Bergamasco Shepherd Breed Guide: Temperament and Care

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Bergamasco Shepherd is an Italian herding dog from the Alps with a remarkable coat that forms felted mats called flocks. It is calm, patient and loyal, and it was bred to guard and herd sheep in rough mountain country.

Origins and appearance

The breed is old and is associated with the Bergamo region in northern Italy, where shepherds depended on dogs to watch flocks. Bergamascos are medium-large and sturdy, with a large head, drop ears, dark eyes and a three-layer coat of goat-like hair, a woolly undercoat and a smooth texture that mats into flat flocks. The coat is gray, black or shades in between.

Temperament

They are calm, patient and loyal. They bond closely with family and are protective. They are reserved with strangers. They are intelligent and independent. They can be vocal. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need 45 to 90 minutes of daily exercise, with walks, hiking and play. They enjoy herding and tracking. Mental work matters. They need secure fencing.

Training

They are intelligent but independent. Use positive methods, patience and early socialization. Avoid harsh corrections. Teach a reliable recall and quiet cues. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The coat must be separated by hand into flocks starting around a year of age. After that, flocks need regular checking and drying after baths, which can take a long time. See double coat dog grooming guide. Do not brush the coat. Clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Skin problems, especially under dense flocks
• Heat stress. See heatstroke in dogs
• Eye conditions, with exams

Living with a Bergamasco

They suit patient owners with time for coat care and space for a medium-large dog. They do best with company. They are poorly suited to hot climates or owners who dislike coat work.

A typical day

A Bergamasco wants a morning walk, a rest, play, coat checks and an evening outing. Many are calm and watchful indoors.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are fluffy and curious. Begin socialization, handling and training early. Provide chew toys. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, coat care, vet care and grooming time. The breed is rare, so expect a wait. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well but overheat in hot weather. Provide shade, water and a cool resting place. Never leave a Bergamasco in a parked car.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include brushing the coat out, letting flocks stay wet, ignoring heat and skipping socialization.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip testing and the parents' temperaments. Meet the parents and see how they live, and ask experienced owners about coat care.

A coat built for the mountains

The felted flocks protect against cold, wind and even predator bites, according to commonly told accounts. Today they give the breed its look, but they require careful management to avoid skin infections, odors and overheating.

Coat care takes time

Bathing and drying a flocked coat can take hours, and wet flocks may smell. Many owners trim the coat shorter in summer, and some use professional groomers experienced with the breed. Ask a breeder what care involves.

Daily care checklist

• A walk or play session.
• A check of flocks and skin.
• Drying the coat after any wetting.
• Ear checks and nail trims.
• Company and a cool place to rest.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Bergamasco Shepherd suits patient owners who want a calm, loyal and unusual herding dog and accept coat care. It may not suit hot climates or those who want an easy coat. For another corded breed, see the Komondor.

The takeaway

Bergamasco Shepherds are calm, loyal and flocked, and they need coat care, socialization and cool conditions.