Pastoral

Bergamasco – The Dreadlocked Italian Sheepdog

Bergamasco – The Dreadlocked Italian Sheepdog

Bergamasco – Pastoral

Bergamasco

Image: volofin/Shutterstock.com

Name Bergamasco - Pastoral
Size Medium
Grooming Moderate
Training Easy
Exercise Daily / 1 hour a day
Origins Italy

The Bergamasco

Bergamasco

Image: godrick/Shutterstock.com

The Original Shaggy Italian Sheepdog.

 

Quick Overview

Name:                                                  The Bergamasco

Size:                                                       Up to 24 inches tall

Weight:                                                No more than 84 pounds

Grooming:                                          Maintenance-free coat

Exercise:                                             Low to  Moderate, surprisingly for their size

Training:                                               They are on the stubborn side of moderate

Origins:                                                 Bergamo, a small town near Milan

Lifespan:                                              13-15 years typically

Breed Type:                                        Pastoral (herding group)

History of the Bergamasco Dog Breed

The history of this breed of dog goes all the way back to the early Phoenicians, who bartered these dogs in trades all throughout Europe. this would have been in Roman times, so around the 0 AD mark. If you ask an Italian, they will tell you that the Romans brought this breed to the Italian mountains, where it was used to breed the Briard and the other Italian sheepdogs. A historian will tell you that the German Shepherd and the Berger Picard are cousins with the Bergamasco breed.

What we do know is that they were native to this tiny town near Milan for centuries. The modern breed was developed sometime before 1859 and genetic tests have shown it shares DNA with some 5 other sheepdogs in rural Italy. We can, therefore, conclude that it has been cross-bred around the country to various degrees.




What made this breed so appealing to shepherds? Their unique, three-layered coat keeps them warm and dry come rain or shine. Their broad, muscular frame allows them to have minimal injuries while watching the herds. They are capable of being left on their own or of being closely trained. They are close to the ground, allowing them to be perfectly suited to the Italian alps. That triple-thick, dreadlock coat comes in handy at high altitudes. Their resilience, balance, and watchful patience, all work to make them the ideal mountain sheepdog.

They don’t do quite so well in terms of high temperatures, so if you live in a hot climate, please reconsider the breed you choose or keep them short haired. In 2015 the studbook was opened in the AKC for this breed, a major score for the devotees who love the Bergamasco so much. The breed has been known to the UK Kennel Club for quite some time.

Fun Facts About your Bergamasco Puppy!

You might not realise it, but if you were to purchase one of these fine animals, you would be the owner of a puppy full of surprises. The Bergamasco is a fascinating breed… Here are some of the Five Minutes Spare favourite fun facts to prove it:

  • You can join your very own club as an owner of this exclusive sheepdog breed, as long as you live in America. They are actually beautiful, so it’s no wonder.
  • What we know about this breeds health is limited. There just haven’t been enough studies because all the dogs are over in the Italian Alps, working.
  • They don’t shed and their coat will get WORSE if you brush it.
  • The coat of a Bergamasco won’t start coming in fully until the dog is a year old. It then needs to be formed into flat matts so that it comes in without annoying them. This only needs done once in the dog’s lifetime. After it is finished, you don’t ever need to brush them again.
  • The Bergamasco is the couch potato of the dog world being of the take it or leave it attitude where exercise is concerned. Mind you they will take it if offered.

The Bergamasco is an extraordinary looking dog with a wonderful history as a hard-working protector. Make the most of this beautiful breed and cherish every second!

Are they Hard to Train?

They are on the stubborn side so make sure you get them obedience training as pups. This comes from being left out on the hillsides all night to guard the herds and isn’t intentional. They were bred to operate independently sometimes. Make sure you socialise them and it won’t be a problem.

How Much Exercise does my new Bergamasco Dog need?

For the size of the dog, surprisingly little. For a medium breed we would normally recommend a 2 hour window every day for walks. Reportedly, this breed is just as happy chilling on the couch as it is one a five mile walk. It’s probably something to do with their coat and overheating…

Do I Brush Them?

No! Let's repeat that just in case you thought it was a typo, NO! Their fur comes in three forms. Dog, goat, and wool. Each of these three forms has a different purpose – but all need to be blended into one dreadlock to keep the dog warm and dry. When its coat gets wet it acts like a jacket, so that the dog can endure some pretty extreme cold. Again, if you live somewhere warm consult a vet before you buy a Bergamasco puppy, just to be on the safe side (after all would you wear a heavy coat in 90degree temperatures?)



Health Concerns Associated with the Bergamasco Breed of Dog

There are only two known issues according to the AKC, and those are Hip and Elbow Dysplasia. This disease isn’t usually diagnosable until the dog is around a year old and the bones have grown. It means that the hip or elbow hasn’t formed properly, and the dog is in pain. They may need an operation in later life to correct it.

Where Can I Buy One?

Always choose a reputable breeder, the best of which you can find through your local kennel club. If you do things this way, you will have the proper documentation for your dog, and you will have access to its family history. This gives you advance warnings of health problems. Alternatively, by your dog from a rescue centre. You can reserve a breed type by calling them and having them alert you if one becomes available. Since this is a particularly rare breed you will have better luck with the kennel club option. The main thing is that you avoid any breeder who cannot provide you with paperwork as they may be puppy farmers.

Browse Other Dog Breeds

Still haven’t found the ideal dog breed to match your lifestyle and commitments? That’s fine. Head on over to the Five Minutes Spare dog directory and browse to your heart’s content. It will only take a few minutes and you might end up finding a friend for life.



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