Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog originates from Italy, known for its distinctive matted coat. The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog comes from Italy, typically weighs Males, and has a felted on the main parts of the body coat. Individual Bergamasco Shepherd Dogs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Italy
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- felted on the main parts of the body
- Colour
- from pale grey to black
About the Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog originates from Italy, known for its distinctive matted coat. Males typically weigh 66-77 pounds and stand 22-24 inches tall.
Overview
The Bergamasco Shepherd , also known as the Bergamasco Sheepdog and in Italian : Cane da Pastore Bergamasco , is an Italian breed of sheepdog . It is associated with the Alpine and pre-Alpine regions of northern Italy, where it was traditionally used to move and manage sheep and cattle.
History
The origins of the Pastore Bergamasco are unknown. : 200 : 336 In 1781, G. von Albertini described Bergamasco shepherds on the Splügenberg using large dogs with long, wool-like hair to guard and drive their flocks; during migration, individual dogs could be entrusted with groups of sheep. : 299 In 1809, Johann Jakob Römer and Heinrich Rudolf Schinz similarly described large, long-haired dogs as faithful helpers of Bergamasco shepherds, with individual dogs sometimes entrusted with groups of sheep. A genetic study in 2018 found evidence of haplotypes shared with other European breeds including the Berger Picard , the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Briard . A dog of this type was exhibited at the first Italian dog show in Milan in 1881. The first registration of the breed in the Libro Origini Italiano – the Italian national stud-book for dogs – was either in 1891 or in 1898. : 198 During the first half of the twentieth century, war, changing agricultural economics and the decline of transhumant sheep husbandry reduced the working environment that had sustained the dogs. During the development of the modern registered breed, Pietro Rota acquired Alpino di Valle Imagna from a shepherd; Alpino became an Italian champion, an influential sire and an important reference dog when a breed standard was drafted in 1946. A breed association , now called the Associazione Amatori del Cane da Pastore Bergamasco , was established in 1949. Early preservation and breeding efforts included Pietro Rota’s Valle Imagna, Luigi Guidobono Cavalchini’s Valle Scrivia and Maria Schreiber-von Albertini’s Brahama kennels. The breed was recognised by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana in 1956, and was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in the same year. It was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 2015. : 105 In the nine years from 2011 to 2019, annual registrations in Italy averaged 97 per year, with a maximum of 149 and a minimum of 48.
Characteristics
The Bergamasco is a robust and rustic dog of medium size, solidly built and well proportioned. In outline, the body ranges from nearly square to slightly longer than tall. Dogs stand some 58–62 cm at the withers , and weigh about 32–38 kg ; bitches are about 4 cm smaller, and weigh on average 6 kg less. The coat is long and thick, and covers every part of the dog. Particularly on the hind part of the body, it forms long matted locks which provide good protection from bad weather; on the fore part of the body the hair is coarse and forms wavy ringlets like those of a goat, while the hair on the head is rather finer. The coat may be of any shade of grey, from very pale to matt black; some tinges of isabella or fulvous colour are allowable.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Bergamasco Shepherd Dog?
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is a robust and rustic dog of medium size, with a solid build and well-proportioned body. It has a medium length, ranging from nearly square to slightly longer than tall. Males stand 58-62 cm at the withers, weighing 32-38 kg, while females are slightly smaller.
Is the Bergamasco Shepherd Dog a good family dog?
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is generally a loyal and protective breed, but its strong herding instinct may not make it the best fit for families with very young children. Early socialization and training are crucial to ensure a harmonious household. With proper care and attention, it can be a loving companion.
What health problems do Bergamasco Shepherd Dogs have?
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.
How much does a Bergamasco Shepherd Dog puppy cost?
The cost of a Bergamasco Shepherd Dog puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, you can expect to pay between $800 and $2,000 for a puppy from a reputable breeder. Be prepared for additional costs such as spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Where do Bergamasco Shepherd Dogs come from?
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog comes from Italy. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.