Bergamasco
Adult Size: Females 21-23 inches and 50-70 pounds, Males 22.5-24.5 inches and 70-84 pounds.
Breed: Bergamasco
Breed Group: Rare and Miscellaneous/Herding

The Bergamasco is an FSS (Foundation Stock Service) breed. That means it is not recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club, but it will be soon. The Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America (BSCA) is committed to obtaining recognition of the breed as well as preserving and celebrating it.

The Bergamasco has a unique, almost dreadlocked appearance. Its characteristic feature is that triple coat that makes this herding dog really stand out. The Bergamasco Sheepdog’s coat is comprised of three different types of hair. As the hair sheds and tangles, it forms mats or “flocks,” that were originally designed to protect the animal from bad weather and predators.

The undercoat of a Bergamasco is typically short, thick and fine. This coat acts as a waterproofing. The second coat is referred to as the “goat hair” and, like a goat’s hair, it is long, straight and rough. Finally, the Bergamasco’s outer coat is more wooly and it, along with the goat hair, gives the Bergamasco its matted appearance.

Because of the Bergamasco’s unique, but very thick coat, these dogs do better in cooler climates. If the weather is hot or humid, it’s best to give them a cool place to lie down or a refreshing kiddie pool to relax in.

In terms of personality, the Bergamasco, like most herders, has a strong protective instinct. They are intelligent, eager to learn and respond well to task-oriented training like obedience trials or obstacle courses.

The typical Bergamasco likes a lot of space and territory to roam around in and requires a healthy amount of daily exercise. In terms of health issues, veterinarians and breeders suggest that you ask about the dog’s risk for elbow dysplasia, heart disease, hypothyroidism, epilepsy and cataracts.

Historically, the Bergamasco breed originated in the Italian Alps and served as a herding dog, bred to guard flocks of sheep and goats.

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Bergamasco - Dogs for Sale