Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Bergermaschi
Overview
A sheepdog with a strong work ethic, the Bergamasco's most unique characteristic is its coat, which contains "dog hair," "goat hair" and "wool" that combine to form black or gray felt-like mats. The mats grow over the course of the dog's life, reaching the ground at approximately 6 years of age. The coat can actually smell like a sweater when it is wet. But despite its formidable appearance, the Bergamasco is really a trim, athletic sheepdog.
The Bergamasco is an alert, observant and patient dog breed with good self-control and balance. This breed is suited even as a guard and companion dog. The Bergamasco establishes close bond with his owner. Aggressive or overly shy behavior is a fault.
| Size | Large |
| Height | 22-24 inches (54-62 cm) |
| Weight | Male: 70-84 pounds (32-38 kg)Female: 57-71 pounds (26-32 kg) |
| Lifespan | 13-15 years |
| Colors | Black Gray |
| Origin | Italy |
| Classification | Purebred |
| Good Lapcat |
| Good In Apartments |
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is best suited for seasonal to cold climates. Given its dense coat which provides protection from the elements of the climate, it is not uncommon to find the Bergamasco spending its nights sleeping outdoors. The Bergamasco Sheepdog would not do well in apartment living, rather a house with a yard to provide for daily exercise. |
| Good With Children |
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Good With Dogs |
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| Good With Cats |
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| Exercise Needs |
The Bergamasco enjoys the outdoors and will exercise on its own accord if it lives and works 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. |
| Trainability |
Difficult Training: Training will be difficult, which might not be suitable for a first time dog owner. Patience and perseverance are required to adequately train it. Professional obedience schools can also be helpful. |
| Affectionate |
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| Playfulness |
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| Grooming Requirements |
Low Maintenance: It is actually different types of hair that form flat mats that feel like felt. This coat needs attention at one year of age to create the mats by pulling apart the hairs. Seek out a breed expert to help you in this process. Bathing is only required 1-3 times per year. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your pet. Their strong fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly. |
| Shedding |
Minimal Shedding: This dog will shed a negligible amount. Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with dog hair in their cars and homes. |
| Vocalization/Barking |
Occassional |