Skip to content 
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog Breed Introduction
A Bergamasco Shepherd, also known as Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, is a solidly built and well-proportioned Italian breed of sheepdog. The pooch is unique and also has a heart of gold. Bergamasco Shepherds are known for their herding skills, high intelligence, and independent spirits.
Furthermore, these dogs are able to work long hours in challenging terrains. Bergamascos are also committed, affectionate, and loyal to their families. However, the pooch can also be reserved with strangers. They are also known for their calm demeanor and loyalty to their families despite their imposing stature. As a result, they form powerful bonds with their owners. Bergamascos also excel as loving and loyal family pets only as skilled working dogs. This unique breed is probably best known for its felted coats despite all other traits. Furthermore, these dogs continue to be used for herding to this day. Moreover, they compete in dog shows because of their impressive intelligence.
Origin
The origin of this pooch is currently unknown. In 1881, a pooch of this type was exhibited at the first Italian dog show in Milan. A decade later, the first registration of Bergamascos in the Libro Origini Italiano, the Italian national stud book for dogs took place. The Associazione Amatori del Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, which was initially called a breed association was established.
The breed was recognized in 1956 by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana. That same year, it was conclusively consented to by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Annual registrations in Italy averaged 97 per year in the nine years from 2011 to 2019 with a minimum of 48 and a maximum of 149.
Lifespan
These dogs usually have a lifespan of about 13 to 15 years.
Groomed Bergamasco Shepherd
The Bergamasco has a unique coat that needs varying amounts of maintenance depending on the stage of development. The puppy’s coat requires weekly brushing at first, but between the ages of 10 months and 3 years, the adult coat starts to take the place of the soft puppy coat, requiring daily care to encourage the formation of dreadlocks.
Bergamasco Shaved
A shaved coat of a Bergamasco really takes a very long time to re-grow. In addition, the hair will grow back knotted and messy.
Grooming
This breed requires very little grooming after the first year. As the pooch loses his puppy coat and comes into his matted-looking coat, the owner has to rip the coat off the pooch. Furthermore, Bergamascos only need to be bathed 1 to 3 times a year after the first year.
In order to remove dirt and tidy the coat, brushing is necessary using a slicker brush or a pin brush. Moreover, brush the teeth of the dog using a dog flavored toothpaste and toothbrush twice a week. Also, it is recommended to cut the nails of the dogs once every month using nail clippers. Clean Bermascos ears once a week using a cotton ball and ear cleanser solution to remove debris and wax.
Shedding
This pooch does not shed.
Coat
Has a unique coat. This pooch coat comprises tight, flat, and coarse mats. They serve as protection against the Alpine elements. Furthermore, their unique coat forms naturally, white, gray, or black in color.
Colors
The typical colors of these dogs are grey, black, or a silvery combination of the two.
Merle
These dogs are born genetically merle or black. However, as the dogs mature, the color regularly changes to different shades. Furthermore, the majority of pooches are born black, and the black patches of the merle dogs will lighten into shades of gray to charcoal from light. A few of the dogs will remain black.
Short Hair
The hair of the puppies of this breed is usually short and soft. Furthermore, Bergamascos’ coats do not show felting tendencies.
Bergamasco Shepherd Hypoallergenic
The Bergamasco dogs are considered hypoallergenic since their coat does not shed. However, the dog will also produce dander which contains a protein allergen that causes inflammation in some people. Therefore, it is necessary for potential Bergamasco owners to spend time with the pet before adopting to ensure it triggers zero allergies.
Training
These dogs only need a moderate amount of exercise daily. It is important for Bergamascos to begin training early as they are highly intelligent. However, these dogs can be independent. Avoid using harsh words when training them as they will end up becoming aggressive, anxious, and scared. Bergamascos possess deep desires to please their master.
Owners are also advised to teach their dogs some tricks due to their smartness. Another recommendation is early socialization and puppy training classes. Gentle exposure of the dogs to a wide variety of situations, places, and people will assist the dog to develop into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult. Socialization exposes Bergamascos to a wide variety of sights, smells, experiences, surfaces, dogs, and sounds such as sirens, whistles, vacuum cleaners, doorbells, washing machines, and lawnmowers.
In order to instill positive canine behaviors, verbal praises, treats, and rewards will aid in this. From the age of eight weeks, train a Cane basic command words like sit, stay, heel, and stop among others. Housebreak a Bergamasco by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training.
Bergamasco Shepherd Temperament
- Courageous.
- Protective.
- Highly Intelligent.
- Independent.
- Sociable.
- Self Reliant.
- Vigilant.
- Patient.
- Determined.
Exercise Requirements
These dogs require only a moderate amount of exercise daily. Furthermore, the exercise should come in the form of some sort of mutual activity because they bond closely with their owners rather than the dog being left alone in the backyard. Other exercise requirements for these dogs include romping together in an open field, going on a brisk walk or hike, or retrieving a ball.
Barking
These dogs can get vocal. Furthermore, Bergamascos bark to communicate. Additionally, they get vocal to warn you something is not right such as a falling leaf, a stranger nearby, a school bus, and a UPS truck. In addition, the pooch has a protective instinct, especially for its home.
Size
The size of a male Bergamasco height varies but can grow up from 21 to 24 inches tall ( approx. 53 to 61 cm) and weight of 57 to 83.7 pounds ( approx. 26 to 38 kg ).
Apart from Bergamasco Shepherd, other dog breeds include:
Height
The height of a male Bergamasco varies but can grow up from 22 to 24 inches tall ( approx. 58 to 62 cm ) while the female Cane’s height also varies but can grow up from 21 to 22.8 inches tall ( approx. 53 to 57.9 cm ).
Weight
Male Bergamasco weight may vary but may go from 70.5 up to 83.7 pounds ( approx. 32 to 38 kg ) while female Bergamasco weight also varies but may go from 57 up to 70.5 pounds ( approx. 26 to 32 kg ).
Bergamasco Shepherd Health Issues
They are known to be generally healthy breeds. However, they are vulnerable to some diseases just like any other dogs. It is key for the owners to be on the lookout for a condition in which the ball of the femur does not sit correctly in the hip socket. This condition is recognized as hip dysplasia.
Names
These dogs have excellent names which are steeped in Italian traditions. Some of the names of these dogs include:
- Tito.
- Bambino.
- Vita.
- Primo.
- Zitto.
- Toro.
- Fabio.
- Pelo.
- Ambrosi.
- Lorenzo.
- Dante.
- Bravo.
- Rocco.
- Enzo.
- Romeo.
- Trevi.
- Luna.
- Bella.
- Dolce.
Feeding | Food
This dog breed is known to do well on high-quality dog food, whether home-prepared or commercially manufactured food. However, some of the dogs of this breed are vulnerable to getting overweight. It is key the owners should their dog’s calorie consumption as well as weight level. Some of the high-quality foods for these dogs include fish, eggs, duck, lamb, turkey, chicken, and beef.
Bergamasco Without Dreads
It is not recommended to have these dogs without dreads. A Bergamasco that was shaved can be a mess of mats in the re-growing process. The dreads serve a paramount purpose in assisting the pooch regulate its temperature. They would not be able to do this well without the locks.
Bergamasco Shepherd Puppy
Puppies of Bergamasco are trainable, loving, loyal, and bright. It is advisable to take the pup to the vet to make sure it does not have any underlying health conditions as soon as you get the dog from the breeder.
Bergamasco Shepherd Price
The average price of a Bergamasco puppy from a reputable breeder will range between $950 and $2,300. Furthermore, the overall general price for this breed including adults is $950 to $3,000.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Family Is A Bergamasco Shepherd
They have been assigned the Herding Group designation.
What Are Some Fun Facts About Bergamasco Sheepdogs
- The litter size of this breed is between 6 to 10 puppies.
- They face no serious health complaints common to other breeds.
- They have a weight range of between 26-38 kg depending on gender.
- They are best suited to cold climates.
- They are a strong breed with a rustic appearance.
- They were originally used as herding dogs in the Italian Alps near Bergamo.
Can You Brush A Bergamasco
Yes. You can certainly brush the surface of the flocked coat of this breed with a slicker brush to get rid of debris. In addition, the face and head can be removed normally.
Can Bergamasco Be Left Alone
They are not the best dogs to be left alone. Bergamasco will be bored and lonely if left alone for long periods of time and tend to find something to do. These dogs will be at your feet wherever you are and want to be with their people if possible.
Are Bergamasco Good For First Time Owners
No. These dogs are not ideal for first-time owners despite a strong desire to please.
What Is The Bergamasco Shepherd Used For
They were originally used as a herding pooch for both cattle and sheep.
Bergamasco Shepherd Fun Facts
- They have shaggy coats.
- They are highly intelligent.
- They are very sociable.
- They do not need intense physical activity.
- They are also known as Bergermaschi.
