Deutsch Drahthaar vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison

Deutsch Drahthaar vs Bergamasco - Breed ComparisonBergamasco is originated from Italy but Deutsch Drahthaar is originated from Germany. Bergamasco may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Deutsch Drahthaar. Bergamasco may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than Deutsch Drahthaar. Both Bergamasco and Deutsch Drahthaar has almost same life span. Bergamasco may have more litter size than Deutsch Drahthaar. Both Bergamasco and Deutsch Drahthaar requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
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Italy
Germany
Height Male:
58 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
61 - 68 cm
24 - 27 inches
Height Female:
54 - 58 cm
21 - 23 inches
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
32 - 38 kg
70 - 84 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 38 kg
57 - 84 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da pastore Bergamasco
Vorstehhund, German Wirehaired Pointer, Deutscher Drahthaariger
Colors Available:
Grey, sometimes black
grey, black - ticked or speckled, Liver and white
Coat:
Coarse, long shaggy dreadlocks
Medium length and wiry
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, 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
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

deutsch drahthaarHailing from Germany in the 20th century, the Deutsch Drahthaar, also known as the German wirehaired Pointer, has always been a hunting dog. He was developed to take part in hunting in field or water.

Breeders of this dog were successful in developing a skilled and versatile hunting dog that took its traits from the best coarse haired dogs.

It was in 1902 that the German breed club for the Deutsch-Drahthaar was founded.

Description

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.

deutsch drahthaar puppy - descriptionThe Deutsch-Drahthaar is a medium sized well muscled sporting dog standing at 61 to 68 cm and weighing 27-32kg.

He is very distinguishable with his wiry water-resistant coat which comes in different colors such as liver, grey or black patches with a speckled or ticked background.

He has strong, straight legs with rounded paws which are webbed for strong swimming abilities. He has dark eyes with floppy, high set ears and a long tail. Many people still want the dog to have that distinctive look and they opt to have the tail docked.

Temperament:

The Deutsch-Drahthaar is a fantastic hunting companion, loving nothing more than to be working at running across fields and plunging into water to retrieve prey.

Its the kind of dog that will fit well into family life but he will require exercise. Failing to give him exercise and attention will make him bored, frustrated and destructive.

He is a friendly, gentle dog yet he becomes protective when he feels his family is threatened. Training and socialization turn him into an excellent pet as he is a strong-willed dog that will take advantage of an owner who isn’t firm with him.

Characteristics

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.

deutsch drahthaar dog - characteristicsThe German Wirehaired Pointer is an active, energetic dog who is happiest when performing a task or getting some exercise in. He is also a social dog, who loves spending time with his human family. It is important for him to get noticed by his human family, and he is a dog that gets on well with children in the home as well as pets.

Never just put your Pointer in the back yard and expect him to entertain himself. He wants to be included in all your activities, whether you’re walking, jogging or cycling.

A happy Deutsch Drahthaar will make sure that he gives you your full quota of love, loyalty, protection and companionship.

Health Problems

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

deutsch drahthaar puppies - health problemsWhen you start doing research on these German wirehairs, you see that they are far more prone to hip- and elbow dysplasia than the short-haired breed.

Also, von Willebrand’s blood-clotting disease is something that you should know about. Your German wirehair is a healthy, robust dog and is highly unlikely to get sick, but you need to be aware of these common dog ailments so that you can help him and know what to watch for.

This Von Willebrand’s disease for instance is a blood disease brought about by a deficiency of von Willebrand Factor (vWF). A lack of this vWF impairs platelet stickiness and clumping and can lead to excessive bleeding after an injury.

You may notice bleeding from the gums, bruising of skin, prolonged bleeding after an injury as well as blood in the urine for instance. Get your pet to the vet who will perform a physical exam on your dog.

Caring The Pet

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.

Grooming:

deutsch drahthaar dogs - caringYour Deutsch Drahthaar does shed, and because of his wiry coat, he won’t only require a brush twice a week, but also stripping by a professional doggy parlor.

There are several other grooming processes that are essential for your dog. The first is to check that his nails don’t get too long. This often happens when he spends all his time on soft grass. Running on a hard surface trims them down naturally.

Also, because he has floppy ears, they will need to be checked and cleaned regularly so he doesn’t get an ear infection. His teeth will also need to be brushed twice a week as tartar and plaque build-up can cause problems with the teeth but also with other areas of the body.

If in doubt about how to groom your pet the right way, speak to your vet or a dog expert.

Diet:

There is so much conflicting information on caring for dogs, even from so-called dog experts. While there are some excellent dog food manufacturers around, some experts will say that you should be feeding your dog based on what his digestive system was designed to eat and steer clear of these.

If you do feed your German wirehaired Pointer with manufactured dog food, make sure it is the very best one, because after all, nutrition plays a vital role in your pet’s health.

Try to include some cooked vegetables, brown rice and some chicken into his diet. These can be mixed into his kibble. It is expensive, but try to include some raw meat into your dog’s diet from time to time. Ensure a constant supply of cool, fresh water.

No more Puppies!

If your Deutsch Drahthaar isn’t going to be used for breeding, make sure that your have him or her neutered or spayed as this is advisable to promote good health. Not doing it can cause health issues later on.

Comparison with other breeds

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