Beyond the Curls: Unraveling the Magic of Bergamasco Shepherd Puppies

Welcome to the world of Bergamascos, lovable sheepdogs with a unique appearance. These shaggy, lovable dogs have a heart of gold and will bring joy to your home. If you are just discovering the breed and want to bring a young puppy to your home, we are here to help you with some info about the breed. If you are ready to be a dog owner, check with reputable breeders to find Bergamasco Shepherd Puppies.

History of the Breed

Kennel Clubs agree that the Bergamasco is an ancient dog breed that has been around for more than 2,000 years. But that doesn’t mean there are registered species dating that long. According to most historians, the breed originated in central Asia, and with their companion human shepherds, migrated across Persia, Anatolia, and the Balkans. That is how the breed made it to Europe, settling in the Bergamasque Alps (or Orobie). There, they remained hidden until the late 20th Century when modern breeders brought them to the attention of the world.

Modern DNA analyses, however, show that they have strong genetic links to the German Shepherd Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Briard. However, we can assume that these additions occurred at least 200 years ago.

What is certain is that shepherds and families in the valleys of the Orobie practiced seasonal migration of sheep between the Piedmont plains in winter and the Swiss and northern Italian Alps in summer. Bergamasco shepherd dogs worked closely with their family and earned recognition for their skill at tending sheep.

The first registration of the dog, as Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, came with the Italian Kennel Club in 1898. For several decades, no other dog was registered. It wasn’t until the 1940s that the breed started to develop and became popular. Pietro Rota, a Milanese businessman, was given a puppy called Alpino in payment. From his locus grew the history of the recorded purebred Bergamasco, first by the introduction of other Italian kennels, and then to the rest of the world.

The Swiss Kennel Club registered the first dog in 1952, while Donna was imported and registered in the UK in 1989. From the United Kingdom, Bergamasco Shepherd puppies have grown to other parts of the world, including Scandinavia, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Appearance

The Bergamasco dog breed is a robust and rustic medium-sized canine. With a solid build, it is roughly square in outline when you watch him from the side. They grow up to 24 inches and 80 pounds. Female dogs, like with every other breed, are slightly smaller in size.

Their premium feature is their long, thick coat that covers every part of their body. On the hind part of the body, their coat forms long matted locks, providing protection from bad weather. On the fore part of their body, on the other hand, their hair is coarse and forms wavy ringlets similar to those of a goat. Their head hair is slightly finer. Their coat ranges from grey to very pale to matt black.

Temperament

Generally happy dogs that can function well with other animals and children, Bergamasco shepherd puppies are low-maintenance and healthy. Like most working and shepherd dogs, they are eager to please, smart, and stubbornly devoted to work. They are patient, yet protective.

These bright, loyal, and loving dogs are protective, but they do have their mountain-dog independence. They take to watching over loved ones with vigilance. Like most working dogs, they are wary of strangers until properly introduced. They are not aggressive, but as a last resort, they might use it to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Exercise

While they are part of working shepherd dogs, Bergamasco puppies need only a moderate amount of exercise per day. They bond closely with their owners. The best way to exercise them is a mutual activity rather than leaving them alone in the backyard.

They are calm when exercised. However, when they are bored, they can resort to destructive behaviors. Bergamascos are happiest when they join their owners in any activity, whether it is playing with a ball or going on a brisk walk.

Training

Early socialization and puppy training are key to having a well-behaved Bergamasco Shepherd dog. These puppies need to be exposed to a wide variety of people to calm their natural and instinctive protective behavior. If properly socialized, they are sociable and highly intelligent dogs that can function in households with different animals. They do think independently and view themselves as an equal partner, not a subordinate member of the family.

Are Bergamasco Shepherd Puppies Healthy?

The Bergamasco Shepherd dog breed is generally considered a healthy dog. Like every other breed out there, they are prone to some health issues. However, the majority of these puppies live long and healthy lives.

To make sure your Bergamasco dog lives a prosperous life, make sure to do regular vet checks. Some of the recommended health tests include hip evaluation, elbow evaluation, and degenerative myelopathy.

How Much are Bergamasco Shepherd puppies?

The price of Bergamasco Shepherd puppies can range between $1,000 and $2,000. There are many factors that can raise the price, including the breeder’s history, the puppy’s pedigree, and location.

Besides the initial price, these puppies need plenty of care. The ongoing expenses can sometimes grow higher than the initial price. Because of their delicate, long, thick coat, they need frequent grooming and care.