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Rescue a
Bergamasco
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Puppies for Sale
Bergamasco Sheepdog
(Bergamaschi) (Bergamese Shepherd) (Cane da Pastore Bergamasco) (Bergamo Shepherd Dog)
Courtesy of
Silver Pastori Bergamascos.
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Description |
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is an ancient breed which is at
least 2000 years old. The ancestors of the Bergamasco spread out along the
Alpine chain. Ancient dog lovers speak of a dog of the Alps and some
describe a sheepdog in the Vallese region. The only common element in
these vague sources is that the coat is described as long, thick and
shabby. Strong, sound and brave, this dog is also very intelligence and
has a good equilibrium. The Bergamasco is a medium size dog, well
proportioned and harmonious having a rustic appearance. He is a solidly
compact dog with a strong, powerful build that gives him great resistance
without taking away any of his agility and speed of movement. His imposing
aspect is increased by the thick coat which is one of his typical
characteristics and makes him different from any other dog. The
Bergamascos coat is characterized by three types of hair which is abundant and
forms mats or flocks which is the distinguishing characteristic of this
breed. The mats start from the spine and go down the flanks, growing every
year to reach the ground. The thick curtain of hair that covers the eyes
has a functional purpose as well. It serves as a visor so as not to be
dazzled by the sun reflecting off the snow in the mountains. The color of
the coat can be anything from gray or silver gray to anthracite (coal
color). This color served as a camouflage when working in the
mountains. The entire hereditary pattern is deeply ingrained in the
breed. Even in our modern times, the Bergamasco remains the same. |
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Temperament |
Strong, sound and brave, the Bergamasco is above all
very intelligent and balanced. The intelligence of the dog has been
refined for natural selection. Being alone with hundreds of sheep to look
after and having to sort out different and unexpected problems, caused the
Bergamasco's intelligence to develop steadily. Bergamasco is a peaceful
dog. Puppies play together nicely. Attentive and reserved, it participates constantly in everything
which goes on around it and, even when it appears to be asleep, it's eyes will be
following you, because it always wants to know where you are and what you are up
to. Although not instinctively aggressive, the Bergamasco is an excellent
watch dog because it doesn't likes strangers invading its world. Its
relationship with children is something special. Their presence awakens
its most profound and primitive instincts, first as a wolf and then as a
sheepdog. Patient, tolerant, attentive and protective, it seeks their
company encouraging their games establishing true friendship with them.
The
Bergamasco is both a watch dog and guard and will alert when people come to the
home, however, the Bergamasco is not aggressive as long as there is no serious
threat to the family. The Bergamasco is great with all children and have
been used as therapy dogs for handicapped children. Bergamascos are
usually okay with other dogs as long as they don't challenge them or appear as a
threat. They
will usually do okay with cats, but it is best if they were brought up together
while the dog is still a puppy. The Bergamasco sees each individual that
comes to the house as a separate person. As to whether to Bergamasco is
friendly with strangers; all depends on the feel of that person and what the dog
senses. The Bergamasco is not a dog for everyone, but with the right owner , are a true pleasure to own. Bergamasco need an owner who displays an air of authority over the dog. Not harsh, but calm and firm, setting rules the dog must follow and being consistent about them. This is not a dog for the meek or passive owner. He does best with natural leadership. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Males 23 ˝ inches (60 cm) (with a tolerance of
1 inch (2cm) or 1 inch either above or below. Females 22 inches (56 cm) (with a
tolerance of 1inch (2cm) either above or below.
Weight: Males 70-84 pounds (32-38 kg.) Females 57-71 pounds (26-32 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
Usually a very healthy breed. |
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Living Conditions |
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is best suited for seasonal to
cold Climates. Given their dense coats which provides protection from the
elements of the climate, it is not uncommon to find the Bergamasco spending
their nights sleeping outdoors. The Bergamasco sheepdog would not do well
in apartment living, rather a house with a yard to provide for daily exercise. |
Exercise |
The Bergamasco enjoys the outdoors and will exercise on
their own accord if they live and work on a large farm. A
long daily walk, herding the sheep or a romp with the
kids is ample exercise that is necessary for a Happy Bergamasco. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 13-15 years |
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Litter Size |
6 - 10 puppies - Average 8 |
Grooming |
The Bergamasco coat once fully flocked
requires very little care, except for the occasional brushing and bathing.
Forever changing, from the adorable, soft, fluffy, puppy coat to the beginning
flocking stage which may start as early as 8-9 months to 1 yr. When the
flocking starts, it lasts till the dog is approximately two years old.
From 2-3 yrs the coat is settling into a flocking pattern and will continue to
grow throughout the dogs life. The coat is made up of three types of
hair:01: the Undercoat, fine dense and oily (not greasy) to the touch which
forms a waterproof layer. 02: The Goat Hair, long strands of harsh hair
similar to the coat of a goat. 03: The Woolly top coat, which is finer and
softer to the touch. The combination of the woolly hair mixed with the
goat hair weave together to create the flock. These flocks continue to
grow throughout the dogs life creating multi layers of flocks that magically
appear before your eyes, eventually reaching the ground at about the age of 5
years. The Bergamasco is a very simple genuine dog which is best reflected in
his coat. The Bergamasco is a very simple, genuine dog which is reflected in his
coat, it is best to let the coat develop as naturally and spontaneously as
possible. The Bergamasco does not shed like a
other breeds, however, at times, like humans, you will find hair especially
during the puppy stage. Once the coat changes from puppy to adult and the
flocks are set. Hair lost is at a minimal. The Bergamasco coat is
considered hair not fur and is considered non-allergic, however, there are
extreme cases that a person could still be allergic to the hair, depending on
the type of allergy. See Grooming the
Bergamasco for more
details
Bergamasco coats grow with "flocks" (the cords) for a specific reason: the coat acts as an insulation for cold and warm, and the wiry goat hair that grows into the under coat and the woolly coat at a year old, weaves into the latter to create this unique characteristic that has developed naturally over the course of centuries. If the coat is shaved or clipped the wiry goat hair no longer weaves into flocks but instead in homogenous giant mats that are almost impossible the comb out. But doing so, the skin which is always visible at the base of the cords is completely blocked. The Bergamasco skin produces a tremendous amount of oil to lubricate the long cords, keeping them clean and odor free. By blocking the oil next to the skin, the skin tends to rot or mildew since it is not allowed to breathe and clear the oils, creating infections, skin rashes, and hot spots. For those people who want a shorter coat, they can keep the dogs in a sporty coat. That means keeping the cord, but in a shorter length (4 to 5 inches instead of to the ground). That way the skin and coat continue to work in the natural way these dogs have evolved to be while allowing the owners to have a more manageable coat. |
| Origin |
The Bergamasco has ancient origins. In fact it
comes from that stock of shepherds and cattle dogs that spread from the Orient
to the Western world after migrations of the nomad populations and their
herds. The exchange of the dogs took place when the sheep were sold.
The progenitor of the Bergamasco Shepherd found its most suitable cradle in our
country in the territory of the Alpine Arc, where sheep herding was much
developed, and in the Po Basin of Piedmont and Lombardy, where they went for
wintering. The Bergamasco was selected exclusively for its work aptitudes
and for a long time its bloodlines were kept a secret by the shepherds. |
| Group |
Sheepdogs and Cattledogs-except Swiss Cattledogs;
Section 1(Sheepdogs) without a working trail.
United Kennel Club (United States) Herding Group
USA rare breed shows: Herding Group |
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Recognition |
FCI, UKC, APRI, ACR, AKC/FSS, DRA, NAPR |
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FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
UKC = United
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
AKC/FSS = American
Kennel Club, FSS
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc. |
Courtesy of
Silver Pastori Bergamascos.
Courtesy of
Silver Pastori Bergamascos.
Courtesy of
Silver Pastori Bergamascos.
This is Liavll with 6 week Bergamasco puppy. Courtesy of
Silver Pastori Bergamascos.
Bergamasco Sheepdog Pictures 1
Grooming the
Bergamasco
Understanding Dog Behavior
Many Thanks to Donna DeFalcis from Silver Pastori
Bergamascos for providing information and a lot of wonderful photos,
making this section possible.
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