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Bergamasco Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Bergamasco so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank181
Reviews0
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Bergamasco dog profile picture
OriginItaly flagItaly
Other Names
What other names does the Bergamasco have?
BergermaschiCane da pastore BergamascoBergamasco Shepherd Dog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Bergamasco Size and Weight

Size
Is a Bergamasco small, medium or large dog?

How big do Bergamasco get?

What is the average size of a Bergamasco?

Large
Weight
How much does the Bergamasco weigh? How much should a Bergamasco weight? What is the normal weight of a Bergamasco? How much does a full-grown Bergamasco weight?
Male: 70-84 pounds (32-38 kg), Female: 57-71 pounds (26-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Bergamasco?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 61 pounds (29 kg)
Height
How tall is the Bergamasco? Bergamasco height:
22-24 inches (54-62 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Bergamasco?
23 inches (58 cm)

Bergamasco Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Bergamasco puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Bergamasco in the United States? How much money is a Bergamasco?

Where to buy a Bergamasco with a good pedigree?

$1000-$1300
If you choose to purchase the Bergamasco, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Bergamasco for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Bergamasco gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Bergamasco? How many Bergamasco are there in the world?
Frequent: The Bergamasco is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Bergamasco Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Bergamasco? Is the Bergamasco breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Bergamasco obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Bergamasco ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Bergamasco dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Bergamasco?
A slightly harder to train than average. Bergamasco dogs aren't famous for their trainability. This breed needs more time and repetition to obey. It's challenging to teach them new commands, but not impossible.
Watchdog Ability
Is Bergamasco good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Bergamasco dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Bergamasco dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Bergamasco dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Bergamasco dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Bergamasco Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Bergamasco have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PatientQuietDeterminedVigilant
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Bergamasco sensitivity:
Bergamasco dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. They aren't receptive to their owner's emotions and handle soft punishment quite well.

They don't mind an always changing daily routine, a hectic household, young children, a noisy or office environment, and frequent guest visits.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Bergamasco a good family dog?
Average to High: Bergamasco dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Bergermaschi need? Bergamasco social needs:
Bergamasco dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Bergamasco to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Bergamasco roam?
Bergamasco dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Bergamasco have high prey drive?
Bergamasco dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Bergamasco Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Bergamascos, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Bergamasco dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Bergermaschi bark?
Low to Average: The Bergamasco rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Bergamasco good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Bergamasco in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Bergamasco indoors.

Bergamasco Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Bergamasco dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Bergamasco be left alone? How long can you leave a Bergamasco alone?
Bergamasco dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Bergamasco Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Bergamasco has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Bergamasco? How much bite force does a Bergamasco have? How strong is a Bergamasco bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bergamasco bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Bergamasco measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Bergamasco is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Bergamasco bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Bergamasco bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Bergamasco puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Bergamasco, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Bergamasco bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Bergamasco can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Bergamasco bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Bergermaschi? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Bergamasco? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Bergamasco has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Bergamasco do?
Bergamasco dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Bergamasco dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Bergamasco Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Bergamasco dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Bergamascos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Bergamasco breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Bergamasco breed? Most common health risks of Bergamasco:
BloatSkin AllergiesJoint Dysplasia
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Bergamasco breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Bergamasco see the vet?
Frequent
The Bergamasco should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Bergamasco dogs live? How old can a Bergamasco be? What is the age limit of the Bergamasco? How many years can the oldest Bergamasco live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Bergamasco?

How long is the lifespan of a Bergamasco?

13-15 years
The average lifespan of Bergamasco: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Bergamasco can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Bergamasco Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Bergamasco have? What is the activity level of the Bergamasco?
Bergamasco dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Bergamasco need? How much exercise do Bergamasco dogs require per day?

Do Bergamasco dogs need a lot of exercises?

Bergamasco dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Bergamasco breed need?
Bergamasco dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Bergamasco Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Bergamasco need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Bergamasco breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Bergamasco? How much food should I feed my Bergamasco?
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Bergamasco risk for obesity:
Average: The Bergamasco has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Bergamasco weight regularly.

Bergamasco Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Bergamasco have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FineDense
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Bergamasco coats?
Grey
Grooming
How to groom the Bergamasco and how often? How often should I take my Bergamasco to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Bergamasco doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Bergamasco is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Bergamasco dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Bergermaschi? Do Bergamasco dogs shed a lot?
Bergamasco dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Bergamasco dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Bergamasco need a bath? How often should you give a Bergamasco a bath? Can I bathe my Bergamasco every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Bergamasco breed hypoallergenic?
Yes
Bergamasco dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Bergamasco has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Bergamasco drool?
The Bergamasco is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Bergamasco Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Bergamasco dogs get along with other pets? Are Bergamasco dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Bergamasco dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Bergamasco temperament with other people:
Bergamasco dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Bergamasco dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Bergamasco temperament with children:
Bergamasco dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Bergamasco dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Bergamasco breed live with a cat?
Bergamasco dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Bergamasco good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Bergamasco dogs get along with other dogs?
Bergamasco dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Bergamasco breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Bergamasco breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Bergamasco dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Bergamasco dogs good office canines? Do Bergamasco dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Bergamasco is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Bergamasco dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Bergermaschi temperament with senior people? Are Bergamasco dogs good for elderly owners?
Bergamascos are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Bergamasco As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Bergamasco be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Bergamasco is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Bergamasco be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Bergamasco be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Bergamasco is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Bergamasco be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Bergamasco is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Bergamasco be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Bergamasco is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Bergamasco be a boat dog?

Not really

Bergamasco breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Bergamasco be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Bergamasco is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Bergamasco dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Bergamasco Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Bergamasco pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Bergamasco breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Bergamasco: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Bergamasco have in a litter? How many puppies can the Bergamasco breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Bergamasco have? How many puppies can a Bergamasco give birth to?
6-10 puppies

Bergamasco Recognition

AKC Group
Is Bergamasco recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Is Bergamasco recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Bergamasco breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.United Kennel Club

Bergamasco Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Hypoallergenic: Bergamasco dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Bergamasco doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Bergamasco dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Watchdog Ability: Bergamasco dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Bergamasco dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Bergamasco dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Bergamasco dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Bergamascos are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Trainability: A slightly harder to train than average.
  • Health Issues: Bergamascos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Bergamasco dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Bergamasco is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Bergamasco dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

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