Blog Detail

Group: Herding

Size: 22 - 24 inches

Weight: 57 - 84 pounds

Hypoallergenic: Yes

Lifespan: 13 - 15 years

Behavior

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is another particular breed - they are smart, calm, and watchful dogs who love Mid Day Walks. Of the herding group, the breed started as a herding dog with the inhabitants of the Italian Alps with appropriate temperaments for tending the sheep and forming strong bonds with people. These behaviors show that they are loyal and part of independence, making them suitable for those who have time to attend to them. In general, Bergamascos are intelligent dogs with a good command of problem-solving. In most cases, there will be a strong sense of responsibility. They are guard dogs but not aggressive; hence, they will protect you and your property vigilantly. They do not show or feel much emotion at any one time but can turn aggressive when they feel a danger to their family or house.

This breed is fairly sociable but may be suspicious of strangers because they are guard dogs. As directed, they are socialized and gentle towards kids and other animals with other people. Bergamascos are very much attached to people and other dogs and can develop depression if not attended to for hours. They also have a distinct coat, which develops loose mats over time and doesn’t need much attention. This breed’s friendly, reliable, and calm conduct makes the Bergamasco Sheepdog a perfect solution for a loving family.

History

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is an ancient and other-worldly breed that originated in the Alpine zone of Italy, with the city of Bergamo giving the breed its name. It is suggested that this breed evolved from shepherd dogs which were probably brought to Europe by nomadic tribes from the Near East in the early millennia. These dogs were primarily used to help shepherds guard and control cattle in the difficult and unfavorable countryside of the Italian Alps. Intelligent, hard-working, resilient, and nimble, Bergamascos were crucial in protecting stock and their proper cattle management. The uniqueness of their body, a long, well-kempt coat with matted, tangled “flocks” looking like dreads, protected them from harsh climate and predators. This coat also depicted the breed's flexibility because it was easy to groom and camouflage with the rocky environment.

The Bergamasco Sheepdog came near extinction in the mid-twentieth century due to reduced traditional farming in Italy. But those people who appreciate this specific breed make sure to work against the numbers. They were an integral part of the assortment of great efforts to help it return to the ranks of widespread animals, and save its gene pool and the peculiarities of its further evolution. Today, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is valued for its historical qualities and potential as a working and companion animal performing tasks such as herding, therapy, and being a beloved pet.

Exercise

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is smart and very high-spirited and requires regular exercise. This working dog needs exercise every day and playing regularly will help them to stay healthy and develop their mind. This should include short Mid Day Walks alongside free play and herding or agility-type exercise. Such dogs also like to perform problem-solving tasks that should engage their intelligence. As from their origins originating from the region, they are well suited for large open spaces for grazing and exploring. Lack of activity will make the Bergamascos develop boredom or other vices that they will exhibit. Any given activity does not just help to fortify their relationship with owners but also guarantees happiness, good health and temperance of these furballs.

Training

Socializing a Bergamasco Sheepdog is going to take time and consistency. Closely related to the Belgian Shepherd, the Bergamascos are sophisticated dogs that are best trained when encouraged to conform to certain behaviors. It is very important because it will also help to make them gain confidence and not be shy. These dogs are active, and need mentally challenging work, so problem-solving challenges and obedience work is done. Sometimes, it can be inconvenient because you won’t deal with them directly all the time, but having well-defined boundaries creates a healthy partnership. When Bergamascos have an owner-handler bond, it becomes apparent that they are a highly successful breed because of their loyalty and intelligence. Such means entail a well-mannered and happy-going companion through other training periods.

Looks & Health

The Bergamasco Sheepdog has a very special coat, a mix of long, dense, and tangled ropes bundled together in groups that look like dreadlocks. This coat also offers good warmth and shield against tough weather conditions. The breed is medium to large with nicely chiseled muscles, broad head and large round soft eyes, full of intelligence and love. Bergamasco’s coat can be of solid grey, combined with shades of merle or black, and sometimes speckled lighter. It has a kind of country-crunched, fluffy look, which makes it look even cuter!

Bergamasco Sheepdogs display good health conditions which result in a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. As a long-lasting breed the Bergamasco Sheepdog lacks any hereditary health issues. The pet-parents are encouraged to keep tabs on their exercise and give them a balanced diet to be healthy. Thanks to the mats of hair, wool, and goat-like feel, the coat of Sheepdog needs careful grooming to avoid skin problems. However, regular checkups and timely vaccinations to help prevent future sicknesses are the way to keep them healthy inside. Bergamascos have been known to suffer from most of the aches that can affect several dog breeds, like hip dysplasia or eye issues, thus, early diagnostics are helpful. When given appropriate attention like Express Anal Glands Services, they grow into obedient, energetic, and healthy animals.

Food and Nutrition

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is an active working breed with individual caloric and nutritional necessities. Their meals should be healthy since they are active - protein from chicken, beef, lamb, or fish should form part of their diet. The energy required by the body comes from carbohydrate food sources including sweet potatoes, quinoa, fish oil, or flaxseed that supply beneficial fats that help support coat and skin wellness. Humans need essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 for their skin because they help keep skin moist and act as inflammation reducers. Each feeding session should align with each individual's age and weight status and activity level rather than observe their visual appearance. It is advised to always make sure your pet baby always has fresh water and should consult the vet regularly for Pet Anal Gland Expression Services USA.

Conclusion

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a unique and sturdy breed with peculiarities of coat and character and the excellence of a herder. Being hard-working and guarding instincts, this smart and clever breed can be used for herding, especially for livestock and a family companion dog. Despite this, their natural and thick matted coat that needs frequent grooming indicates that this breed hails from the Italian Alps region. The dog does require time to be groomed and trained but those willing to spend their time and efforts will find themselves with a true companion that is loyalty and affection in their hands, great for an active family. For more information on Pet Anal Gland Expression Services USA, visit PawNanny.com!