Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced lifestyle, an appropriate diet and regular preventive monitoring, this shepherd generally lives from 13 to 15 years, a favorable longevity for a large-sized dog.
Build
A robust breed?
Its solid build, endurance and protective coat allow it to withstand sustained activity and difficult outdoor conditions. Nevertheless, it remains important to respect its growth, to avoid strenuous exertion in the young dog and to regularly check the condition of the skin hidden beneath the locks.
Watch points
What to watch for
Even if the breed is reputed to be healthy, a large active dog must be the subject of careful prevention and a reasoned screening for disorders likely to affect the joints and the eyes.
Hip and elbow dysplasia : As with many large-breed dogs, screening breeding dogs and ensuring growth without excess weight reduce risk factors.
Eye conditions : Regular ophthalmological examinations help detect early any possible hereditary or acquired abnormalities.
Skin irritations : Moisture, debris, or parasites can remain hidden under the locks and require careful inspection of the skin.
Ear disorders : The semi-drop ears should be checked regularly to detect redness, odor, or a buildup of debris.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its very long, felted coat provides excellent protection against cold and bad weather. It tolerates high heat less easily: in summer, outings must be scheduled during cool hours, with shade, water and without intense effort. Its coat must not be clipped without medical necessity.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Rationing must take into account weight, age, body condition and daily expenditure. An athletic silhouette is maintained thanks to measured meals, limited treats and regular activity. The ribs must remain palpable without being protruding, despite the difficulty of visually assessing the silhouette under the coat.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have the dog examined at least once a year by a veterinarian.
- Regularly inspect the skin under the locks and remove debris.
- Check the ears, eyes, teeth and claws.
- Prevent parasites according to lifestyle and veterinary recommendations.
- Limit strenuous exertion during growth.
Vaccination
Bergamasco Sheepdog vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Bergamasco Sheepdog? Like all cats, the Bergamasco Sheepdog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Bergamasco Sheepdog is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Bergamasco Sheepdog vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Bergamasco Sheepdog
Before breeding, it is advisable to have the hips and elbows checked and to plan an ophthalmological examination. An annual veterinary examination, supplemented by monitoring the skin, ears, eyes, teeth and weight, promotes early detection of possible problems.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
