Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco Shepherd is an Italian breed of sheepdog. It was developed by shepherds as herding and guarding dog. A huge, powerful shepherd dog with a long line of ancestors lies beneath the unique coat. But let’s take a closer look as the coat is the breed’s distinguishing feature. The torso and legs of the Bergamasco Sheepdog are covered in naturally occurring loose mats, or “flocks,” of three different hair textures that are knitted together to produce flat layers of felted hair. The flocks offer defense against the ferocious cold and untamed predators of the Italian Alps, the breed’s ancestral home. Bergamascos are intelligent, devoted, loving, and trainable. They develop a calm attentiveness for watching over loved ones. Bergamascos are wary of outsiders unless properly introduced, and they only use force when absolutely necessary.

Males measure around 23 inches in height, while females measure about 22 inches. The usual weight range for dogs is 70 to 84 pounds. Bitches come in the weight range of 57 to 71 pounds.

Bergamascos are generally a healthy breed, with the average life expectancy being 13 to 15 years.

For many years, the Alpine town of Bergamo, close to Milan, has been linked to Bergamasco Sheepdogs. They are among a number of Middle Eastern breeds that were traded in the distant past by the cunning nautical traders known as the Phoenicians throughout the Mediterranean region.

The Bergamasco Sheepdog was accepted into the AKC Stud Book in 2015, which was a victory for the breed’s supporters in the United States.