Bergamasco Sheepdog

Ciao, Bello! The Bergamasco dog is from the mountain area around Bergamo, Italy. They are descendants of Asian sheepdogs brought from the Middle East by the Phoenicians in pre-Roman times. This breed likely contributed to other heavy-coated, solid, herding breeds throughout Europe. Their greasy, flat mats that make up their coats protect the dogs from weather, wind, and predators. The breed has become increasingly rarer since World War II but came to America around 30 years ago.

Those who have previously trained and owned sheepdogs that like to guard will do well with Bergamascos. They do require a lot of work to train and exercise, but you’ll be rewarded handsomely with a striking, affectionate, and cuddly dog. Grooming is not a lot of effort until it is, once or twice a year. Their dreadlocks can take hours to dry, so be prepared for that, and the dog scent that comes along with infrequent baths.

They need at least an hour of exercise a day, although ideally, an owner will shoot for more—the Bergamasco will take as much outside time as offered to them. Mental stimulation in the form of training, puzzle solving, and games can help round out their exhaustion. They are mountain working dogs, so expect a lot of stamina.

If eau de doggie isn’t your style, then the Bergamasco might not be for you. They tend to smell like dog and their dreadlocks cannot be washed and dried as frequently as other dogs might. Bergamasco owners might want to divide their house into “dog-friendly” zones to avoid the entire house smelling of them—unless you’re ok with that, of course! Grooming requirements are relatively low but be prepared to have a dedicated space to wash and dry them once or twice a year, such as a mud room. They do best in large homes in rural settings with big, fenced-in backyards. They are agile workers, who crave frequent off-leash escapades outside.

The Bergamasco’s coat will stop you in your tracks, mop-like and striking. It requires different grooming at different stages of development, with a fully mature coat taking three years to develop its signature dreadlocks. Once the mats are formed around three years of age, the coat needs little attention. Brush it twice a month, and give the dog a bath once or twice a year and the Bergamasco will be happy and healthy. Around five years of age the coat will reach the floor. At that point, check for debris that can be swept up along walks or excess food. Doing this daily will prevent you from having to wash and dry your Bergamasco, which could take hours.

The Bergamasco is an intelligent and independent-minded sheepdog who responds well to positive reinforcement. They are quick to identify training weaknesses among their handlers, and like teenagers, might behave entirely differently for one person than another. They get A+ marks in sports and activities that make the most of their herding instincts. Train them with a reliable recall so that they don’t wander off trying to herd and gather animals, other pets, or even small children.

The Bergamasco loves to herd and gather, and very small children could be considered “livestock” by the dog and treated as such without extensive training and supervision. They do best in homes with older or no children but are friendly enough that they can make it as family pets so long as they have ample access to the outdoors to exercise and cavort around.

The cost of a Bergamasco Sheepdog from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.