The Bergamasco, also known as Bergamese Shepherd, the Italian Bergama Sheepdog, the Bergamaschi Herder, ot in his homeland, the Cane de Pastore Bergamasco, has been controlling flocks in northern Italy for centuries. Few breeds can boast a genuine balance between physique, working abilities and temperament like Bergamasco can. Calm, reserved, sensible and highly intelligent, these dogs are truly independent thinkers of great pride and dignity.
This large, excessively hairy dog has been working in the mountains around Bergamo, near Milan, ever since its Asian sheepdog ancestors were brought here from the Middle East in pre-Roman times. It would not be exaggerating to describe this breed as the shaggiest dog in the world. Its most prominent feature is its extraordinary coat with its hair naturally matted not in corded curls but in flat stripes. Along with a thick undercoat, these stripes provide these dramatic-looking dogs with an ideal protection from the high-altitude cold in the mountains.
Bergamaschi are strong, highly intelligent, reserved and docile with their masters, but fearless if their flock is threatened. The breed still demonstrates strong instincts to protect as well as to herd.
Until quite recently, Bergamaschi were quite rare almost to the point of extinction. They are now promoted as working dogs and are shown at Italian and other European shows.
Photo courtesy of Societa Amatori Bergamasco
Bergamasco Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Italy |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 1 - Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss cattledogs);
Section 1- Sheepdogs |
| FCI Official Name: |
Cane da pastore Bergamasco |
| Utilization: |
Shepherd dog used in driving and guarding herds |
| AKC Classification: |
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| Personality: | Highly intelligent, stable, independent, calm, reserved, docile with its master, but fearless when threatened. |
| Size: | Medium |
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Height: | 22-23.5 inches at shoulders |
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Colors: |
Solid grey or with grey patches of all possible shades from light to almost black, also pied colors in white, black, red or fawn.
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Other Names: | Bergamese Shepherd, the Italian Bergama Sheepdog, the Bergamaschi Herder, ot in his homeland, the Cane de Pastore Bergamasco |
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Litter Size: | 4-8 puppies |
| Life Span: | 11-14 years |
| Coat: |
The coat is made up of 3 types of hair: short, fine, dense and oily undercoat, strong and harsh "goat hair" and the wooly top coat. The goat hair and the wooly top coat weave together to create the flocks.. The coat is forever changing from the soft, fluffy puppy coat to the beginning flocking stage which usually starts as early as 8 to 12 months of age. The flocking lasts until the dog is approximately 2 years of age. |
| Grooming Requirements: |
High. Keep the puppy coat free from tangles and debris by monthly brushing. When the matting occurs too close to the skin and starts pulling the skin (at around 8 months of age), switch to manual grooming by separating clumps into smaller groupings. To remove dirt and debris on a fully-flocked adult dog coat use the slicker brush. |
| Shedding: | None |
| Social skills: |
Naturally reserved with unfamiliar people, the Bergamasco will accept strangers and be friendly with them after a brief introduction. He will bark only for a reason. |
| Suitability for Children: | The breed's gentle nature makes it popular as a household pet, especially with families who have children. Bergamaschi will seek attention of children and protect them. |
| Exercise Needs: | Strong and tireless, the Bergamasco needs plenty of daily exercise. |
| Train Ability: | Puppies are easy to house train and need early obedience training. This is a thinking breed, so don't expect your adult Bergamasco to be obedient except on his own terms. They respond well to gentle positive reinforcement and have a long memory for harsh treatment. |
| Health & Behavioral Issues: | This is a very healthy breed. There are no hereditary diseases currently known to breeders. |
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