At first glance, you might find the Bergamasco Sheepdog Breed a little weird to have as a pet. It’s because of the unique Bergamasco coat.
These dogs look fluffy and cute as puppies, scruffy as teenagers, and then cool adults with dreadlocks.
Everything about this breed is different, and if you want to know about it all, keep reading.
About The Breed
The Bergamasco Sheepdog breed is the perfect pet for allergy sufferers. However, if you’re allergic to wool or lanolin, this dog breed will not be a good choice.
These dogs want things to happen their way; that’s why they get rebellious too. Obedience training can help to control such demanding behaviors.
They are also doubtful of strangers, that’s why socialization becomes necessary for puppies.
It’s easy to identify a Bergamasco Sheepdog in a crowd of dogs because of its flocked and matted coat.
As puppies, they have softer coats for 12 months only. After that, you’ll notice “fuzzy sheep” or “goat” hair growing. Later on, you’ll notice the signature matting of the coat.
Their smartness makes them obey positive training techniques. They consider their owners equal to them.
This is generally good as it doesn’t lead to dominant behavior. But they might become stubborn during training if you act like a boss all the time.
Bergamasco Sheepdog Breed History
The origins of the Bergamasco Sheepdog can be traced back to 7,000 years ago in the Middle East.
Some even say that these dogs are the descendants of the briard, the Gallic herder breed.
The Italian fans of this breed argue that to travel from the Middle East to the West, one has to cross Italy.
The breed was named after the Bergamo, an Italian city in the Alps. These dogs’ flocked coats helped them to survive in such places’ harsh weather.
After World War II, their numbers started to decrease in Italy, but thanks to breed enthusiasts, this breed was saved from going extinct.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) accepted this breed in 1956.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog used to guard and herd livestock in the Alps while surviving the harsh weather conditions.
They had long upper eyelashes that kept the hair out of their eyes and avoided snow blindness.
Thanks to their flocked coat, they were at low risk of getting an injury. At that time, they understood their owner’s job and became independent in solving their problems.
Bergamasco Sheepdog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Bergamasco Sheepdog |
| Other Name | Bergamasco, Bergamaschi |
| Dog Breed Type | Herding dogs |
| Origin | Italy |
| Parent Breeds | None |
| Height | 20-24 inches |
| Weight | 55-85 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years |
| Coat Type | Flocked coat |
| Common Colors | Silver, Merle, Black, Fawn |
| Grooming Needs | Low maintenance |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Temperament | Determined, Vigilant, Patient, Intelligent |
| Apartment Living | Not suitable for apartment living |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Bloating, Hip dysplasia |
| Overall Health | Healthy |
| Intelligence Level | Low to medium |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Energy Level | Medium to high |
| Activity | Active |
| Litter Size | 6-10 puppies |
What To Know
• Their friendly temperament makes them great family pets and loyal companions.
• Regular grooming is essential to maintain their distinctive coat.
• These dogs require socialization and obedience training from a young age.
• Bergamascos excel at herding and guarding duties, making them versatile working dogs.
Characteristics
Adaptability
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is celebrated for its adaptability. These Italian herding dogs are versatile and can thrive in various environments.
Whether it’s a bustling city or a quiet countryside, they adjust well to their surroundings.
They’re also great with families and other pets due to their friendly nature. Their unique corded coat not only offers protection against harsh weather but also showcases their ability to adapt to different climates.
Bergamascos make excellent companions for those seeking an adaptable and loyal canine friend.
Adaptability
Adaptive to Apartment Living
Suitable for New Owners
Sensitivity Scale
Comfortable Being Alone
Comfortable with Cold Weather
Comfortable with Hot Weather
Friendliness
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are known for their remarkable friendliness. These Italian herding dogs are not only dedicated workers but also affectionate companions.
They thrive on human interaction and are naturally inclined to bond with their families. Their friendly nature extends to other pets, making them excellent in multi-pet households.
Their gentle and patient disposition is especially suited to families with children.
This friendliness, combined with their unique corded coat, makes Bergamascos an appealing choice for those seeking a loving and distinctive canine companion.
All About Friendliness
Lovable with Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog-Friendly
Frank with strangers
Personality
The Bergamasco Sheepdog has a medium to large size depending on several factors. Male dogs can grow tall between 23 to 24 inches.
In contrast, female dogs can grow between 21 to 23 inches tall.
The reason that the Bergamasco Sheepdog is many people’s favorite breed is not only their flocked and matted coat but also their patient and calm personality.
They are often said to have an intuitive nature. As livestock herders in the Alps, these dogs noticed how their humans worked and acted independently to make them precious companions.
Today, these dogs are living a more domesticated lifestyle. Their herding instincts, plus their intelligence, make them perfect family pets, especially with children.
Their calming personality makes them great therapy dogs for both adults and kids.
Having a herding dog history, the Bergamasco Sheepdog needs plenty of space to play around.
However, they are not packed with high energy levels, unlike other herding breeds. They can live in an apartment as long as they are getting proper exercise.
They love to please their humans but still act rebellious sometimes and like getting things done their way. They have outgoing personalities, but they get skeptical around strangers.
Temperament
Friendly with Children
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are naturally friendly with children. Their gentle and protective nature makes them excellent family pets.
They’re patient and tolerant, even with the little ones. Their unique corded coat also makes them a hit with kids who love to touch and play with their fluffy fur.
Just remember to supervise interactions to ensure a harmonious relationship between these loving dogs and your children.
Amicable to Other Pets
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a friendly breed, known for its harmonious interactions with other pets.
These gentle giants are excellent companions for other animals, often displaying a calm and patient nature.
They have a natural herding instinct, which can make them protective and nurturing towards smaller pets in the household.
With proper socialization and guidance, Bergamascos typically get along well with other furry friends, fostering a peaceful and cohesive pet environment.
Barking Tendencies
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are known for their low barking tendencies. Their calm and composed nature means they typically bark less than other breeds.
While they can alert you to potential intruders or unusual activities, they are not constant barkers.
However, like all dogs, early socialization and training can help ensure their barking remains under control and purposeful, making them wonderful companions for those who prefer a quieter breed.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
Staying alone with a Bergamasco Sheepdog can be a rewarding experience. These gentle, protective dogs make great companions for those who enjoy solitude.
Their unique corded coat requires minimal grooming, and their independent nature means they’re comfortable when left alone.
They provide both security and comfort, and their watchful eyes offer a sense of safety. Staying alone with a Bergamasco Sheepdog is a peaceful and enriching possibility.
Pros And Cons Of The Bergamasco Sheepdog Breed
Pros
- Loyal and devoted companion.
- Natural herding and guarding instincts.
- Unique, low-maintenance coat.
- Good with children and families.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
Cons
- Requires regular grooming and care.
- Strong-willed and independent nature.
- Potential for excessive barking.
- May be reserved with strangers.
- Needs ample exercise and mental stimulation.
Male Vs. Female Attitude
The main difference between a male and a female Bergamasco Sheepdog is their height and weight. The attitude of a dog can be unique even if they are from the same gender.
Appearance
General Appearance
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a distinctive and rustic-looking breed with a strong, medium-sized frame.
Their most remarkable feature is their shaggy coat, which forms thick, felt-like mats called “flocks.”
These flocks cover the dog’s body, protecting them from harsh weather and predators. The breed has expressive eyes and a kind, intelligent expression.
Their tail is long and slightly curved, and they move with an effortless and fluid gait, reflecting their agility and strength.
Coat Color
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is popular because of its matted and flocked coat. This unique coat can be found in a mix of several colors like fawn, white, black, gray, cream, merle, and silver.
They have low grooming needs, so there is no need to even brush their coat unless they are signing a show.
Never shave or cut your dog’s coat, as it helps in maintaining their body temperature during extremely hot weather. It also provides insulation during extreme cold climates.
Shedding
The flocked coat of a Bergamasco Sheepdog might make you wonder how much they shed during a year.
Well, to your surprise, these dogs don’t shed during the year. You don’t even have to brush the coat unless necessary.
Size
The Bergamasco Sheepdog has a medium to large size depending on several factors. Male dogs can grow tall between 23 to 24 inches.
At the same time, female dogs can grow between 21 to 23 inches tall.
Health
Studies show the Bergamasco Sheepdog is an overall healthy breed. They are considered a strong breed despite the fact they aren’t overbred. You need to be aware of some health issues associated with them.
- Bloating (rare)
- Hip dysplasia
Health And Grooming Requirements
Shedding Quantity
Drooling Capability
Effortless to Groom
Overall Health
Capable of Gaining Weight
Size
Maintenance And Care
Looking at their vast coat, you might think the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a high-maintenance breed, but it’s quite the opposite in reality.
The first step towards taking care of your dog should be taking them on regular vet visits. This will help to identify any health issue in advance and control it.
Keep checking their ears, as you can notice they have long hair outside their ears. This can prevent air circulation or cause infections.
Clean them using an ear solution made for dogs, and your dog will be fine. Ask your vet when to brush your dog’s teeth.
They are intelligent as well as stubborn while training; get some professional help for training your dog.
Grooming
Grooming a Bergamasco Sheepdog may seem challenging due to their corded coat, but it’s a labor of love.
This unique breed’s coat naturally forms cords, which require minimal brushing but regular separation to prevent matting.
Bathing is infrequent, and air drying is best. Their distinctive look requires patience and commitment, making Bergamascos a high-maintenance yet rewarding choice for dedicated pet owners who appreciate their unique, shaggy charm.
Food And Nutrition
To make the best diet plan for your dog, always take your vet’s advice. As each dog has unique dietary needs, your vet can help in identifying them and deciding the diet according to them.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog’s diet will also depend on its age, size, health, and environment. A high-quality canine diet should be given that will nutritionally balance your dog.
The amount and type of food should be discussed with your vet first. As this breed is prone to bloating, although it’s rare, you should not feed anything of your choice to your dog. Even treats should be permitted by your vet.
Exercise And Activity Level
Don’t get scared by the size of a Bergamasco Sheepdog, as they have low to medium energy levels.
Half an hour to hour-long exercise is enough for them to be healthy. You don’t even have to plan an exercise session for them; just a long walk would be great.
Physical Requirements
Energy range
Intensity
Exercise Requirements
Capable for Playfulness
Trainability
Bergamasco Sheepdogs, known for their intelligence, are trainable and eager to please.
While they have a strong herding instinct, early socialization, and consistent positive reinforcement training are crucial to ensure they are well-behaved companions.
Their independent nature can be a challenge, but with patience and consistent training, they can learn various commands and excel in obedience tasks.
Engaging in mental stimulation and activities will keep them mentally sharp and satisfied.
Trainability
Effortless to Train
Smartness
Capable for Mouthiness
Tendency to Attack Prey
Urge to Howl or Bark
Wanderlust Ability
Children and Other Pets
The Bergamasco Sheepdog breed is the perfect pet for families with children. Their herding instincts tell them to keep children safe.
They are known to be kid-friendly dogs; you still have to supervise their play sessions with your kids.
Just like you will train your dog on how to behave with your kids, you need to teach your kids how to behave with your pet as well.
With other pets, the Bergamasco Sheepdog bonds well. They consider other pets as part of their livestock and try to protect them.
To make sure their protective nature doesn’t become controlling, you need to do socialization from puppyhood.
Conclusion
Despite their vast size, the Bergamasco Sheepdog was only used for herding livestock in the Alps.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a remarkable breed with a one-of-a-kind corded coat.
Their friendly disposition and loyalty make them wonderful family pets, while their herding and guarding skills shine in the working world.
Regular grooming and early training are key to nurturing these remarkable companions.
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FAQs On Bergamasco Sheepdog Breed…
Where do the Bergamasco Sheepdog breeds come from?
Bergamasco Sheepdogs originate from the Italian Alps, particularly the Bergamo region. They have been herding sheep in this area for centuries, and their unique coat helps them endure the harsh climate.
What is the best diet routine for a Bergamasco Sheepdog?
The best diet routine for this breed is giving two meals a day with limited treats.
How much exercise is required for a Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Bergamasco Sheepdogs need at least 60-90 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy, including brisk walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to satisfy their active nature.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.