Bergamasco Dog

Bergamasco

Bergamasco Characteristics: The steady and vigilant Bergamasco is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Herding Dog Group. The Bergamasco, is characterized by its powerful, muscular appearance with a distinct long "flock" or "mat" of corded hair in three layers and an alert, determined expression. Other characteristics include dark brown, medium sized, slightly oval, slanting eyes; wide, long, pendulous ears; a thick, tapering tail and a fluid and efficient gait. The temperament of the Bergamasco can be described as Calm, stable, alert.

The coat type of the Bergamasco is described as medium, abundant coat in gray.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Bergamasco demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Farm Dog and is known by its nick name the "Berga". The origin of the Bergamasco dog breed was in Italy where it was developed in the Ancient Times.

Fast Facts about the Bergamasco: The following facts provide fast information about the Bergamasco breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Herding Dog Group *** Nick name: "Berga" *** Origin: Italy *** Male Height: 22 to 23.5 *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 55 to 85 pounds *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: medium, abundant coat *** Coat Colors: gray *** Litter Size: 6 - 10 puppies *** Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, eye problems *** Lifespan: 13 - 14 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes

Bergamasco Breed Group and Dog Type - Herding Dog Group: The Bergamasco is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Herding Dog Group.

Other names for the Bergamasco: The Bergamasco is known by the nickname of the "Berga". Other names for this breed of dog include the Bergamaschi, Bergamese Shepherd, Cane da Pastore Bergamasco and Bergamo Shepherd Dog.

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Bergamasco" derives from its place of origin in Bergamo, a city in Lombardy, Italy on the foothills of the Bergamo Alps.

Bergamasco History and Origin: The country of origin of the Bergamasco breed was in Italy during ancient times. The powerful Bergamasco was bred as a sheepdog and guard dog that was suited to the tough, outdoor life in the Italian mountains of the Bergamo Alps. The Bergamasco dog was essential in helping shepherds to drive flocks of sheep and herds of goats during the seasonal movement between the the higher pastures of the Alpine regions in summer and the lower valleys of the Po Valley in winter. The products of the flocks of sheep and the herds of goats were milk, cheese, butter and yogurt. The strong, versatile Bergamasco was also used as cart dogs moving the products as a cheap, convenient alternative to the horse.

The Industrialization of Italy during the 1800's led to a decline in numbers of the Bergamasco with the introduction of mechanized vehicles and improved farming techniques and the the Bergamasco was in danger of becoming extinct. The Bergamasco breed was saved by some Italian dog breeders who registered the dogs with the Italian Stud Book in 1891. In recent years interest in the breed has significantly increased. The Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America was established in 1995 and the Bergamasco was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2015.

Bergamasco Height: The Bergamasco breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 22 to 23.5. The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less.

Bergamasco Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 55 to 85 pounds. The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male.

Bergamasco Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as medium, abundant coat. The thick 'cords' resemble dreadlocks, tassels or a mop. The corded outer coat (guard coat) is coarse, the undercoat is soft. Bergamasco puppies have a fluffy and soft outer coat which grows wavy and curls until the coat grows and becomes corded. The corded outer coat takes about two years to mature.

Bergamasco Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed include black or gray & black (merle). N.B. Merle describes the mottled patches of color in a solid or piebald coat

Bergamasco Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Italian Bergamasco is categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Bergamasco is considered to be high-maintenance and requires daily brushing and combing. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears.

Bergamasco Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 6 - 10 puppies. Bergamasco puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Bergamasco puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Bergamasco Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Steady, Calm, stable, alert and Vigilant.

Bergamasco Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Bergamasco requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a supple, fluid and efficient gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements.

Bergamasco Diet: A fully grown Bergamasco should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Bergamasco Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Bergamasco breed include Hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, eye problems. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Bergamasco dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs).

Bergamasco Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Bergamasco breed is 13 - 14 years.

Bergamasco Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Bergamasco breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Bergamasco names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Nicolo *** Koda *** Alessio *** Ivan *** Mauro *** Paolo *** Leo *** Zeke *** Loki *** Guido.

Bergamasco Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Bergamasco names are Giulia *** Elisa *** Marta *** Maggie *** Sadie *** Lucia *** Serena *** Abby *** Luna *** Letizia.

Fast Facts about the Bergamasco: The following facts provide fast information about the Bergamasco breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Herding Dog Group *** Size: Large *** Country of Origin: Italy *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Bergamasco Height: 22 to 23.5 *** Male Bergamasco Weight: 55 to 85 pounds *** Coat Type: medium, abundant coat *** Litter Size: 6 - 10 puppies *** Bergamasco Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Bergamasco Lifespan: 13 - 14 years ***

Site Search

 

 
Bergamasco Facts and Info - Breed Standard - Size - Colors - Coat Type - Characteristics - Diet - Exercise Requirements - Breed Standard - Grooming - History - Origin - Tips - History - Health Problems - Height - Information about Bergamascos - Lifespan - Litter size - Bergamasco Names - Male - Female - Boy Dog - Girl Dog - Origin - Personality - Qualities - Size - Temperament - Guide - Weight - Male Dog Names - Female Dog Names - Breed Description - Art - Pictures - Images - Bergamasco Facts and Information