[2024] Bergamosco Sheepdog Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

Bergamasco Sheepdog Overview

The low-maintenance and robustly healthy Bergamasco is much more than a show-stopping haircut, since it gets along well with children and other animals.

Bergamascos are gentle but protective, eager to please, smart, and tenaciously committed to their profession. A huge, strong shepherd dog of old pedigree lies behind the one-of-a-kind coat.

The Bergamasco Sheepdog has three different textures of hair that form naturally occurring loose mats, or ‘flocks,’ covering the body and legs (strands of hair knotted together, creating flat layers of felted hair).

The flocks safeguard the breed’s ancestral territory, the Italian Alps, from the harsh weather and wild predators. Bergamascos are intelligent, loyal, loving, and trainable’with a dash of mountain dog independence thrown in for good measure.

They develop a peaceful vigilance over their loved ones. Bergamascos are wary of strangers unless they are properly introduced, and they are only violent as a last resort.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Highlights

The fur of the Bergamasco Sheepdog can be black, silver, fawn, merle, cream, white, or gray, and is frequently a mix of colors. Its distinctive matting is well-known.

The Bergamasco coat is extremely low-maintenance. Except for those who are allergic to lanolin or wool, the breed is also considered a good alternative for allergy patients.

Bergamaschi does not require a lot of activity. They should get at least one decent half-hour to hour-long walk every day, with some energetic play and shorter walks thrown in for good measure.

In general, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is excellent with youngsters. Playtime should always be supervised.

Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along well with other dogs because they are smaller or submissive. They are also capable of tolerating cats.

Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a rebellious spirit and prefer to do things their own way. Unwanted behaviors can be reduced through consistent and firm teaching.

These dogs are naturally wary of unfamiliar people. If you wish to prevent this behavior, socialize your dog from a young age.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Breed Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL: 4 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS: 4 Star
PLAYFULNESS: 5 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS: 5 Star
WATCHFULNESS: 5 Star
EASE OF TRAINING: 5 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS: 5 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY: 5 Star
VOCALITY 5 Star

Bergamasco Sheepdog Characteristics:

Dog Breed Group: Herding Dogs
Height: 20 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 85 pounds
Life Span: 3 to 5 years
Type: Purebred
AREA OF ORIGIN: Italy
DATE OF ORIGIN:
OTHER NAMES:
Temperament: Determined, Quiet, Patient, Vigilant
Activities: Conformation, Herding, Guarding, and Agility
Color: Solid gray or gradations of gray up to black
Litter Size: 6 to 10 puppies
Puppy Prices: On average, $1000 – $2000 USD

Bergamasco Sheepdog Health:

Bergamascos are a relatively healthy breed. There may be certain health difficulties, like with any breed.

Some Bergamascos may suffer certain health issues in their lives, but the vast majority of Bergamascos are healthy dogs.

The National Breed Club recommends the following health tests:

Hip Evaluation
Elbow Evaluation

Bergamasco Sheepdog Grooming:

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is known for its matted, flocked coat, which may appear difficult to maintain. You don’t even need to brush your Bergamasco Sheepdog’s coat unless you wish to show it.

For the first year, Bergamasco Sheepdog puppies have a softer coat, and then the coarse “goat” and fuzzy “sheep” hair begin to grow in. The fur might be black, silver, fawn, merle, cream, white, or gray, and it is frequently a combination of colors.

The fur then begins its distinctive matting. The Bergamasco’s coat is extremely low care, requiring just a few baths per year. Except for those who are allergic to lanolin or wool, the breed is also considered a good alternative for allergy patients.

The Bergamasco Sheepdog’s coat protects them from extreme cold and helps regulate body temperature in extreme heat. Fans of the breed advise against cutting or shaving the coat.

Despite the fact that their coat helps to keep them safe, do not leave your Bergamasco Sheepdog in extreme weather conditions, whether hot or cold.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Exercise:

Every day, the Bergamasco Sheepdog requires only modest activity. Because dogs build strong bonds with their owners, this exercise should take the shape of a shared and different activities rather than the dog being left alone in the backyard.

While Bergamascos are normally peaceful, they have a lot of energy and are willing to accompany their owners in nearly any activity, whether it’s retrieving a ball, going on a fast walk or hike, or romping in an open field.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Training:

Early socialization and puppy training sessions are advised for all breeds. Gently introducing the puppy to a wide range of people, places, and situations will assist him in maturing into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult.

The Bergamasco is a gregarious, intelligent breed with a strong desire to please his master. The breed, on the other hand, thinks independently and frequently regards itself as an equal partner rather than a submissive to the members of his household.

A Bergamasco who can be persuaded to understand what is expected of him and why he should do it will gladly cooperate, albeit in his own unique style.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Food and Nutrition:

The Bergamasco Sheepdog should fare well on high-quality commercial or home-prepared dog food (under veterinary supervision).

Although every dog is susceptible to weight gain and obesity if not fed a suitable diet or given adequate activity, the Bergamasco is a breed that does not generally overeat.

These dogs may appear enormous, yet behind all of their fur, they are surprisingly slim and muscular.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Temperament and Personality:

Many people appreciate the Bergamasco Sheepdog, not just for their trademark matted coats, but also for their quiet, patient, and often intuitive personalities. Bergamaschi were valuable companions in the Alps since they obeyed their people but yet knew when to act independently.

Bergamasco Sheepdogs now lead more civilized lives, and their intelligence, along with their herding instincts, make them excellent friends for children. The personality of the Bergamasco Sheepdog makes it a great therapy dog for both children and adults.

The Bergamasco Sheepdog flourishes as a herding dog in a setting with plenty of space to run around, such as a home with a yard. They don’t have as much energy as other herding dogs, so they’ll do just well in an apartment with enough exercise and stimulation.

Even though the Bergamasco Sheepdog is anxious to please its owner, they have a bit of a rebellious bent and prefer to do things their own way. Unwanted behaviors can be reduced through consistent and firm teaching.

Despite their extroverted personalities, Bergamaschi can be wary of new people or strangers. They aren’t aggressive, but it’s important to socialize your Bergamasco Sheepdog early on to avoid undesired guarding or territorial instincts.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Care/Upkeep:

The Bergamasco is an incredibly friendly and social dog breed that makes an excellent family companion capable of building strong individual ties with each family member, including children and other pets (when socialized properly).

The Bergamasco Sheepdog requires moderate daily activity. Because of their tight relationships with their families, they will prefer group activities, such as playing ball, frisbee, or other activities in the backyard, to being permitted to roam freely on their own.

Though they are normally calm dogs, the Bergamasco has a lot of energy and enjoys vigorous walks, treks, and other outdoor activities.

Exposing them to socialization and training is essential for all breeds. Bergamascos are highly clever dogs with a great desire to please their people.

However, they tend to be somewhat independent “mountain dogs” and will frequently view themselves as an equal family member—so constant training that helps these dogs comprehend the intended behavior and why they should comply is likely to be the most beneficial training technique.

While most dog breeds have exceptional hearing, the Bergamasco Sheepdog stands out. These canines have acute hearing and an almost psychic awareness of what is going on around them.

Not surprisingly, they make good watchdogs, but they can also be relied on to warn their owners of other approaching threats, such as if another dog in the area is preparing to attack. They are only aggressive when it is absolutely required.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Relationship with Children and Other Pets

In general, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is excellent with youngsters. Bergmaschi are practically drawn to children, eager to circle around and keep them safe due to their herding nature.

Despite the fact that the breed is extremely kid-friendly, it is critical to teach both children and your Bergamasco Sheepdog how to play correctly with one other. Playtime should always be supervised.

Bergamasco Sheepdogs get along well with other canines since they are smaller or more obedient. They can also tolerate cats, though it is preferable if you introduce the cat to your Bergamasco Sheepdog while they are young and can become accustomed to them.

Ultimately, how well your Bergamasco gets along with children and other pets comes down to constant training, correct socialization, and the luck of the draw.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Names

Rank	Boy Names	Girl Names
01	Charlie	Bella
02	Louie	Lola
03	Ollie	Molly
04	Finn	Chloe
05	Rocco	Luna
06	Brody	Coco
07	Bo	Lexi
08	Sam	Abbie
09	Hank	Stella
10	Loki	Nala

All About Bergamasco Sheepdog

It is generally friendly with children and other animals. Bergamascos are patient but protective. They are eager to please, intelligent, and tenaciously committed to their profession.

A huge, strong shepherd dog with a historic ancestry lies behind the one-of-a-kind coat. But, because the coat is the breed’s distinguishing feature, let’s take a closer look.

The Bergamasco Sheepdog has three different textures of hair that form naturally occurring loose mats or flocks’ (strands of hair knotted together, creating flat layers of felted hair) that cover the body and legs.

The flocks protect the animals from the harsh weather and wild predators of the Italian Alps, the breed’s native home. Bergamascos are intelligent, loyal, loving, and trainable with a mountain-dog independence.

They adopt a calm vigilance over their loved ones. Bergamascos are wary of strangers unless properly introduced, and they are only violent as a last resort.

Bergamasco Sheepdog History:

According to enthusiasts, Bergamasco Sheepdogs, or Bergamaschi, have been traced back to the Middle East up to 7,000 years ago. Some believed the dog was descended from the Briard, a Gallic herder breed.

However, Italian admirers of the species point out that it would have to pass via Italy first if the breed migrated west from the Middle East.

The dog breed Bergamasco was named after the Italian city of Bergamo, which is located in the Alps, and where its flocked coat helped keep these dogs safe from the harsh conditions of the mountains.

After WWII, the breed began to decline in Italy, although breed aficionados sought to maintain the historic breed stable. The breed was accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1956. (FCI).

The AKC formally recognized the Bergamasco Sheepdog in the Herding division in 2015. Fans of the Bergamascho Sheepdog continue to lobby for the breed’s recognition in various kennel associations across the world.

Where to Adopt Bergamasco Sheepdog:

Check your local animal shelters and rescue organizations for Bergamascos in need of a home and family.

National rescue organizations, including the Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America, might be a great resource for finding your new best buddy.

More Dog Breeds and Further Research:

When selecting a dog breed, make sure to conduct your research. Speak with other Bergamasco Sheepdog owners, trustworthy breeders, and rescue organizations to learn more about this breed and its care.

There are many dog breeds to opt out from, and with a little research, you can be confident that you’ll select the perfect dog to bring home.

Consider the following related breeds if you want to learn more about other dogs:

Bergamasco Sheepdog Fun Facts:

They are incredibly intelligent.
These dogs have outstanding herding abilities and were designed to defend the sheep when they were out in the fields.
Everyone was taken aback when the Bergamasco breed of dogs herded the sheep without any direction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Are Bergamasco dogs beneficial for families?

The Bergamasco is still employed for herding and competes in dog shows because of their exceptional intelligence. On top of that, the Bergamasco is an excellent companion and family dog, ideal for those people with allergies or who do not want to cope with excessive shedding.

Is it true that Bergamasco sheepdogs stink?

Is the coat odorous? No, the Bergamasco coat does not have a distinct odor. However, once the Bergamasco is fully grown, a urine odor from the male or female canines urinates on the long mats. Spot bathing is recommended on an as-needed basis.

Should I purchase a Bergamasco?

The Bergamasco is a suitable breed for someone who values self-sufficiency and problem-solving abilities. Bergamascos respond favorably to regular positive reinforcement. This intelligent breed requires only a light touch. Bergamasco has a keen sense of people and circumstances.