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 dogs, the Bergamasco Sheepdog receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Bergamasco Sheepdog is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Bergamasco Sheepdog vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
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.
