Generally happy with kids and other animals, the low-maintenance and robustly healthy Bergamasco is much more than a show-stopping hairdo. Eager to please, smart, and stubbornly devoted to work, Bergamascos are patient but protective.
Beneath the one-of-a-kind coat is a large, muscular shepherd dog of ancient pedigree. But, since the coat is the breed’s hallmark, let’s take a close look. The Bergamasco Sheepdog has hair of three different textures that form naturally occurring loose mats, or ‘flocks’ (strands of hair woven together, creating flat layers of felted hair), covering the body and legs. The flocks provide protection from the fierce cold and wild predators of the Italian Alps, the breed’s ancestral homeland. Bergamascos are bright, loyal, loving, and trainable’ with a dash of mountain-dog independence. They take to watching over loved ones with a serene vigilance. Wary of strangers until properly introduced, Bergamascos are aggressive only as a last resort.
History
Bergamasco Sheepdogs (Italian plural: Bergamaschi) have been associated with the Alpine town of Bergamo, near Milan, for many centuries. They are among several Middle-Eastern breeds that were bartered around the Mediterranean basin in the distant past by the Phoenicians, wily seafaring traders of the pre-Roman ancient world.
French authorities have theorized that the Bergamasco is descended from the Briard, an ancient Gallic herder. Patriotic Italians, however, insist that the Bergamasco came first and contributed to the genetic makeup of the Briard and other European flock-dog breeds. They make the sound argument that if the breed was originally Middle-Eastern, it must have arrived in Italy before it was established as far west as France.
The powerful, balanced, and resilient Bergamasco is ideally suited to move and guard sheep on the rocky slopes of the Italian Alps. “It would not be exaggerating to describe this breed as the shaggiest dog in the world,” says one expert. The profuse and distinctive flocks that cover the dog protect him from the bitter cold of high altitudes, and they serve as armor when doing battle with sharp-toothed, razor-clawed predators looking to feast on a stray sheep. (It should be noted that though the Bergamasco bears a passing resemblance to its Hungarian cousin, the corded Komondor, the coats are distinctly different. The Bergamasco’s flocks are flat, whereas the Kom’s cords are round, like rope.)
The Bergamasco’s numbers dwindled in Italy during the years after World War II, but more recently dog people around the world have rallied behind this serene but fearless protector. The breed’s American devotees scored a triumph in 2015, when the Bergamasco Sheepdog was admitted to the AKC Stud Book.
Quick Facts
Temperament: Independent / Sociable / Intelligent
Height: 22-23.5 inches
Weight: 57-84 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Foundation Stock Service
Health
Bergamascos are generally a healthy breed. Like all breeds there may be some health issues. Some dogs may be faced with these health challenges in their lives, but the majority of Bergamascos are healthy dogs.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
- Hip Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
Grooming
The coat of an adult Bergamasco is basically maintenance-free. It’s made up of three types of hair, called ‘dog,’ ‘goat,’ and ‘wool.’ Goat and wool hairs don’t start to appear until the dog is a year old. When they do, the coat must be ripped into mats, a process that can take a few hours or a few evenings. But once it’s done, it’s done. A Bergamasco doesn’t shed, doesn’t need to be brushed, and doesn’t need to be bathed more than two or three times a year. Because the coat aids in thermoregulation, a Bergamasco should never be shaved down. As with all breeds, the Bergamasco’s nails should be trimmed regularly.
Exercise
The Bergamasco Sheepdog requires only a moderate amount of exercise every day. Because they bond closely with their owners, this exercise should come in the form of some sort of mutual activity rather than the dog being left alone in the backyard. And while they are generally calm, Bergamascos have a good deal of energy and are happy to join their owners in almost any sort of activity, whether that entails retrieving a ball, going on a brisk walk or hike, or romping together in an open field.
Training
As with all breeds, early socialization, and puppy training classes are recommended. Gently exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations will help him develop into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult. The Bergamasco is a sociable, highly intelligent breed that possesses a deep desire to please his master. The breed thinks independently, however, and often sees itself more as an equal partner than as a subordinate to the members of his family. A Bergamasco who can be made to understand what is wanted of him, and why he should do it, will happily comply, if in his own way.
Nutrition
The Bergamasco Sheepdog should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
