Bergamascos are gentle dogs that make great family pets. They are easy to train and have a lot of personality. Keep reading to learn more about the Bergamasco dog breed!
Bergamasco Dog Breed: History
The Bergamasco is a large, shaggy-coated herding dog from the Bergamo province of Italy. Bred to work in the Alps, this dog is an agile and athletic breed with a natural instinct for herding. Though not well known outside of its native land, the Bergamasco is a versatile breed that excels at a variety of tasks, including agility, tracking dogs and as shepherds of the flocks.
The Bergamasco’s exact origins are unknown, but the breed is thought to be descended from ancient herding dogs of the Middle East and Asia. The first documented mention of this dog dates back to the 14th century, when the Italian writer Giovanni Francesco Ferrari wrote about a “large and shaggy” dog in his work Il Libro dei Cani.
The Bergamasco remained a relatively unknown breed until the late 20th century, when an Italian breeder named Piero Scanziani began working to promote and preserve the breed. The Bergamasco was officially recognized by the Italian Kennel Club in 2000 and by the United Kennel Club in 2013.
Today, the Bergamasco is still relatively rare outside of its native Italy, though the breed is growing in popularity thanks to its versatile nature and friendly temperament.
Bergamasco’s Personality Traits and Temperament
Bergamasco is a very loyal and loving dog. He is also quite independent and will often do things on his own without being asked. These dogs are known for their calm and relaxed personality, as well as their gentle nature. They make great companion dogs and are usually good with children. Bergamascos typically have a medium to high energy level and need daily exercise, but they are not overly active dogs.
Their calm and relaxed personality can be helpful in stressful situations such as during a move or when meeting new people.
Bergamasco’s Appearance, Size and Coat
The Bergamasco is a large and shaggy dog, with a thick coat that covers the entire body. The coat is made up of three types of hair: long, woolly guard hairs; short, dense undercoat; and coarse, bristly outer hairs. The coat can be any color, but is most commonly seen in shades of gray, black, or brown.
The Bergamasco is a large dog, standing 24-29 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 60-80 pounds. The head is round and wide, with small, triangular ears that lie close to the head. The eyes are small and dark, set wide apart in the head. The tail is thick and muscular, and is carried low when the dog is at rest.
How to Train a Bergamasco
If you’re interested in training a Bergamasco, it’s important to know that these dogs are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Start with basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Be sure to reward your Bergamasco for following these commands with plenty of treats and praise.
- Socialize your dog early and often. This breed loves being around people and other animals, so it’s important to expose them to as many different situations as possible.
- Bergamascos are known for their herding instincts, so consider enrolling your dog in a dog class or another type of dog sport. This will give them an outlet for their energy and help them stay mentally stimulated.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to successfully training your Bergamasco. Just remember to be patient, consistent, and always use positive reinforcement.
Bergamasco’s Socialization
Bergamasco puppies undergo a very specific socialization process in order to ensure that they grow up into well-adjusted adult dogs. From the time they are born, Bergamasco puppies are exposed to a variety of different people, animals, and environments. This helps them learn how to interact with their human and animal family members, as well as other people and animals they may encounter in their lives. This process also helps to ensure that Bergamasco puppies will be confident and well-adjusted dogs.
How to Groom Bergamascos
Bergamascos are one of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world. They have long, luxurious coats that need to be groomed regularly to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips on how to groom your shaggy friend:
- Start by brushing their coat thoroughly to remove any knots, mats, and tangles.
- Use a quality dog shampoo to lather up their coat and rinse thoroughly.
- Dry their coat with a towel or hair dryer, taking care to avoid getting the fur too hot.
- Comb through their coat once it is completely dry to remove any remaining loose hair.
- Trim their hair around their paws, ears, and tail as needed. Be careful not to cut too close to the skin.
- Finally, give them a good rubdown to help them look and feel their best!
Bergamasco’s Perfect Diet
Bergamascos are a unique breed of dog that have specific dietary needs. They are bred to be herding dogs, and need a diet that is high in protein and fat. Their diet should also include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as a good quality dog food. Puppies need a diet that is especially high in protein, as they are growing and developing. Owners of this dog should make sure their pet’s diet is tailored to their specific needs in order to ensure their health and well-being.
One of the most important things to remember when feeding a Bergamasco is that they are a working dog and need plenty of high-quality protein. Puppies should have a diet that is especially high in protein, as they are growing and developing. A diet too low in protein can lead to health problems like developmental orthopedic disease. Adult Bergamasco’s should have a diet that is around 25-30% protein, while puppies should have a diet that is closer to 40%.
Bergamasco’s Exercise Needs
The Bergamasco is a dog that was bred to herd sheep. They are a very active breed and need plenty of exercise. One great way to give your dog a good workout is by playing fetch with them. They will love chasing after the ball or toy and will get a lot of physical activity in the process. Another option is to take them for a long walk or run. This will help keep them in good physical shape and also mentally stimulated. By providing your Bergamasco with plenty of exercise, you will help ensure that they stay happy and healthy.
Bergamasco: General Health
The Bergamasco is a breed that is known for its health issues. Some of the health issues that this breed can suffer from include:
- Hip dysplasia – this is a condition in which the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, which can lead to pain and arthritis.
- Eye problems – these sheepdogs can suffer from a variety of eye problems, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and entropion.
- Ear infections – the Bergamasco’s floppy ears are prone to getting infected, which can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort.
- Allergies – this breed can be prone to allergies, which can cause a variety of problems, including skin problems, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Skin problems – the Bergamasco can suffer from a variety of skin problems, including yeast infections, seborrhea oleosa, and demodectic mange.
- Gastrointestinal issues – these dogs can suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and bloat.
By knowing about these health issues, you can help to keep your Bergamasco healthy and happy.
Bergamasco Dog – How to Choose a Breeder, Price
There are many things to consider when choosing a breeder for your Bergamasco. One of the most important is finding a reputable breeder who is dedicated to breeding healthy dogs and placing them in loving homes.
The price of a Bergamasco puppy will vary depending on the place, but you should expect to pay somewhere in the range of $1,000 to $1,500. It is important to remember that you get what you pay for, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
When selecting a breeder, be sure to ask lots of questions. Find out about the puppy’s parents and their health history. Ask to see the puppy’s pedigree and be sure to visit the breeder’s home to see where the puppies are raised.
By following these tips, you can find a reputable place who will provide you with a healthy, well-socialized pup that will make a great addition to your family. So, is this shaggy and affectionate giant a perfect breed for your home?
Similar Posts:
- Medium Dog Breeds – Best Medium-Sized Dogs for Families
- Havashu Puppies (Havanese and Shih Tzu Mix): Temperament, Needs and Price Information
- The Australian Retriever: A Comprehensive Guide to the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog – Furry Giant Puppy with a Lot of Love to Give. Dog Breed Profile & Temperament
- Jackweiler: Adorable Mix of Rottweiler and Jack Russell Terrier. Is It a Perfect Guard Dog?
- Rotterman Dog Breed: Strength of Doberman and Loyalty of Rottweiler
- Doberman Shepherd – German Shepherd And A Doberman Mix
- The Swedish Vallhund Dog Breed Broken Down for You. The Perfect Dog with Great Breed Characteristics
