The Bergamasco Shepherd is an Italian breed of sheepdog. Bergamasco Shepherd is a historic breed that was created by shepherds as a guard and herding dog.
The Bergamasco Shepherd dog is sometimes referred to as the Bergamese Shepherd, Bergamo Shepherd Dog, and Cane da Pastore Bergamasco. They are athletic dogs. Bergamasco Shepherds are generally loyal and affectionate with their families
The clever breed is today regarded as a sociable and amiable companion and show dog. They are most recognized for their distinctive matted, mop-like hair.
Highlights/Content
- History of Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
- Breed Overview
- Appearance
- Temperament
- Health
- Bergamasco Shepherd Dog Care
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- Photo gallery
History of The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
The Bergamasco Shepherd appears to be an ancient breed that existed in Persia as early as 2000 BC. They helped nomadic tribes protect their flocks of sheep in the harsh mountain environment. The first Italian dog show, which took place in Milan in 1881, included this kind of dog.
In 1891, the breed was entered into Libro Origin Italian, Italy’s official dog breeding registry. In 1949, a breed organization was established. The Bergamasco Shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1914.
it is currently known as the Association Amatori del Can da Padre Bergamasco. In 1956, the National Organization of Italian Sinophiles recognized the breed.
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog Overview
- Origin: Italy
- Nick Name: Bergamese Shepherd, Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, and Bergamasco Sheepdog.
- Life Span: 13-15 Years
- Height: 20-24 Inch
- Weight: 55-85 Pound
- Coat: Long, Corded
- Color: Black or gray, Can have black patches
- Litter Size: 6-8 Puppies
- Breed Size: Large
- Energy Level: Medium
- Exercise Need: Medium
- Barking level: Howler
- Breed Group: Herding Dogs
Appearance
The Bergamasco Shepherd is a herding dog breed that originated in Bergamo, near the Italian Alps region. It is a heavy-boned, long-type muscular breed with a well-proportioned body.
Other features include a large head, rounded skull. They have oval shaped eyes and a black nose. They have short triangular shaped ears. The ears consist of a thick slightly curved tail that hangs down to its hocks and a fully matted coat that begins and descends from the spine.
The Bergamasco coat is created to defend it from all types of weather and provide sun protection. It is made of three distinct types of hair, including dog hair, goat hair, and wool.
Temperament
The Bergamasco shepherd makes a great home pet. They have a kind, thoughtful nature that is not hostile in any way. This particular breed can be a little afraid of strangers.
The Bergamasco Shepherd has a touch of a rebellious bent and prefers to do things his own way, despite how eager they are to please their owner. Training that is consistent and strict can help you stop any undesirable behavior.
The temperament of the Bergamasco Shepherd also makes them a fantastic therapy dog for both children and adults. They can be trained to some extent and are eager to please. If they receive the correct amount of exercise and excitement, they will thrive in an apartment situation.
Health
The Bergamasco Shepherds are an overall very healthy dog breed. The only inherited health problem they may be at risk for is hip and elbow problems. Breeders also recommend actively testing for degenerative myelopathy to rule out this spinal disease from the bloodline.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia in dogs is an irregular structure of the hip socket that, in more severe cases, can result in arthritis and joint disability. Environmental influences have an impact on a genetic characteristic.
Degenerative Myelopathy: Dogs with degenerative myelopathy gradually experience muscle weakness and lack of coordination as the condition damages the spinal cord.
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog Care
The Bergamasco Shepherd should have routine veterinarian examinations, like with other dogs, to ensure that any health issues are identified early.
Bergamasco Shepherds are herding dogs, they don’t need a lot of activity. Bergamasco Shepherd should enjoy a few nice, energetic play sessions, short walks, and at least one good, 30- to 60-minute daily walk. High quality food should be given. More attention should be paid to them in training.
Feeding
The premium dog food works nicely for the Bergamasco Shepherd. Every diet should be suitable for the dog’s stage of life, whether it be a puppy, adult, or senior. The stomach of a dog is not physically suited for the fermentation and digestion of carbohydrates.
Grain-free kibble often contains starchy vegetables such as beans, peas and lentils.. Some dogs are more prone to weight gain than others. Their food need to consist of physiologically suitable proteins, healthy fats, ground bones, and vegetables that are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
It is best to feed the puppy 3 or 4 times a day. Depending on activity, dogs weighing 26 kg can be fed between 276 and 363 g. Depending on activity, dogs weighing 32 kg can be fed between 322 g and 424 g. Dogs 38 kg and higher can receive anything between 366 g and 482 g of food, depending on activity.
Exercise
The Bergamasco Shepherd requires just a little daily exercise. They develop strong bonds with their owners. These dogs should engage in at least an hour of physical activity each day, such as walking, jogging, hiking, playing, and other activities.
They take pleasure in dog activities like agility and herding, which may improve them both physically and mentally. The dog should not be left alone in the backyard for this exercise; Instead it should take the shape of some kind of engaging activity.
Bergamascos are often calm, yet they have lots of energy and are eager to participate in nearly any activity with their owners.
Grooming
Grooming is very important for a Bergamasco Shepherd dog. Three hair kinds, including very soft, coarse, and fuzzy, may be found on the Bergamasco Shepherd’s coat.
There will be very little shedding and no brushing is necessary. The flock only has to be bathed a few times per year, and then it should be properly dried using a fan.
Clean their ears as directed by the veterinarian and check them daily for dirt and insects. Normally once or twice a month, trim a dog’s nails to prevent them from growing too long. Periodically brushing their teeth is advised.
Also Read: English Foxhound Dog Breed
Training
This breed needs early socialization and training to prevent the development of negative behaviors. These dogs are quite smart, and they often use positive training techniques effectively.
They see their human partners as equals rather than “alphas” and this can occasionally make them resistant to instruction. It’s critical to socialize the dog early on with a variety of people, dogs, and environments. Its comfort level and confidence will rise as a result, and its protective instinct will be subdued.
Advantages and Disadvantage
Advantage of Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
- This dog is very easy to groom.
- Bergamasco Shepherd is great with children and a wonderful family companion.
- They don’t need a lot of exercise.
Disadvantage of Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
- This can make dog training a challenge.
- Socialization is necessary to make good adjustments with strangers.
- They are aggressive in nature.
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog Photo Gallery
