ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
ITALIEN
NÉERLANDAIS
PORTUGAISBergamasco shepherd
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog bergamasco shepherd!
Here, you will find all the useful information about bergamasco shepherd. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The Bergamasco Shepherd has ancient origins, having been used by shepherds as far back as Roman times. This breed specialises in herding and guarding flocks, and is found mainly in the Bergamo Alps region of Italy.
After coming close to extinction in the aftermath of the Second World War, the Bergamasco Shepherd was saved thanks to the efforts of veterinary surgeon Maria Andreoli, who worked hard to maintain its breeding and preserve this rare genetic heritage.
Today, the breed is highly valued for its skills in mountain rescue, its role as a guard dog and its contribution to dog therapy. In addition to their professional skills, Bergamasco Shepherds make excellent family dogs. Although not widely distributed outside Italy, the breed was officially recognised by the FCI on 23 February 1956, and the latest official standard was published on 4 September 2020.
Bergamasco Shepherds are medium-sized dogs with a hardy, well-proportioned build. They are evenly balanced, with straight, muscular legs. The head has a good length/width ratio, the muzzle is short and robust, and the eyes are large but not bulging or deep-set. The coat is dense all over the body, with a fine mane around the neck. The neck is strong, the shoulders well built and the back is broad throughout. The tail is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip.
Bergamasco Shepherds are extraordinarily gentle and affectionate towards humans. However, they also appreciate their independence when outdoors. They are very good guardians and will defend their owners in all circumstances, without being aggressive.
Always up for a play session or a walk, the Bergamasco Shepherd is a dog that loves wide open spaces and needs to exercise to feel good. They are versatile and patient, capable of being easily channelled, and can easily spend long hours by the fire with their family without becoming agitated.
Males generally weigh between 32 and 38kg (70 and 83lb) as adults, and females between 26 and 32kg (57 and 70lb). Height varies from 58 to 62 cm (22" to 24") for males and 54 to 58 cm (21" to 23") for females.
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Origins
The Bergamasco Shepherd, also known as Bergamasco, takes its name from the region of Bergamo in Italy, where it was bred to guard herds in the Italian Alps. The ancestors of this breed date back to about 2000 years ago, when they were used by nomadic shepherds of the Persian Empire. These sturdy dogs were valued for their ability to work on rough terrain and in harsh weather conditions.
History
Over the centuries, the Bergamasco Shepherd has been refined in Italy to become an excellent shepherd dog, capable of managing large flocks of sheep. The breed was officially recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) in the mid-20th century. Their introduction outside of Europe has been gradual, with the breed becoming popular for its docility and intelligence.
Standard
The Bergamasco Shepherd is famous for its abundant and matted coat, which protects it from bad weather. The accepted colors are mainly gray, black, and brown, with variations. They have a robust constitution, with a height at the withers ranging from 54 to 62 centimeters for males and 50 to 58 centimeters for females. Their expression is intelligent and attentive.
Physical characteristics
This medium-sized dog has a powerful and proportionate body. Its most distinctive feature is its thick and felted coat that forms natural locks. Their eyes are usually dark in color and express great gentleness. Their tail is carried low when at rest and higher when they are active.
Character
The Bergamasco Shepherd is known for its calm and patient temperament. They are very intelligent dogs that form a strong bond with their owner. They are also known to be particularly good with children, making them an excellent family dog. Their watchful nature also makes them excellent guard dogs.
Life expectancy
The Bergamasco Shepherd has a life expectancy of around 13 to 15 years. Like all breeds, a good diet, regular exercise, and proper veterinary care can help extend their life.
Exercise and activity needs
This breed is active and requires daily exercise to stay in shape. They enjoy long walks and are enthusiastic hiking partners. They are also capable of participating in canine sports such as agility, which can help stimulate both their body and mind.
Recommended diet
A balanced diet rich in proteins and nutrients is essential to keep the Bergamasco Shepherd healthy. It is recommended to provide them with food specifically formulated for medium to large breeds, taking into account their activity level.
Training and obedience
Training for the Bergamasco Shepherd should start from a young age. They respond well to positive reinforcement and rewards. Their intelligence and desire to please make training easier, although they can sometimes be stubborn.
Behavior with children
The Bergamascos are naturally gentle and protective with children, making them ideal playmates. Their patience and docile nature make them particularly well-suited for families.
Compatibility with Other Animals
Thanks to their past as shepherd dogs, they generally get along well with other animals, especially if they have been socialized from a young age. However, their herding instinct can sometimes lead them to chase or gather other animals in the household.
Grooming needs
Despite their dense coat, Bergamasco Shepherds surprisingly require little grooming. Their natural locks must be separated by hand to prevent matting. Regular brushing is necessary to maintain the cleanliness and health of their coat.
Health
Bergamasco Shepherd dogs are generally robust, but they can be prone to typical problems of large breeds, such as hip dysplasia. Regular check-ups with the veterinarian can help identify and treat these conditions early.
Average price
The price of a Bergamasco Shepherd puppy can vary considerably depending on the pedigree, location, and seriousness of the breeder, but generally they cost between 800 and 1200 euros.
Expenses
Annual expenses for a Bergamo Shepherd include food, veterinary care, insurance, and grooming costs. On average, they can range between 1000 to 1500 euros or approximately 1100 to 1700 dollars.
Name ideas
Choosing a name for a Bergamasco Shepherd can be a pleasant task. For example, Nero, which means "black" in Italian, can correspond to their dark coat. Bella, meaning "beautiful," is perfect for a female dog with a gentle nature. Apollo, the Greek god of music, can be a majestic name for a male.
Legislation and regulation
There are no specific restrictions regarding the Bergamasco Shepherd in most countries. However, it is always advisable to check local regulations regarding pet ownership and care.
Official recognition
The Bergamasco Shepherd is officially recognized by the FCI, which attests to the breed's conformity to international standards. The official club of the breed in Italy is the main organization responsible for its promotion and preservation.
Pedigrees
Pedigrees for the Bergamasco Shepherd are available through official breed clubs, certifying their purity and conformity to the breed standard.
Destination and usage
Historically used as a shepherd dog for guarding and herding flocks, the Bergamasco Shepherd is now valued as a companion and guard dog. Its adaptable and loyal nature makes it a valuable member of many families.
Prohibitions
To this day, there are no specific restrictions or bans regarding the Bergamasco Shepherd in different countries or regions of the world, allowing them to be owned and enjoyed worldwide.
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