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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+7
Dogs
# The Bergamasco Sheepdog: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Italy
A rustic Italian herding dog, patient and protective, recognizable by its spectacular corded coat.
Size LargeLife expectancy 13–15 yearsBudget ≈ €122/monthPuppy €700 – €1,200
[Find a breeder 13](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-bergamasco-sheepdog) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=bergamasco-sheepdog)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Limited
First-time owners Good
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Very good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Balanced temperament: He is patient, even-tempered and very attached to his family.
- Robustness: His build and coat make him particularly comfortable in cold weather.
- Intelligence at work: He learns quickly and can succeed in many canine activities.
- Protective instinct: Vigilant without natural aggressiveness, he courageously watches over his home.
- Needs large open spaces: An inactive or confined urban life does not meet its needs well.
- Specific coat: Its locks require rigorous monitoring and very thorough drying.
- Determined temperament: Its occasional stubbornness requires consistent and early training.
- Sensitivity to heat: Its thick coat requires strong precautions during hot periods.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active families: Its patient and protective temperament fits well with a dynamic family life.
- Country dwellers: It thrives when it has space and long daily outings.
- Dog activity enthusiasts: Its intelligence and endurance are suited to physical and mental disciplines.
- Available and consistent owners: It makes progress with a present person who is gentle and firm in its training.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary people: Their daily need for exercise and stimulation would be difficult to meet.
- Life in a small apartment: The lack of space and long outings can harm their balance.
- Unavailable owners: Very attached to their human, they do not cope well with insufficient presence.
- People looking for a classic coat: Forming and maintaining the locks requires specific gestures.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
59 cmBergamasco Sheepdog
- Height at the withers
- 54–63 cm
- Weight
- 26–38 kg
- Coat
- Long, abundant and felted
- FCI group
- 1
- Origin
- Italy
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Bergamasco Sheepdog in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Berger de Bergame is a very ancient breed originating from the Bergamasque Alps, in Italy. Already used by shepherds in Roman times, it specialized in herding and guarding flocks of sheep on demanding mountainous terrain. The breed almost disappeared after the Second World War, but Doctor Maria Andreoli largely contributed to its preservation thanks to rigorous breeding. Today, this dog is still used as a companion, guardian, therapy dog and mountain rescue assistant. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized it definitively on 23 February 1956 in group 1.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
Large rustic and powerfully built dog, the Bergamasco Shepherd has a body that can be inscribed in a square, a straight and muscular back, a broad croup and a deep chest. Its well-proportioned head has a broad and rounded forehead, a muzzle as long as the skull and developed jaws. Its large brown eyes express gentleness and attentiveness, while its triangular, semi-drooping ears are set high. Its tail, thick at the base then tapering, is carried saber-like at rest. Its long and abundant coat forms characteristic felted locks, particularly on the trunk and limbs. The coat allows the different shades of grey, with or without patches, as well as light fawn and solid black.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Intelligent, determined and vigilant, the Bergamasco Shepherd has a balanced and patient temperament. He is attached to his owner, protective of his home and generally pleasant with the whole family, especially with children. Never naturally aggressive or fearful, he can however be reserved with strangers, sometimes shy and occasionally stubborn. His sense of observation and his herding dog heritage make him a reliable companion when he benefits from careful socialization.
Intelligent Sociable Protective
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
This outdoor dog thrives above all in the countryside or in an environment offering large open spaces. It needs long frequent walks, runs and daily activities to remain balanced. Very close to its owner, it copes poorly with a city life lacking in stimulation and requires a regular presence. Its docility and intelligence allow it to succeed in various canine activities, while its instinct for vigilance drives it to naturally watch over its territory.
Training
## Training and socialization
Training must begin early, at the same time as varied socialization. His learning ability is remarkable, but his determined temperament requires a coherent, firm and consistent framework. A gentle approach that respects his sensitivity gives better results than constraint. Short, motivating and regular sessions, combined with useful activities, maintain his desire to cooperate and limit his occasional tendency to stubbornness.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Bergamasco Sheepdog
The purchase price depends in particular on the origin of the litter, the pedigree, the quality of health screenings, the reputation of the breeding kennel and the puppy’s intended purpose. The relative rarity of the breed in France can also influence availability and travel expenses.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bergamasco-sheepdog/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Bergamasco Shepherd is a robust dog, shaped by work in the mountains and little associated with pathologies strictly specific to the breed. Its good constitution does not, however, dispense with regular veterinary follow-up, suitable activity and monitoring of the joints, eyes, ears and skin under its dense coat.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bergamasco-sheepdog/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
Its diet must meet the needs of a large active dog without excess energy. The ration varies greatly depending on its age, its activity, its physiological condition and its outdoor life; it must therefore be adjusted to body condition rather than to the weight alone indicated on the packaging.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bergamasco-sheepdog/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Berger de Bergame is also called the Bergamasco Shepherd. Its very distinctive coat is not a simple ornament: its thick locks have historically protected it from cold, humidity and the harsh conditions of the Alps. Despite its singular appearance, the breed remains fairly little known outside Italy. Its abilities are not limited to herding, since it has also distinguished itself in animal-assisted therapy and mountain rescue.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Bergamasco Sheepdog
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Bergamasco Shepherd suitable for apartment living?
It is not very suitable for apartment living, unless its owner provides it every day with long outings, stimulating activities, and a significant presence. A house with secure access to large spaces suits it much better.
### Should you brush the Bergamasco Shepherd?
Its corded coat is not maintained like a classic coat. You need to separate and check the cords as they form, remove debris, inspect the skin, and do occasional washes followed by thorough drying. The breeder’s advice is valuable during coat formation.
### Is the Bergamasco Shepherd suitable for children?
Patient, protective, and attached to its family, it generally gets along well with children when properly socialized. Interactions must nevertheless always be supervised and respectful.
## Find a Bergamasco Sheepdog breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Bergamasco Sheepdog breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Bergamasco Sheepdog breeders by country
[7 breeders of Bergamasco Sheepdog in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-bergamasco-sheepdog/italy) [5 breeders of Bergamasco Sheepdog in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-bergamasco-sheepdog/germany) [1 breeder of Bergamasco Sheepdog in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-bergamasco-sheepdog/denmark)
[All breeders of Bergamasco Sheepdog in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-bergamasco-sheepdog)
## Ready to welcome a Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-bergamasco-sheepdog)
## Discover other breeds
[Maremma Sheepdog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/maremma-sheepdog)
[German Shepherd Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-shepherd-dog)
[Belgian Shepherd Dog Groenendael
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-shepherd-dog-groenendael)
[Belgian Laekenois
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-shepherd-dog-laekenois)
[Belgian Tervuren
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-shepherd-dog-tervuren)
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