Bergamasco Sheepdog

Also called Bergamasco Shepherd and Cane da Pastore Bergamasco

  • Great with kids
  • Barely sheds
  • Needs space

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a large breed of herding dog from the Bergamasco region of Italy. These dogs are large in size, with a thick and shaggy coat of fur. They have a dignified and loyal demeanor, making them excellent guard and companion dogs. They are highly intelligent and trainable, with an instinct to herd and protect their family and property. They are courageous and alert, with an independent nature that makes them well suited for herding and guard work.

Weight
57–84 lb (26–38 kg)
Height at the shoulder
21–24 in (54–62 cm)
Life span
12–15 years
Exercise
About 60 minutes a day
Coat
Long, Corded
Origin
Bergamo, Lombardy (Italian Alps), Italy

Traits

Family and friends

  • Children: Great with children
  • Other dogs: OK with other dogs
  • Strangers: Reserved with strangers

Home and activity

  • Energy: Moderately active
  • Apartment living: Needs space
  • Barking: Barks a little
  • Training: Fairly easy to train

Care

  • Grooming: Little grooming
  • Shedding: Barely sheds
  • Drooling: Hardly drools

Temperament

Calm Independent Intelligent Loyal Patient Protective

Coat colours

Black, fawn, gray, isabella and merle

Males and females

MeasureMalesFemales
Weight 71–84 lb (32–38 kg) 57–71 lb (26–32 kg)
Height 23–24 in (58–62 cm) 21–23 in (54–58 cm)

Recognized by

American Kennel Club (AKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), The Kennel Club (UK) (KC) and United Kennel Club (UKC)


Caring for a Bergamasco Sheepdog

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Veterinarians

Check-ups and vaccinations through its 12–15 years.

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Groomers

Its coat needs frequent grooming to stay healthy.

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Dog walkers

Needs about 60 minutes of exercise a day.

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Dog trainers

Can be stubborn: a trainer helps from the start.

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Breeds of a similar size

All large breeds
A Beauceron
Large

Beauceron

Herding Group

  • Weight:66–86 lb (30–39 kg)
  • Life span:12–14 years
A Belgian Laekenois
Large

Belgian Laekenois

Herding Group

  • Weight:55–64 lb (25–29 kg)
  • Life span:10–12 years
A Belgian Malinois
Large

Belgian Malinois

Herding Group

  • Weight:40–79 lb (18–36 kg)
  • Life span:12–14 years
A Belgian Sheepdog
Large

Belgian Sheepdog

Herding Group

  • Weight:40–75 lb (18–34 kg)
  • Life span:12–14 years

Sources

Breed details from The Dog API (opens in a new tab).