Bergamasco
USD $1000-$1300 Price Avg.
Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs)
Group
Purebred
Breed Type
Large
Size
13-15 years
Lifespan
Breed Information
| Group | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) |
|---|---|
| Popularity/Rank | 181 |
| Origin | Italy |
| Other Names | Bergamasco, Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, Bergermaschi, Cane da pastore Bergamasco |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Price (Avg.) |
USD $1000-$1300
How much does it cost to buy a Bergamasco? Bergamasco are usually priced differently from breeder to breeder and from place to place. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay between $1000 to $1300 if you purchase your dog from a reputable breeder. The price will increase if the dog has a fantastic pedigree. Dogs that already have basic training maybe even more expensive. But, most Bergamascos can be adopted through a shelter for a lower fee. |
| Size | Large |
| Weight |
Male: 70-84 pounds (32-38 kg),
Female: 57-71 pounds (26-32 kg) |
| Height | 22-24 inches (54-62 cm) |
| Lifespan | 13-15 years |
| Recognized by |
AKC
The American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed. And Not recognized by FCI. |
| Purpose | herding |
| Date of Origin | ancient times |
| Ancestry | Cattle dogs, Sheepdogs |
Appearance & Maintenance
| Coat | Dense, Fine |
|---|---|
| Coat Colors | Grey |
| Grooming Level | |
| Shedding Level | |
| Eye Color Possibilities | Brown |
| Nose Color Possibilities | Black |
| Coat Color Possibilities | Black, Gray, Silver |
| Coat Length | Large |
| Coat Density | Dense |
| Coat Texture | Corded |
| Recommended Brushes | Nail Clipper, Scissors |
| Brushing Frequency | Monthly |
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Determined, Patient, Peaceful, Quiet, Vigilant |
|---|---|
| Intelligent | |
| Trainability | |
| Playfulness | |
| Sensitivity Level | |
| Affection Level | |
| Social Interaction Required | |
| Barking | |
| Watchdog Ability | |
| Territorial | |
| Biting Force | Low |
| Mouthiness | |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | |
| Prey Drive | |
| Adaptability | |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | |
| Fighting Dog | Not really |
Good & Friendly with
| Apartment Life Friendly | |
|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly | |
| Kid-Friendly | |
| Cat Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| Office Friendly | No |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | |
| Pet Friendly | |
| Friendly with First Time Owners | No |
| Service Dog | Not really |
| Therapy Dog | Not really |
| Detection, Sniffer or Security Dog | Not really |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) | Not really |
| Boat Dog | Not really |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog | Not really |
Health Elements
| Health Issues | |
|---|---|
| Health Problems | Bloat, Joint Dysplasia, Skin Allergies |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Energy Level | |
| Exercise Required | |
| Sleeping Required | |
| Weight Gain Potential | |
| Weather & Climate | Prefers average to cold weather conditions |
| Stinkiness | Medium |
| Drooling tendency | |
| Activity Level | Moderate |
| Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week | 5 miles |
| Minutes of Activity Per Day | 30 minutes |
Food & Costing
| Avg. Daily Food | 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
|---|---|
| Cups Per Day | 3 cups |
| Daily Cost | $1.50 - $1.90 |
| Monthly Cost | $39.00 - $52.00 |
Reproducibility
| Gestation Duration | 60-64 days |
|---|---|
| How often can the Bergamasco have a litter? | Once a year. |
| Litter Size | 6-10 puppies (Once a year.) |
Description
The Bergamasco dog is a large, shaggy breed of herding dog that originated in the Italian Alps. It is known for its unique coat, which consists of long, thick mats of hair that cover its entire body. The Bergamasco has a strong and muscular build and is an intelligent and loyal companion.
Appearance: The Bergamasco has a distinctive appearance with its long, thick coat of hair covering its entire body. Its head is broad with almond-shaped eyes and ears that hang close to the head. Its muzzle is short and wide with a black nose. The tail is usually docked to about half its original length but can be left natural if desired.
Lifespan, Size, Weight & Colors: The average lifespan of the Bergamasco dog is between 10-14 years old. They typically weigh between 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg) and stand at 22-26 inches (56-66 cm) tall at the shoulder when fully grown. They come in various colors including black, gray, white or brownish gray with some having white markings on their chest or feet.
Personality: The Bergamasco dog has an even temperament and loves to please their owners making them easy to train for obedience tasks such as herding livestock or performing tricks for entertainment purposes. They are also very loyal companions who will protect their family from any perceived danger without hesitation or aggression towards strangers or other animals they may encounter while out on walks or hikes together.
Friendliness: This breed tends to be friendly towards other dogs as well as children when properly socialized from an early age but may be wary around strangers until they get used to them over time due to their protective nature towards their family members first and foremost above all else. As far as other animals go they should not be trusted around cats unless raised together since they have a strong prey drive due to their herding instincts which could lead them into chasing after small animals like cats if given the chance so it’s best not take any risks in this regard if possible!
Temperament: The Bergamasco dog has an even temperament overall but can become stubborn at times when it comes to training so patience will be needed when teaching them new commands or tricks! They are also quite independent thinkers so it’s important not to let them get away with too much otherwise they may start thinking that they are in charge instead of you!
Health: Generally speaking this breed does not suffer from many health issues however there have been reports of hip dysplasia occurring in some individuals so regular checkups should still be done just in case anything arises later down the line that needs addressing sooner rather than later!
Adaptability Level & Benefits as Pets: This breed does well living both indoors and outdoors depending on your preference however due to their size it would probably be best suited for those who have larger homes where there’s plenty of room for them roam around freely without feeling cramped up all day long! As far as benefits go these dogs make great companions who will always stay by your side no matter what life throws your way plus they love being active outdoors whether it’s going on hikes together or playing fetch at the park – either way you won’t ever feel bored when you have one around!
History
The Bergamasco is a large, shaggy-coated herding dog from the mountainous regions of Italy. The breed is believed to be descended from the ancient Roman Molossian dogs, and was used for centuries by shepherds in the Alps to protect their flocks from predators. By the early 1900s, however, the Bergamasco was on the brink of extinction, as mechanization and changes in farming practices made sheepherding less labor-intensive and less need for such a large and formidable guard dog. In an effort to save the breed, a few dedicated Italian fanciers began crossbreeding the remaining Bergamascos with other shaggy-coated breeds such as the Briard and Puli. The resulting dogs were recognized as a new breed, the Bergamasco Sheepdog, by the Italian Kennel Club in 1948.
The Bergamasco quickly became popular in its native Italy, and soon after gained recognition from major kennel clubs around Europe. In recent years, the breed has become increasingly popular in North America and other parts of the world. The Bergamasco is still relatively rare compared to other breeds, but its numbers are slowly but steadily increasing as more people discover this unique and wonderful breed.
The Bergamasco is an intelligent and loyal companion that makes an excellent family pet. They are also still used as working dogs on some farms and ranches, where their herding instincts and protective nature can be put to good use. If you are looking for a dog that is both beautiful and unique, then the Bergamasco Sheepdog might just be the perfect breed for you!
