ . It means ‘dog’.

The medium sized Ryukyu Inu stands at between 46 to 50cm in height and weighs between 15 to 25kg. He has a black nose, dark brown eyes and erect ears. The tail is long and curls over the back.

The dog’s coat is short and you get the single- and double coated varieties. The coat can be brindle, red, white, liver or black. Some of the dogs have tiger-like stripes in the coat. People are amazed at these dogs as they have incredible climbing abilities and are even capable of climbing a tree.

Temperament:

These dogs are quiet, unobtrusive dogs. The Ryukyu Inu looks very much like a wild dog, which gives the impression of being un-trainable and ferocious but they are easily trained and make splendid pets.

Many people who have had them as pets say they would choose this dog over and over again. They are brave too and get on well with children or pets in the home. They don’t look for trouble, and their kind, stable natures make them excellent therapy dogs.

They’re intelligent dogs and will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They will also need to be trained and socialized as they are confident, strong-willed dogs who might not obey you if left to do what they want.

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

ryukyu inu dog - characteristicsThis dog has always been a hunting dog so he will want to have his fair share of good exercise – long walks as well as ball and rope games.

He makes a splendid pet because he has an amicable nature wanting to please. He is quiet, loving and loyal, and with such a dog in your home and heart, you just keep discovering what a wonderful pet this 4-legged friend can be.

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

ryukyu inu puppies - health problemsThese Japanese dogs are thought to be fairly healthy dogs, but like with most other dogs, you would need to be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, caner and hypothyroidism.

The Ryukyu Inu, with its 10 to 12 years lifespan, will be prone to minor ailments, but with good care he is not likely to succumb to any of them.

Cataract:

Cataracts have a number of causes in dogs. This disease of the eye can occur at any age, and can develop over weeks or even years.

Cataracts can occur in just one eye or both eyes and a disease such as diabetes can bring on a cataract.

Good nutrition is important for a dog to build a strong immune system, and nutritional supplementation can certainly help to enhance lens health. Cataract surgery can be performed to remove the 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

ryukyu inu dogs - caringThe coat of the Ryukya Inu requires brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. At the same time check your dog over for new lumps and check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Bad teeth can cause lots of pain and toxins within the body. You can also choose to have the teeth seen to and cleaned by your vet.

Provide him with his own warm, dry place to sleep.

Provide him with top quality food. There are some excellent commercially manufactured foods on the market that make a point of ensuring good ingredients in them. Your Ryukya Inu needs good food to ensure longevity and health.

Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week. Your dog will love it.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date against some deadly canine diseases.

Get him to the vet when he is injured, in pain or sick.

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:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Japan
Italy
Height Male:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Okinawa Native Dog, Ryukyu Dog
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Colors Available:
liver or black - stripes like a Tiger, Brindle, red, white
Grey, sometimes black
Coat:
Shortish - single- and double-coated varieties
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, 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:
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. Sakhalin Husky vs Ryukyu Inu - Breed Comparison
  27. Ryukyu Inu vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  28. Ryukyu Inu vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  29. Ryukyu Inu vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Ryukyu Inu vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  31. Ryukyu Inu vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Ryukyu Inu vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Ryukyu Inu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  34. Ryukyu Inu vs Puli - Breed Comparison
  35. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  36. Ryukyu Inu vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  37. Ryukyu Inu vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Ryukyu Inu vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Ryukyu Inu vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  40. Ryukyu Inu vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  41. Ryukyu Inu vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  42. Ryukyu Inu vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  43. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  44. Ryukyu Inu vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  45. Ryukyu Inu vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  46. Ryukyu Inu vs Pumi - Breed Comparison
  47. Ryukyu Inu vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  48. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  49. Ryukyu Inu vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Ryukyu Inu vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds