Bergamasco | Dog Breed Info: Pictures, Personality & Facts

Breed Overview

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a purebred canine found in the AKC’s Herding Group and is the 179th most popular dog out of 196. That could be attributed to the fact that they aren’t a common breed in North America. They hail from the town of Bergamo, located near Milan, Italy, and were used as sheepdogs for centuries.

The Bergamasco boasts a truly low-maintenance, hypoallergenic coat that can be black or gray with black patches. They are large dogs with muscular builds and have floppy hair covering their eyes.

Bergamasco Puppies

Bergamasco Characteristics

The Bergamasco is moderately energetic and is considered a very healthy breed with a long lifespan. They are highly intelligent and eager to please but have an independent streak, so training is easy but with a few challenges. The Bergamasco is generally friendly with other dogs but is wary of strange people until she is acquainted with them.

These dogs are loving, devoted, and create strong bonds with their families. Be ready to welcome a loyal and affectionate dog into your home. They're low-maintenance dogs and are a good option for apartment dwellers. Keep reading the Bergamasco's full care guide to learn what to expect in terms of nutrition, exercise, training, and grooming for your dog to grow happy and healthy.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Bergamasco

1. The Bergamasco Is Hypoallergenic Unless You’re Allergic to Wool.

The hair of the Bergamasco more closely resembles wool than the usual dog hair. Therefore, for people sensitive to dog dander and fur, the Bergamasco will make a great fit, but not so much for those allergic to wool and lanolin.

2. The Bergamasco Can Do Equally Well in Cold and Hot Weather.

The unique coat of the Bergamasco can help keep them warm in cold weather and also help regulate their body temperature when it’s hot. Because of that, it is advised never to shave off their coats.

3. The Bergamasco Makes the Perfect Watchdog.

They are only aggressive when they are left with no other option. Bergamascos are highly devoted to their families and carefully watch over everyone with calm attentiveness.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bergamasco 🧠

Bergamascos are independent dogs that are loyal and loving and want nothing more than to please their family. Ultimately, they are working dogs that protect their flock and show great patience and calmness.

The Bergamasco is highly intelligent can act independently and can be almost intuitive. They are gentle, alert, and social dogs that, while independent, should not be left alone while the family is at home.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Bergamascos are amazing family dogs since they are devoted and watch over everyone carefully. They get along very well with children, but all children should be taught to respect dogs; pulling their tails and riding them as horses should always be discouraged. Their herding instincts and deep attachment to their people have created the perfect family pet.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Provided the Bergamasco has been socialized as a puppy and trained well, they will get along very well with other pets. They will even get along with the family cat as long as they are raised together.

Things to Know When Owning a Bergamasco:

Food & Diet Requirements

How often and how much you feed your Bergamasco will depend on their age, activity level, and size. You can find high-quality dry dog food (like this one) and follow the guidelines on the back of the bag, which will help you determine the amount of food they need. You can also consult your veterinarian if there are any concerns regarding your dog’s weight and health.

Exercise 🐕

The Bergamasco is a moderately energetic dog that will need a moderate amount of exercise. Having a house with a yard for your dog to run around in would be ideal, but an apartment should also work as long as you give them enough exercise and playtime. It is recommended that you participate in your Bergamasco’s exercise sessions rather than leaving them alone in the backyard.

Training 🦮

Training the Bergamasco is somewhat of a challenge due to their independent nature. They want to please their owners but consider themselves equals rather than subordinates. You can train a stubborn dog using patience and rewards. In particular, the Bergamasco will respond more if you make them understand what is expected of them and why they should do it.

Grooming

Grooming is a unique event when you own a Bergamasco. As previously mentioned, they have coats of wool rather than fur. The coat has three kinds of hair: goat hair, dog hair, and wool, but the wool and goat hair don’t develop until the dog is about a year old.

At that point, over a few days, the coat needs to be ripped to form mats. The mats continue to grow and will reach the ground when they're about 6 years old. That is where the grooming comes in, which is practically non-existent.

The Bergamasco does not shed or need brushing and only requires a bath (with a dog shampoo like this) 2 or 3 times a year. They are also not considered to be particularly smelly dogs unless you don’t enjoy the scent of a wet wool sweater.

The Bergamasco’s ears should be cleaned once a month, their nails should be trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks, and their teeth should be brushed about two or three times a week.

• Also see: Best Dog Shampoos - Reviews & Top Picks

Health and Conditions ❤️

There are no known minor conditions associated with the Bergamasco, but it’s always safe to talk to your vet about any issues with their eyes, skin, and ears. The Bergamasco is a very healthy breed that does not have any associated health conditions at this point.

However, the Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America recommends that breeders run the tests for both elbow and hip dysplasia on their dogs before breeding them. You should also ask your breeder about their dog’s history with bloat.

Male vs. Female

The male Bergamasco is usually a little bigger and heavier than the female. Males tend to be approximately 23.5 inches tall and weigh 70 to 84 pounds, whereas females are 22 inches tall and weigh 57 to 71 pounds.

Another difference is whether or not you decide to fix your Bergamasco. Neutering the male is not as expensive, and it doesn't take as long for him to recover from as spaying the female, so that is one aspect to consider. A significant advantage of having your dog spayed or neutered is that it can potentially prolong your dog's life by preventing future health conditions.

The final difference is that some say male dogs are more aggressive and not as easy to train as females, but there are debates about that. The training and socialization of a puppy and the overall treatment of an adult dog are the primary determinants of a dog's personality and behavior.

Final Thoughts

The Bergamasco is a unique dog, both in personality and appearance. Their independence and the need to spend time with their family make them incomparable as a pet. There are few breeders in North America, and finding a puppy might be challenging.

You can speak to local and national dog clubs, attend dog shows, and post on social media to find a Bergamasco puppy. Another option is to go to a breed-specific rescue group like the rescue at the Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America or the Bergamasco Rescue in Canada.

The calm and patient Bergamasco makes an ideal family pet for the right family. Be prepared for lots of attention when you walk this one-of-a-kind dog!

See Also:

• How Much Does It Cost to Own a Bergamasco? 

• 235 Dog Breeds That Start With B: A Complete List

Featured Image: michelangeloop, Shutterstock