Bergamasco Sheepdog

Everyday life

Shared walks should offer opportunities to explore and sniff. A healthy adult Bergamasco may enjoy hiking, searching games or thoughtfully introduced exercises at a training club. A simple searching game can begin with a familiar object placed a short distance away. Your dog can learn to find it and exchange it with you for a reward. The length and difficulty should increase gradually.

A garden can be useful, but does not replace outings together or company. If you are away for much of the day, dependable care should be arranged before getting the dog. Being alone needs to be introduced in stages. Waiting quietly, resting after a walk and moving to another place can be taught just as kindly as a searching game.

The substantial coat makes returning from a wet outing more demanding. You should plan somewhere to clean and dry your dog, keep towels ready and allow time to inspect the coat. On hot days, a Bergamasco also needs shade, water and outings adapted to the conditions. Its coat cannot be relied on to prevent overheating. A handover to a dog sitter should describe the usual grooming routine and any particular skin areas that need checking.

Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗

Size and build

The FCI, the international organisation that publishes breed standards, gives an ideal height of 60 cm for males and 56 cm for females, with a tolerance of 2 cm in either direction. Its weight ranges are 32 to 38 kg for males and 26 to 32 kg for females. Height is measured at the withers, the highest point of the back just behind the neck. Gentle checks by hand and weight records help you monitor development beneath the dense coat.

For a young dog, introducing grooming patiently is worthwhile. You might reward having a paw touched or a small section of hair lifted before expecting a longer examination. This helps the dog learn what a coat check involves. If it becomes uncomfortable, the task should be made easier. Pulling the coat or restraining a dog through vigorous resistance usually makes the next session harder.

Exercise and learning should match the stage of development. A demanding long hike is very different from a short exploratory outing with breaks. An older Bergamasco may benefit from nonslip routes and resting places that are easier to reach. Reluctance to get up or suddenly avoiding familiar paths should prompt a veterinary assessment.

From puppy to senior: caring for your dog through every life stage ↗

Health

The American breed club recommends asking about hip screening, a recent examination by a veterinary eye specialist and a heart check for murmurs before buying a puppy. Records should identify the individual dog and the examination date. Health information about close relatives may also help when considering a breeding line. Normal results cannot guarantee lifelong health.

Hip dysplasia means that a hip joint develops abnormally. It can cause pain and contribute to later joint wear. Limping, shorter steps or difficulty getting up should be investigated by a vet. The amount of coat is not a dependable way to judge whether a dog has gained or lost weight. Regular weighing and assessing body condition help you keep track.

The skin and coat also need attention. Damp areas, an unpleasant smell, redness or frequent nibbling should not remain hidden beneath the flocks. In Fellfolio, you can record weight trends, veterinary findings and observations. For a skin appointment, it can be helpful to note where your dog has been licking, when it started and whether it followed a bath or wet outing.

Could this breed fit your life?