Bergamasco Shepherd Dog Breed Information - All You Need To Know

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Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is a unique dog known for its independent spirits, intelligence, and excellent herding skills. Its uniqueness comes from its unique matted, mop-like felted coat. It is an intelligent dog with a heart of gold and other beautiful traits.

You will find it a friendly and social dog that can be your good companion. For its coat’s low shedding property, it is perfect for people with allergies. Its unique looks and talents make it an ideal show dog. The Bergamasco was utilized to herd the sheep, and even to this day, they are used for herding purposes.

Bergamasco Shepherd History

Bergamasco Shepherd is an ancient breed that originated up to 7,000 years ago in Persia. It is an old breed with a less known history. Some beliefs say that this dog is a descendent of the Gallic herder breed, the Briard. A time after World War II, this dog breed almost became extinct.

Breed enthusiasts worked to keep the unique dog breed stable, and they succeeded in their efforts. The hard work of an Italian breeder, Dr. Maria Andreoli, is worth mentioning in this regard. The American Kennel Club accepted Bergamasco Shepherd in its Herding group. Bergamasco is now successfully produced on a large scale in the United States.

Bergamasco Shepherd Characteristics

It is a dog breed that appears unique for its dreadlocked coat. This distinct furry coat is composed of three different hair types, i.e., dog hair, goat hair, and wool. Typically it is available in black, grey, or silvery color combinations. A fringe of hair that falls over their eyes makes them the cutest dog. It is a knowledgeable, friendly, and loyal dog about which you need to know more. So, keep reading!

How Big to Bergamasco Shepherd Get

This pretty dog breed varies in size from being smaller to larger. An adult male Bergamasco Sheepdogs can grow 22 to 24 inches in height at maximum, whereas its female counterpart stands a little shorter, around 20 to 22 inches. The average weight of a male Bergamasco Shepherd is almost 70 and 85 pounds. The females Bergamasco on the other hand, is between 57 and 70 pounds.

How Long Does Bergamasco Shepherd Live

Your Bergamasco Shepherd can live a life of an average dog under standard living conditions. With proper care of the puppy’s health, exercise, and requirements, it can live a whole dog’s life of 13-15 years.

How Much Does a Bergamasco Shepherd Cost

The average cost of a Bergamasco Shepherd is $1000 – $1200. Besides, its food’s daily price is $1.50 – $1.90, which turns up to $39.00 – $52.00 monthly. Your dog’s other expenses include spaying, blood tests, deworming, license, health insurance, medical checkups, collar, leash, etc.

Bergamasco Shepherd Temperament/Personality

The Bergamasco sheepdog is a jolly, friendly dog that is a beautiful companion to have around the house. It is not aggressive at all, and you will see that it is generally excellent with children. As their appearance suggests, Bergamasco Shepherds are gentle and attentive personalities.

The herding instincts of this canine practically draw it to children, circle them, and play with them. However, it can get a bit wary of strangers and new people, but once you make it familiar with them, this problem is resolved. This is why early socialization of your pup is necessary.

The Bergamasco Shepherd tend to get along with other dogs, and they also tend to tolerate cats. Still, you have to keep an eye on and ignore early socialization in this respect. Furthermore, this cutest is not a very active dog with no high exercise needs. Bergamasco can be the right choice if you are looking for low maintenance, the friendly, hypoallergenic family dog.

Caring for Bergamasco Shepherd

Physical care of this herding dog is easy as it is a low maintenance dog. Proper socialization and training at an early age is the part of behavioral conditioning that is essential. Must care for your dog’s calorie intake and nutritional requirements. Following are the other aspects of Bergamasco Shepherd’s care.

Bergamasco Shepherd Nutrition

An ideal Bergamasco Sheepdog diet requires dog kibble formulated for medium- to large-sized breed with medium energy. A fully grown Bergamasco needs 2-3 cups of dry dog food daily. The dietary needs keep on changing from puppyhood to adulthood. It is best to take veterinarian recommendations about your pup’s diet.

How to Groom a Bergamasco Shepherd

While the intricacy of this dog’s coat may seem like a hassle to care for but it is not. Bergamasco Sheepdog puppies have soft fur that is less likely to have mats and tangles. Monthly brushing after bathing is sufficient, but you can also brush the coat weekly for high maintenance. If you need to trim its coat, then don’t go beyond 4 to 5 inches to ensure plenty of furs are left to protect the dog’s skin.

Bergamasco Shepherd Activity Levels

This uniquely looking canine’s activity levels are medium. It is sufficient if you give it 30 minutes of exercise daily. A daily walk of 5 miles can be the best way to keep it active. Training is also necessary to keep your dog’s metabolism at normal levels.

Caring for Bergamasco Shepherd

Bergamasco Shepherd is a very loyal dog that is the best companion dog, and that can be seeking your attention. Make sure to give your dog time and company and arrange active play sessions with it.

Although it is known to be a herding dog, it does not need tons of exercise. Give it at least one good half-hour of walk per day. Monitor its calorie intake and try providing all the required nutrients to your doggy.

Bergamasco Shepherd Health

Bergamasco Sheepdogs are rare and healthy dogs with extended health clearance guarantees. Also, it is believed to be a substantial breed for not being overbred. Still, there are specific health concerns associated with Bergamasco. These include Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, and bloat.

These health concerns can reduce from minimum to zero with proper care of your dog and a routine medical checkup.

Breeds Similar to Bergamasco Shepherd

Best Dog Food for Bergamasco Shepherds

The best dog food for Bergamasco Shepherds is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dog Food. This dog food is applauded for how it has incorporated all premium-quality ingredients essential in maintaining a healthier lifestyle of your Bergamasco Shepherd in this meal. It would be best if you feed your Bergamasco Shepherd with a wholesome meal like this one.

Features natural chicken as its primary ingredient that helps maintain a lean physique
Enriched with glucosamine and other minerals that help strengthen joints
Lacks any complex ingredients or grains, so the recipe is easier to digest

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Best Puppy Food for Bergamasco Shepherds

The best food for Bergamasco Shepherd is Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy Food. Such a meal is ideal for keeping your Bergamasco Shepherd puppy active throughout his puppyhood and have an apt development of muscles and joints. The makers have designed the kibble size smaller, so it would be pretty convenient for your Bergamasco Shepherd puppy to chew such a meal.

The recipe is easier to digest
The meal lacks any fillers
The meal is enriched with proteins, minerals, antioxidants, probiotics, and all such high-quality nutrients that are apt for the healthier development of these dogs

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Best Dog Crate for Bergamasco Shepherds

The best dog crate for Bergamasco Shepherd is MidWest LifeStages Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This crate is an excellent option for both indoor and outdoor use due to its collapsible design. Since the corners are designed to be round, you can safely use it at home for house training without fearing if it will damage your furniture.

Features a well-structured base that is waterproof and durable enough to carry your Bergamasco Shepherd.
The crate is designed using electro-coated wires, so it is rustproof.
The doors are securely-latched to keep your Bergamasco Shepherd safe

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Best Dog Bed for Bergamasco Shepherds

The best dog bed for Bergamasco Shepherd is PetFusion Ultimate Lounge Bolster Dog Bed. The makers have designed this bed using a top-notch memory foam that is known to stay in shape for an extended time. Since the bed is covered using an anti-tear fabric and is machine washable, the bed will maintain its attractive outlook for a long time.

The bed is designed in a way that it does not lose its shape with time.
There are three-bolstered sides to provide a relaxing headrest while ensuring your Bergamasco Shepherd can easily climb his bed
The bed is lined with a water-resistant fabric

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Best Dog Harness for Bergamasco Shepherds

The best dog harness for Bergamasco Shepherds is Mighty Paw Padded Sports Dog Harness. This dog harness is ideal for leash training sessions and can be used for daily walks too. Overall, this harness is designed using high-quality polyester webbing, so it would be a long-term investment and useful for an extended period.