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Bergamasco Shepherd (Cana da Pastore Bergamasco)
Large Breed
The Bergamasco Shepherd is a unique looking breed with its wonderful long and corded coat. Its energetic outlook on life, coupled with its loving nature and love of work has made it the ideal dog for many people.
Breed standards
Country of origin
Italy
Weight
Males 32-38 kgs/70-84 lbs; Females 26-32 kgs/57-70 lbs (standards may vary)
Height
Males 58-62 cm/23 1/4-24 3/4 inches; Females 54-58 cm/21 1/2-23 1/4 inches (standards may vary)
Coat
The coat is made of three layers of hair. The undercoat is dense and water proof. The goat hair and the wool like top coat blend together to form flocks. The flocks grow to the ground.
Markings
Grey, Isabel, light fawn, black. Grey and white patches can be found.
Lifespan
13-15 years
A talented watchdog and herding breed, although they look for work and will do almost any job. They are an intelligent breed which will always keep you busy. They will never be happier than when they are outside with their family.
Temperament
The Bergamasco is a very vigilant dog, lending itself well to guarding situations. They are a very loyal breed and make excellent companions to any family. They are highly intelligent and must have mental stimulation to stop them becoming bored and destructive. They do need early sufficient socialisation and training to prevent them becoming overly defensive of their family in social situations.
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PoorChildrenGood
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VeryCombativenessNot very
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VeryDominanceNot very
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Not veryFriendlinessGood
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Not veryIndependenceVery
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LoudNoiseQuiet
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Not veryTrainabilityVery
Good to know
The Bergamasco is a loving dog to its family and its unique coat has attracted many admirers throughout the world. They are a hardy breed, originally bred to herd and guard flocks of sheep in mountainous regions.
- An excellent herding and guard dog
- Makes an excellent companion
- Requires less exercise than many breeds this size
- Needs skilled trimming and stripping
- Not suited to apartment living
- Requires regular physical and mental stimulation
- Can be prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems