Bergamasco Shepherd dog breed and its characteristics with photos

Brief characteristics of the dog

Other possible names: Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Bergamasco, Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Cane da Pastore Bergam-asco, Bergamese Shepherd, Bergermaschi, Bergamasco Shepherd Dog.
Adult height: 56-60 cm.
Weight: 32-40 kg.
Characteristic color: all shades of gray. White and black are not acceptable.
Coat length: long, thick, with dense undercoat, rolled into plaits.
Life expectancy: on average 12 to 15 years.
Advantages of the breed: loyal, intelligent, friendly, calm, hardy.
Difficulties of the breed: lazy.
Average price: from $1000.

Dossier

Height of an adult: male 60 cm, female 56 cm. Weight of an adult: male 32-38 kg, female 26-32 kg. Characteristic color: gray and its gradations, including marbled, completely black, matte, without shine, as well as light red and merle thrush. The lower part of the body may be Isabella or light fawn as a result of age-related pigmentation, but not as a primary color. The presence of white spots is acceptable if their number does not exceed 1/5 of the coat area. Coat length: undercoat short, dense, finely textured; “goat hair” is long, straight and coarse; The guard hair is long, fluffy, but thinner than goat hair. Life expectancy: 13-15 years. Advantages of the breed: Unquestioningly loyal and fearless defenders of their owner. They are very friendly and great with children. Difficulties of the breed: Training requires honed skills, so it is not suitable for beginners. Just as it is not suitable for keeping in a city apartment - the dog requires constant physical activity and space. Average price: 1000-1200 dollars. Classification: Medium-sized dog breeds, group of herding and cattle dogs (except Swiss cattle dogs), shepherd section.

History of the origin of the breed

The Bergamasco Shepherd is a herding dog whose ancestors appeared in the Alps several thousand years ago. It is believed that their ancestors were Tibetan mastiffs, who came there with traders. These hardy large dogs naturally interbred with local breeds.

The original habitat of such dogs is considered to be the central region of Italy - Tuscany. But in the north of the country, or rather in the province of Bergamo, cattle breeding was more developed. Local shepherds spent most of the year on pastures located in deserted green valleys, and needed four-legged helpers to guard, herd and drive large flocks of sheep. Thus, most of the dogs were moved to this area, which is why they received the name Bergamasco.

Despite its thousand-year history, international dog breeding associations, including the FCI, officially recognized the breed and published a standard only in 1992.

Italian origin story

The Bergamasco dog breed began its march around the world in a small Italian village in the north of the country. The first who started breeding it were typical representatives of farming activities who had nothing to do with dog breeding.

There is some possibility that a relative of the Bergamas is the Tibetan mastiff, but unfortunately there is no exact reliable information.

Only in the 19th century did the real work of breeders begin. Farmers, the owners of the dogs, drove their livestock into the city, where the dogs were noticed by professionals. His bright appearance and ideal performance characteristics became the basis - at that time, improvement efforts were aimed more at improving performance qualities, rather than appearance.

The first official club was opened only in 1959; its standard and stud book, published at the same time, contained a detailed description of the exterior and character.

Description of the nature of the Bergamasco Shepherd breed

The main quality of this breed is its boundless devotion to humans. Due to the nature of their activity, Bergamascos are accustomed to following on his heels, spending months alone with their owner in the valleys of the Alps. You need to be prepared for this dog to become your second shadow. But they do it unobtrusively and will not get in your way.

They clearly demonstrate their shepherding skills in relation to children, becoming for them an impeccable gentle and caring nanny. You can fearlessly entrust your baby to her and be fully confident that he is under reliable care and protection. Bergamascos have the same attitude towards pets that live with them in the same house.

As for the house, such a dog will feel much better in a country estate than in the cramped walls of a city apartment.

These dogs are very friendly, balanced and calm. And to some extent, even lazy, despite their endurance and efficiency. They will not run around the park during walks, and when playing with a ball or stick they will run again only if there is good motivation for this in the form of a treat or praise.

But the Bergamasco will be very happy to keep you company during a leisurely walk, and the highest pleasure for them is simply to lie down at the feet of the owner. These dogs are very smart and have a good memory. They can be taught all the necessary commands quite quickly.

Personality of the Bergamasco Shepherd

The most devoted shepherd dog of all known, Bergamas are excellent shepherds, hardy, capable of making independent decisions, without a person. Once they left for a long time with the herd, and returned only after a couple of weeks, while all the livestock and the dog were always in place.

At the same time, they become strongly attached to the person, experience long separations, begin to feel sad and may even refuse food.

They are responsible, executive, balanced, cheerful, and moderately emotional. Obedience is top notch, but can sometimes be stubborn. The emotional attachment to the owner results in the fact that the pet constantly tries to please him, catches every word, is well versed in facial expressions and senses the slightest change in the person’s mood and voice.

Security qualities and communication skills of Bergamasco

They are more focused on interacting with humans, and at the same time they can protect quite well the entire territory where they live, and are responsible for protection. They protect not only the territory of the house and yard, but also all property that they believe is on the household - a car, people, animals and children.

For the Bergamasco Shepherd, sociability is natural, it is focused on relationships, does not try to dominate too obviously, but always shows the leader in itself. All family members and pets are under her care, she is an excellent nanny.

He is wary of strangers and strangers, but will not just show aggression. There will be more to watch and wait. In a moment of danger, it will immediately manifest itself.

How to choose a Bergamasco puppy

It is better to purchase a puppy of this breed no earlier than he is three months old , since Bergamasco babies need more time than many other breeds to mature physically and psychologically.

You will have to pay a considerable amount for a puppy, and to be sure of the purebred and normal condition of the pet, it is better to contact a nursery for the purchase. There you will be able to meet the puppy’s parents, as well as receive a number of recommendations for its further care and get support for a long time.

The puppy’s health is determined by the following indicators:

shiny, slightly wavy coat;
clean, irritated skin;
clean, odor-free ears;
clear, not sour eyes;
firm, confident gait, without limp;
soft belly;
pink, but not pale gums, which may indicate that the puppy has worms;
smooth, undifficult breathing, which may indicate heart problems.

Psychologically, the puppy should be active and explore strangers with interest. Fearfulness, aggression and lethargy are not the best qualities that an adult dog can display, so it is better to abandon puppies with such behavior.

Be sure to pay attention to the conditions in which dogs are kept . If it is a clean and bright room, then the litter is properly cared for. Look at the puppy's veterinary passport. There should be notes about vaccinations and anthelmintic prophylaxis. And in the registration card (metrics), the breed mark number must correspond to the data applied in the ear or groin area.

Care and maintenance

Oddly enough, informal Bergamasco dreadlocks do not require special care. It is better not to touch them at all, because if they unravel, they will turn into shapeless clumps reminiscent of tow. In this case, there is only one way to get the dog in order - to cut it. By the way, this is sometimes done by owners who live in areas with a hot climate. As a rule, only the top of the head, covered with short hair, is combed.

It is not recommended to bathe the Bergamasco. But if such a need arises, then this must be done carefully so as not to damage the tourniquets. It's better to just rinse your pet in the shower. Poorly dried fur can cause mold and irritation, but it is not recommended to dry your dog with a hairdryer.

Another important point in hair care is treatment for fleas, ticks and other parasites.

You should regularly clean your pet's ears and examine them for diseases. And also periodically trim the nails if the dog does not have time to grind them down during walks. They can cause discomfort and even pain when walking.

The ideal condition for keeping a Bergamasco would be a country house, where the dog will feel freer than in the city. But, since she does not require active walks, this breed may also be suitable for an apartment. In this case, you should train your pet to go outside when needed.

The Bergamasco Shepherd can't handle the heat very well. But in the cold season it feels excellent, thanks to its thick coat and dense undercoat.
Therefore, in the summer you need to provide the dog with enough water and, if necessary, cut the hair. But you need to take into account that by winter it will not grow to its previous length, and the dog may not be entirely comfortable in cold weather.

Detailed description of the breed

Height at withers, weight. 54-62 cm, 26-38 kg.
Body type. Proportional, rectangular format. Wide straight back and chest. Short belly, forming a smooth bottom line. The limbs are straight and parallel, the paws are shaped like a hare. Fingers in a ball, pads and claws black.
Head. A wide skull with a developed stop, a muzzle in the form of a truncated blunt cone, the cheekbones are not very developed. Large, rectangular nose, black in color. The jaws are large, wide, and have a scissor bite.
Eyes. Large, oval. They can be positioned straight or slightly inclined. The color is usually dark, but it can also be light - depending on the color of the coat.
Ears. Semi-erect, curved down by a third, triangular in shape with rounded tips. The fur on the ears is soft and curls into cords.
Neck . Convex and short.
Tail . Thick at the base, thinning towards the tip, length just above the hocks. Covered with wool cords. When at rest it is lowered, when moving it is raised, but not higher than the level of the back.
Wool with undercoat . Very thick and long, with a goat-like structure, formed into cords. These cords have a slightly oily feel and are soft. The main color is gray, spots from light gray to black are acceptable. Possible black uniform color.

Photos – Bergamasco Shepherd

Possible health problems

Fortunately, Bergamasco Shepherds do not have hereditary diseases. In rare cases, joint dysplasia can occur, but this is a problem in all large breeds. It is recommended to be vigilant with the Bergamasco's skin, as diaper rash may occur due to the thick, poorly ventilated coat.

Like other dogs, the Bergamasco Shepherd is susceptible to viral diseases. Timely vaccination will help keep your pet safe. Prevention of worms is also important for dogs.

Diseases

Like most large dogs, Bergamasco Shepherds can suffer from joint dysplasia. When buying a puppy, you should pay attention to ensure that this disease has not been observed in several generations of ancestors. Due to its thick and matted coat, the shepherd is prone to infestation with parasites: lice and fleas. You should promptly treat your pet against insects and put on a flea collar. When applying drops, make sure that the medicine gets directly onto the skin and does not remain on the fur.

Since the ears are covered with fur, you may not be able to keep track and miss the onset of otitis media or the appearance of ear mites. To prevent this from happening, the dog is taught to regularly clean its ears from early childhood. In extreme heat, Bergamasco Shepherds are prone to overheating. It is better not to walk your dog in extreme heat, but to give it the opportunity to rest in a cool place with free access to water.

About the nutrition of a puppy and an adult dog

Bergamascos are not picky eaters and do not suffer from food allergies. But due to a sedentary lifestyle, they may develop obesity. Therefore, it is important to follow a feeding schedule and control the amount of food.

As a rule, puppies have four or five meals a day, while an adult dog needs to be fed twice a day. Accordingly, portion sizes will become larger with age. In the heat, as well as in females during heat, their appetite decreases, even to the point of temporary refusal of food.

In this case, they try to feed early in the morning or in the evening, when the heat subsides. At such times, for an adult dog, sometimes one feeding is enough or it is worth reducing the size.

A dog's normal diet is considered to contain at least 30% protein . This can be veal, beef, turkey or chicken, as well as offal and sea fish. The carbohydrate part should consist of porridge and vegetables. Sometimes you can give cottage cheese, unsweetened yogurt or kefir.

It is better to avoid sweets and smoked foods altogether. Apart from harm, these products will do nothing for the dog.

You can feed Bergamasco with dry or canned food. But in this case, it must be of good quality and filled with essential vitamins and minerals. To properly form the spine and improve digestion, it is recommended to purchase a special, adjustable stand for bowls with food and water.

Briefly about training

The Bergamasco is quite quick and easy to train. But you need to start training from an early age. These dogs have a very good memory and, on top of that, they always try to please their owner.

Sometimes you will have to be patient , since the Bergamasco Shepherd is quite lazy by nature. If she does not follow the command the first time, this does not mean that she has not learned it; perhaps you did not motivate her well or she does not need it at the moment.

Bergamasco Shepherds are very smart. After a while you will get an obedient and understanding dog.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Bergamasco Shepherd breed

Balanced Bergamascos have a calm, even slightly phlegmatic temperament. They serve the entire family with equal devotion, from which only children are singled out. These dogs have a special attitude towards them, full of tenderness and care.

Thanks to their good hearing, they are able to “herd” their owners even at a distance, picking up the slightest extraneous rustle.

A highly developed intellect, excellent memory and constant desire to please a person make the Bergamasco an obedient student who quickly perceives information. But at the same time, such dogs do not forget about their independence and love of freedom.

Despite their far from ordinary appearance, Bergamasco dogs do not require complex care. They practically do not shed, as the fallen fur immediately rolls into unusual strands. And there is also no need to spend hours walking them exhaustingly.

This breed is ideal for lovers of quiet walks. The use of a leash and muzzle is not typical for this breed. will not leave you even a single step without a leash And they treat strangers, from whom there is no danger, either friendly or indifferent.

Bergamasco will become your faithful companion , who will always come to your defense if necessary.

Character

The Bergamasco's personality is similar to other herding dogs, but they are more independent. They are very attached and devoted to their family, with whom they form strong relationships. They prefer to be with their family rather than the center of attention, and are generally quite reserved.

At work, they are more partners than servants and are accustomed to making independent decisions. This has led to the fact that they are very smart and quick-witted and well understand the mood in the family.

Since they capture the mood, the Bergamasco will communicate with each member of the family in its own way. Most owners call them exclusively family dogs, very friendly with children.

With proper socialization, they understand children like no other and form true friendships with them. Most of these dogs will try to spend more time with children than with adults, especially when it comes to walks and games.

Bergamasco Shepherds are somewhat variable in their attitude towards strangers. As a guardian of sheep, they are suspicious of them, but are rarely aggressive and are quite polite.

They quickly understand whether someone else is a threat, and if they classify him as safe, they quickly become friends. They are sensitive and observant, which makes them good guard dogs and bark warnings.

Traditionally working in a pack with other dogs, they have no problems with them. Naturally suspicious, they are in no hurry to make friends with them, but treat them calmly. They are dominant and prefer other dogs to occupy a low position in the hierarchy. They treat other animals quite well, although they can control them.

Accustomed to working independently, Bergamascos are very intelligent and creative. However, there can be problems when training, as they prefer to do things their own way.

They are excellent when working with a herd, however, they are less suited to performing routine tasks, as they quickly become bored with them.

Although they are not dominant towards humans, it is better for the owner to be strict but fair. They are usually happy to please and will be obedient and intelligent dogs if handled correctly.

Accustomed to hard work, these dogs need serious exercise to stay happy. Either long walks or running is what they need. But they are happiest if there is a large area where they can entertain themselves during the day.

They also love to play with children, plus they need mental stimulation. They are attached to the family and enjoy any opportunity to explore the world, walk with their owner, and are perfect for people leading an active lifestyle.

Owner reviews

Alexander Ivanovich:

I have been lucky enough to be the owner of this miracle of nature for seven years now. The dog not only has an interesting appearance, which always attracts the surprised glances of passers-by. She also has a wonderful character.
Just calm and regularity. And some people may envy her intelligence. I highly recommend choosing this breed. Especially for families with small children.
And also for older people like my wife and I. It's a pleasure to walk with our favorite in the park. It’s good for her and good for us.

Antonina:

We have long dreamed of such a breed and during our next trip to Europe we acquired our shaggy one. I'm simply delighted with him. Absolutely no hassle. I would say that this is a perfect dog.
Grazes everything and everyone. And he does it unobtrusively and quietly, like a shadow. And our kids just go crazy over him. And it looks like he gets crazy about them too. If you are wondering whether to take it or not, then take it without hesitation.

I would like to hear your opinion about the Bergamasco Shepherd breed. Perhaps you will have your own recommendations for caring for its coat or other advice on keeping such a dog.

Facebook

Leave a review