Bergamasco Shepherd – The Ancient Italian Herding Dog

The Italian Bergamasco Shepherd is a large herding dog with a striking appearance – its corded or shaggy coat comes in all shades of gray. Today, the Bergamasco is most commonly kept as a family companion or a show dog, although some individuals still possess a strong instinct for herding livestock. This ancient Italian shepherd is patient and calm, highly protective, and an excellent guardian. It is not aggressive but remains cautious and carefully observes strangers.

Its work ethic is exceptional. The Bergamasco Shepherd was bred to make independent decisions, acting more like a partner in work rather than a submissive dog. It is highly intelligent and capable of solving problems on its own, which can be both an advantage and a challenge – depending on how it decides to behave in a given moment. If you choose this breed, you will get a dog that is patient, independent, and deeply connected to its human family. It especially loves children and often takes on the role of their protector. Bergamascos are ideal for therapy visits to children in hospitals or those with disabilities.

It is crucial to teach this dog from an early age when it is appropriate to display its protective nature and when to leave decisions to its owner. Early socialization and training are essential to prevent excessive suspicion or fearfulness toward strangers and unfamiliar situations. A Bergamasco Shepherd will accept strangers once properly introduced. If raised with other pets, it will get along well with them.

Although you might think this breed is suited for outdoor living, the truth is quite the opposite. Bergamascos are very attached to their owners and want to be with their family. Ideally, they should have a fenced yard, but when their owners are home, the dog should be inside with them. They require daily physical activity – moderate to long walks, as well as active playtime. They excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and rally obedience and naturally enjoy hiking.

If you want a dog that will always obey commands without question, the Bergamasco Shepherd may not be the right choice for you. It will respond to gentle yet firm and consistent training, but it can be independent and strong-willed.

Breed Overview of the Bergamasco Shepherd

The Bergamasco  is a muscular dog with a large head, slightly rectangular body, and a thick, corded coat consisting of three types of hair. The hair on its head falls over its large, oval, brown eyes, giving it a calm and attentive expression. Its thick tail hangs down and curves slightly at the tip. The coat comes in various shades of gray and, rarely, solid black.

History of the Bergamasco

This Italian herding breed gets its name from the city of Bergamo, although it is known in other parts of the country as well. It is similar to other Central European sheepdogs, including the Puli, which also has a thick, corded coat. After World War II, the Bergamasco Shepherd was on the verge of extinction, as the demand for herding dogs declined. Fortunately, an Italian breeder, Dr. Maria Andreoli, launched an initiative to preserve the breed.

Although not yet fully recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Bergamasco Shepherd is currently awaiting its place in the Miscellaneous Class.

Temperament and Personality of the Bergamasco

The Bergamasco can be described as an attentive, intelligent, patient, and independent dog. Its herding background gives it a level of independence, making it capable of making decisions on its own. It is an excellent family dog, deeply loyal to its owners, especially children. This breed is a brave guardian with a strong protective instinct, but it is never aggressive. The Bergamasco  is ideal for owners who appreciate independent-minded dogs with problem-solving abilities. They respond well to consistent and positive training. This intelligent breed does not require harsh discipline – a gentle approach and consistency are enough.

Bergamascos are also excellent judges of character and situations. They will follow you as a companion and protector, but they won’t blindly obey. The breed standard describes them as “naturally stubborn,” but in a positive way – they are determined to complete a task before moving on.

Training and Socialization of the Bergamasco

The Bergamasco  is an athletic dog, even though its thick coat may make it seem otherwise. Due to its body structure, it requires regular physical activity to stay healthy and mentally stimulated. Because of its size and energy level, it is not well-suited for apartment living. A house with a large yard is a better option, as it provides the necessary space for movement and play.

Training should begin as soon as the puppy arrives home. At just eight weeks old, a puppy can already absorb everything you teach it. Do not wait until six months of age, as the dog may become more stubborn. Start with basic commands such as “sit,” “lie down,” and “come.” These commands establish a foundation for successful future training.

The key to early training is to be consistent with your commands and patient with expectations. This will help the dog understand what is expected of it. Using positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, or toys, is highly recommended to reward good behavior. This method helps build trust between you and your dog. Since Bergamascos are highly intelligent, they require mental stimulation as well. Activities like puzzle toys or obedience training work best for keeping their minds engaged.

When it comes to socialization, it is essential to expose your dog to different people, animals, and environments from an early age. This helps it grow into a confident and calm dog in various situations. It is also important to organize controlled interactions with other dogs to ensure that your Bergamasco Shepherd develops proper social behavior. By continually exposing your dog to positive experiences and rewarding calm behavior in new situations, you can help reduce fear or aggression toward strangers and other animals.

What You Should Know About the Health of the Bergamasco

All dogs can develop genetic health problems, just as humans can inherit certain conditions. It is important to get your dog from a responsible breeder. A good breeder will be honest and transparent about the health issues that may be present in the breed and their frequency.

Bergamascos have a reputation for being healthy dogs. Currently, there are no known genetic diseases specifically linked to this breed. However, the Bergamasco Shepherd Club of America recommends that breeders screen their dogs’ hips before using them for breeding.

Since Bergamascos are a rare breed, excessive popularity and overbreeding have not yet impacted their health. However, it is still wise to ask breeders about any known cases of hip dysplasia, eye problems, or gastric torsion (bloat).

Basic Care of the Bergamasco Shepherd

The Bergamasco Shepherd’s coat is unique because it contains three different types of hair (known as dog hair, goat hair, and wool), which merge and form shaggy strands (called “flocks”). After five to six years, the coat can grow all the way to the ground.

Some of these strands act as a natural visor, protecting the dog’s eyes from the sun, but the dog can still see through them. Historically, this coat protected the Bergamasco from wolf bites. Today, it serves as protection against harsh weather conditions and mosquito bites.

People who are allergic to dogs usually do not react to the Bergamasco’s coat. However, individuals who are allergic to wool or lanolin may experience a reaction.

Many people believe that the Bergamasco’s coat is difficult to maintain, but it is actually easier than it looks. However, when wet, it may have a smell similar to a damp wool sweater (don’t say we didn’t warn you!).

Coat Care Tips: 

Caring for the Bergamasco’s coat is not as difficult as it appears. However, special techniques are required:

• Trim the hair around the mouthand clean the dog’s face after meals to reduce odor.
• A common misconception is that the coat should not be brushed– but once the flocks are formed, brushing won’t affect them. However, brushing is necessary to remove dirt.
• The Bergamasco Shepherdcan be bathed as often as any other dog, but shampoo is not recommended, as it removes the coat’s natural oils.

Aside from coat care, it is important to maintain basic hygiene:

• Trim your dog’s nailsas needed, usually every few weeks.
• Clean and dry your dog’s earsto prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
• Brush your dog’s teeth regularlywith vet-approved dog toothpaste to maintain oral health and freshen breath.

Conclusion

In the end, we can say that the Bergamasco Shepherd is a unique and resilient breed with a rich history, characterized by a high level of independence and intelligence. Its courage and protective instinct make it an excellent guard dog, while its gentle nature with family, especially children, makes it an outstanding family pet.

Although it requires consistent training and enough space for physical activity, the Bergamasco Shepherd is a loyal companion that easily integrates into family life. It only needs proper care and love. With the right grooming and socialization, this dog can be a wonderful and devoted family member that will truly amaze you.