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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Bergamasco Sheepdog need? Like all dogs, Bergamasco Sheepdogs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Bergamasco Sheepdog vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle 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 diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle 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 booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Bergamasco Sheepdog need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
