Bergamasco Sheepdog Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

31-38 kg

Height

55-59 cm

Lifespan

13-15 years

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About the Bergamasco Sheepdog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

Historically, the Bergamasco Sheepdog breed were Italian working dogs but have grown since into desirable family pets. Their desire to herd may have shed a little, but their iconic look certainly hasn’t! Bergamasco Sheepdogs stand out from the herding group crowd due to their thick, weaved, and matted locks that sometimes hang the entire length of their bodies!

Bergamasco Sheepdogs are really hairy; they’re also really friendly, too, and each Bergamasco Sheepdog puppy is on the lookout for a loving home to attach itself to. In this ultimate breed guide, we’ll delve deep into this dog’s thick coat and find out all you need to know before taking one on as your family pet.

What is the history & origin of the Bergamasco Sheepdog?

The history of these purebred dogs remains disputed, but it is generally thought that they were brought to Italy from the Middle East. Several other dogs were brought over and bartered from the Middle East in the pre-Roman times, some 7,000 years ago.

Most research points to the Bergamasco Sheepdog points towards it being a descendent of the Briards, an old Gallic herder breed. Whatever their exact origin is, what can be confirmed is that they quickly won the affection of Italian farmers, particularly those situated up in the Alps.

It was realised that this dog breed, with its super thick coat, could withstand the harsh mountainous conditions in order to assist with herding livestock. It must have been pretty prominent around the Alpine town of Bergamo, which is where it got its name from.

The breed was first formally acknowledged in 1891 when it was noted in the Libro Origini Italiano, having performed in a few Italian dog shows in the previous years.

Like many herd dogs, population numbers became threateningly low by the end of World War II. However, fans of the dog were able to keep the breed alive in the proceeding centuries by setting up several breed clubs throughout Italy.

The dog survived as a popular house pet and was eventually recognised by the American Kennel Club in 2015.

What is a Bergamasco Sheepdog breed?

Bergamascos are mostly recognised for their matted coat, which is weaved to form huge strands. There are three types of hair present in a Bergamasco coat, which are each referred to as dog, goat, and sheep.

Hair is everywhere on a Bergamasco Shepherd dog, to the point where you worry about them during the summer’s heat.

The Bergamasco’s coat, of course, protects them from harsh winter conditions, but it also helps them to better regulate their body temperatures in the summer. Of course, it’s advisable to keep them away from super hot conditions, but they generally fare well in warm climates as well as cool.

Not only does it protect them from the elements, but this herding dog’s hair also acts as a visor so they can see in bright sunlight, and protects them from wolf attacks and mosquito bites.

The Bergamasco Sheepdog goes by many names, including the Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane Da Pastore, and simply Bergamasco.

Who is a Bergamasco Sheepdog best for?

This dog needs plenty of space to run around and play dog sports with its owners. Without an expansive garden available at all times to it, a Bergamasco Sheepdog may feel contained and won’t be able to meet its daily exercise requirements.

Plus, to remain a healthy breed, a Bergamasco Sheepdog needs to be walked and exercised sufficiently throughout the day. This should consist of at least one 45 minute-one hour walk per day, plus several brain-stimulating dog games. They love chasing and playing long-distance fetch.

The ancient breed never truly lost its herding characteristics and needs to exercise and work to feel fulfilled. They need an owner that can step in as a farmer figure and give them tasks to complete.

Bergamasco Sheepdogs have one of the lowest bark rates out of all the herding dogs, making them a peaceful option for those looking for a quiet guard dog. If you want a big fluffy dog to keep an eye on the house, these dogs know how to keep calm and wait until they’ve established a threat. A passing dog won’t set a Bergasmasco into a yapping fit.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Grooming & Shedding

Despite their heavy coats, Bergamasco Sheepdogs require surprisingly little grooming. Bergamasco Sheepdog puppies grow a soft dog coat over their first year. After this, the thicker goat hair and sheep hair start to grow in, moving the herding dog closer to its iconic look.

Once all three hair types are grown in, the owner or a vet has to rip these hairs into mats. This can take a little while but only needs to be done once. Once the Bergamasco’s coat is formed, it is pretty much maintenance-free. You should only brush their coat if you notice a significant buildup of dirt – you don’t need to create a regular brushing routine as you would with other dogs.

You also only have to wash the Bergamasco Shepherd around 2-3 times a year, which is much less than the majority of other dogs.

You should never trim a Bergamasco Shepherd’s coat yourself as it may upset their natural cooling system.

Like all dogs, you should brush their teeth daily and trim their nails whenever required.

Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs bark a lot?

They have a very low bark rate and show great composure to approaching strangers. This makes them reliable guard dogs as when they bark, you can guarantee there’s a good reason for it.

What is the average weight & height of a Bergamasco Sheepdog dog?

A healthy male Bergamasco Shepherd will weigh roughly 31-38kg, while a female will weigh somewhere between 25 and 32kg. Size-wise, a male should measure 59cm, while a female will most likely measure around 55cm.

Are Bergamasco Sheepdogs easy to train?

There’s only so much you can teach a Bergamasco Shepherd Dog in terms of commands; they do have an independent streak that is difficult to overcome, even with the right training. They love their owners but they also like to do their own thing in the garden, which should be allowed (to a certain extent). Training a Bergamasco does require patience.

To ensure your Bergamasco grows into the best version of themselves, they must receive plenty of socialisation training from an early age. Without it, your Bergamasco may grow a barking habit and grow particularly anxious around new people.

How do Bergamasco Sheepdogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The most striking thing about a Bergamasco Shepherd dog is their patience. Unlike other herding breeds who can’t contain their yaps when they clock an approaching stranger, the Bergamasco knows how to keep its cool.

These intelligent dogs know when to alert their owners and know when to keep quiet. They have an impressive judgement of character and like to figure things out for themselves. As devoted as they are to their families, they don’t rely on them for assistance, and, being a herding dog, like to complete tasks themselves.

Their instincts are strong and can pick up changes of mood in their owners. They work as excellent therapy dogs and will try their best to cheer their owners up.

They are not naturally aggressive, and proper socialisation from an early age will guarantee that they keep calm in new situations.

Does the Bergamasco Sheepdog have any common health issues?

This rare breed is still only bred by a limited number of kennel clubs throughout the world, so there’s not a lot of recent health data on the dog type. Plus, no genetic health problems have emerged from overbreeding, a this has never occurred to the Bergamasco Shepherd dog.

Two health concerns that they may be prone to include bloat and hip dysplasia.

What is the lifespan of a Bergamasco Sheepdog?

With no specific health care issues, the Bergamasco Sheepdog tends to live a long life of 13 to 15 years.

How much does a Bergamasco Sheepdog need to be fed?

A Bergamasco Shepherd dog should be fed around 780g of high-quality dog food, divided into two meals per day.

How much can you expect to pay for a Bergamasco Sheepdog in Australia?

There’s only a limited amount of Bergamasco Sheepdogs currently living in Australia, and even fewer breeders. For this rare dog, you can expect to pay a significant figure, upwards of $2,000 or more.

Bergamasco Sheepdog FAQs

Is a Bergamasco Sheepdog ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Bergamasco Sheepdogs may not be the best option for first-time dog owners as they can be quite difficult and independent when it comes to training. It takes someone with experience who can train them with a gentle yet firm approach.

Are Bergamasco Sheepdogs hypoallergenic dogs?

Bergamasco Sheepdogs rarely shed, so they’re a good idea for those who suffer from allergies. However, they are not completely hypoallergenic.

Do Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a bad smell?

Despite their heavy coats, Bergamasco Sheepdogs do not carry a particular smell. If your Bargamsco has particularly long weaves, they may accidentally urinate on their own hair, which would cause a slight smell. However, Bermamasco Sheepdogs do not smell.