The Bergamasco Shepherd is a unique breed with a rich history, and their temperament is a reflection of this heritage. They are an ancient breed, originating in the Italian Alps, and were bred to herd sheep.
Bergamasco Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, known for their problem-solving skills and ability to learn quickly. They thrive on mental and physical stimulation, making them a great fit for active families.
One of the standout characteristics of the Bergamasco Shepherd is their strong herding instinct. This means they have a strong desire to chase and gather animals, which can be a challenge for inexperienced dog owners.
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Bergamasco Shepherd Basics
The Bergamasco Shepherd is a wonderful breed to have around the house. They have a gentle, attentive personality that is not aggressive in any way.
They can be a bit wary of strangers and new people, but once they're familiar with the person, there's no problem at all.
The Bergamasco is not a very active dog, which is surprising for a herder, and doesn't have any specific exercise needs.
They're eager to please, but will likely want to do things in their own way, as they were bred to be independent.
If you're looking for a low maintenance dog, the Bergamasco might be the breed for you.
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Physical Characteristics
The Bergamasco Shepherd is a majestic breed with a unique coat that's a hallmark of its physical characteristics.
Their coat is made up of matted, felted hair that forms into clumps or "mats", which can be quite thick and require regular maintenance.
Bergamascos typically weigh between 70 and 85 pounds and stand between 21.5 and 24.5 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their eyes are dark brown and almond-shaped, giving them a wise and alert appearance.
Their ears are triangular and hang down to the side of their head, adding to their intelligent and attentive demeanor.
Their bodies are muscular and athletic, with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs, making them well-suited for herding and working in rugged terrain.
Temperament and Behavior
The Bergamasco shepherd is a wonderful companion to have around the house, with a gentle and attentive personality that's not aggressive in any way.
They may be a bit wary of strangers and new people, but once they're familiar with the person, there's no problem at all.
The Bergamasco is not a very active dog, which is surprising for a herder, and does not have any specific exercise needs. They are eager to please, and can be trained to some extent.
Their independent nature makes them think for themselves, but they still want to please you - just on their own terms.
Bergamasco Shepherd Temperament
The Bergamasco Shepherd Temperament is truly unique. They have a gentle, attentive personality that makes them a wonderful companion.
They're not aggressive in any way, but they can be a bit wary of strangers and new people. This is only temporary, and once they're familiar with the person, there's no problem at all.
Bergamascos are not very active dogs, which is surprising for a herder breed. They don't have specific exercise needs, making them a great choice for families with busy schedules.
They're eager to please, but they also have an independent nature that makes them want to do things their own way. This can be a fun challenge for owners who want to train their Bergamasco.
Bergamascos are highly intelligent and enjoy participating in everything going on around them. They'll respond to each family member in a different way, according to each person's personality.
They're excellent with children, being protective, tolerant, and patient, and establishing a true friendship with them.
Fun Fact
The Bergamasco's unique fur is a standout feature, but it's not the only thing that sets this breed apart. Their fur feels and looks like felt!
This breed's original purpose was to guard and herd sheep in the Italian Alps, and their thick, oily, and corded fur served as a protective barrier against predators. It kept them warm in the harsh mountain climate.
Bergamascos have been used in the Bergamo Valley for hundreds and hundreds of years, and their instincts as herding dogs remain strong. They require early socialization and exposure to people, children, and other pets to curb their instincts.
Despite their intelligence and loyalty, Bergamascos can be challenging for novice dog owners. They need obedience training and plenty of tasks to keep them from getting bored.
In the right environment, Bergamascos thrive. They do well with children and other dogs, and while they're not especially large, they're best suited for suburban or country living.
Breed Overview
The Bergamasco Shepherd is a unique breed with a rich history and distinct characteristics.
They originated in the Italian Alps, where they were valued for their intelligence and protective instincts.
Inherently loyal and gentle, Bergamascos make great family pets for active families.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for herding and agility competitions.
With proper socialization, Bergamascos can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to farms.
History
The Bergamasco Shepherd has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. A dog of this type was exhibited at the first Italian dog show in Milan in 1881.
The breed's early development was documented in the Libro Origini Italiano, the Italian national stud-book for dogs, which registered the breed in 1891.
The breed association, now called the Associazione Amatori del Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, was established in 1949.
The breed gained official recognition in 1956, first by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana and then definitively by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in the same year.
Annual registrations in Italy averaged 97 per year from 2011 to 2019, with a maximum of 149 and a minimum of 48.
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About the Bergamasco
The Bergamasco is an ancient breed with a rich history, originating from the region of Persia, now known as Iran.
The breed's name Bergamasco comes from the Italian Alps region of Bergamo, where the nomadic shepherds settled after leaving Persia.
The Bergamasco has a unique relationship with its owners, not requiring specific commands and cues to herd and protect sheep.
This independence is a result of the breed's intelligence and problem-solving abilities, making them a wonderful show dog, work companion, and family animal.
The Bergamasco is a gentle and attentive breed, not aggressive in any way, but may be wary of strangers and new people.
With time and familiarity, however, they become friendly and welcoming.
The Bergamasco is a relatively low-maintenance breed, not requiring a lot of exercise, which is surprising for a herder.
They are eager to please and can be trained to some extent, but also value their independence and may want to do things their own way.
This breed is perfect for those looking for a friendly, hypoallergenic dog that is good with kids and people of all ages.
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A Breed Nearly Lost
The Bergamasco breed has a rich history that spans thousands of years. It originated in the harsh mountain climates of Persia, now known as Iran, where nomadic shepherds and their dogs tended and herded sheep.
The Bergamasco's ancestors were brought to the Italian Alps by some of these shepherds, and the breed developed from there. The breed's history is deeply connected to its original purpose: herding sheep.
After World War II, the breed's population declined significantly due to a decrease in wool production and a lower demand for shepherding dogs. This left the Bergamasco on the brink of extinction.
Luckily, Dr. Maria Andreoli stepped in to save the breed, re-establishing it through careful breeding and introducing it to the United States.
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