Bergamasco Sheepdog Breed Guide

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 pre-Roman times, some 7,000 years ago.

Most research points to the Bergamasco Sheepdog points towards it being a descendant 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.

Who are Bergamasco Sheepdog dogs 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.

How much grooming does a Bergamasco Sheepdog need?

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 ta 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 its natural cooling system.

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

Do Bergamasco Sheepdog bark much?

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.

Do Bergamasco Sheepdog bite?

Bergamasco Sheepdogs may show a tendency to play-bite during puppyhood, which is not uncommon for any dog breed. All you need to do is to kindly warn them not to, and praise them whenever they don't do it. As they get older, providing them with a dog chew or two could also help to curb this habit.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bergamasco Sheepdog?

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 judgment 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 herding dogs, they like to complete tasks themselves.

Their instincts are strong and can pick up changes in 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.

What is the weight & size of a Bergamasco Sheepdog?

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

How much training does a Bergamasco Sheepdog need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bergamasco Sheepdog?

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 should you feed a Bergamasco Sheepdog?

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

What is the price of 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.