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Bergamasco

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Bergamasco (Black, Muzzle)
Black, Muzzle

Breed Information

Popularity

2022: #179

2021: #179

2020: #173

2019: #180

2018: #187

2017: #181

2016: #184

2015: #174

Name Bergamasco
Other names Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Bergermaschi
Origin Italy
Breed Group Herding (AKC:2015 & UKC)
Size Large
Type Purebred
Life span 13-15 years
Temperament

Determined

Quiet

Patient

Vigilant

Height 22-24 inches (54-62 cm)
Weight

Male: 70-84 pounds (32-38 kg)

Female: 57-71 pounds (26-32 kg)

Colors

Black

Gray

Litter Size 6-10 puppies
Puppy Prices

Average $1000 - $2000 USD

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is classed as a rare dog breed and is therefore expensive to buy. The average price of a Bergamasco puppy from a reputable breeder will range between $1,000 and $2,000. That makes him a great family pet if you can find one!

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

5 stars

Apartment Friendly

3 stars

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.

Barking Tendencies

2 stars

Occassional

Cat Friendly

3 stars

Child Friendly

5 stars

Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.

Dog Friendly

3 stars

Exercise Needs

4 stars

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.

Grooming

2 stars

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.

Health Issues

2 stars

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Intelligence

2 stars

Ranking: # Full Ranking List

Playfulness

3 stars

Shedding Level

1 stars

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.

Stranger Friendly

2 stars

Trainability

2 stars

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.

Watchdog Ability

4 stars

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Bergamasco Puppy (Black & Gray, Muzzle)
Black & Gray, Muzzle

Bergamasco Names

Rank Boy Names Girl Names
01 Charlie Bella
02 Louie Lola
03 Ollie Molly
04 Finn Chloe
05 Rocco Luna
06 Brody Coco
07 Bo Lexi
08 Sam Abbie
09 Hank Stella
10 Loki Nala
100 Cute Puppy Names ›

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.

History

The Bergamasco has ancient origins. In fact, it comes from that stock of shepherds and cattle dogs that spread from the Orient to the Western world after migrations of the nomad populations and their herds. The exchange of the dogs took place when the sheep were sold. The progenitor of the Bergamasco Shepherd found its most suitable cradle in our country in the territory of the Alpine Arc, where sheep herding was very developed, and in the Po Basin of Piedmont and Lombardy, where they went for wintering. The Bergamasco was selected exclusively for its work aptitude and for a long time its bloodlines were kept a secret by the shepherds. The breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 2015.

References

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