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A Brief History of the Bergamasco Breed:
This ancient breed — also referred to as Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, Italian Alpine Sheepdog, Alpine Sheepdog, and Northern Italian Sheepdog — is said to be one of several breeds of sheepdogs that traces its origins back to Persia. Eventually travelling with their nomadic shepherds, the dogs were brought to the Italian Alps and became known as the Bergamasco. These dogs worked closely with their shepherds, protecting and guiding the flocks. Working one-on-one with the shepherds, the dogs were trained to be problem-solvers, able to identify what needed to be done and figuring out how to go about doing it without being given exact direction from the shepherds. As a result, the Bergamasco developed into a highly intelligent breed, combining the desire to please with the ability to think for itself.
After World War II, when the need for shepherding dogs declined, the breed nearly faced extinction. The breed as he is known today, can be traced back to the farm of Piero Rota in the Bergamo hills of Italy, where the Valle Imagna kennel officially began breeding the Bergamasco. Shortly after this time, kennels dedicated to the survival of the breed were established; they included Valle Scrivia (today one of the oldest breeding kennels in Italy); dell Albera ; dell Idro; and Braham Kennel to name a few. They began the task of saving the breed and, through more than 40 years of careful breeding, many lines of champion dogs were developed. In time, interest in the breed emerged across Europe and the first Bergamascos were imported to the United States in the 1990s. Today, the breed is still involved in herding, but is also seen in therapy work, competing in agility and other dog sports.
References/Further Reading on the History of the Breed:
Breed Profile:
The Bergamasco is a medium size, muscular, and well proportioned herding dog. A unique and striking characteristic of the breed is its coat which is made of three types of hair combined to form dense, flat, felt-like mats that continue to grow throughout the dog's life. The coat, although unusual in appearance, is actually a very efficient protection system — The mats allow the dog to tolerate extended periods of cold and wet weather as well as serving as protection from insect bites and predators.
The Bergamasco was bred with the purpose of guiding and guarding a herd and, as such, as developed into an excellent guard and companion dog that bonds closely to his owner and family. Always vigilant and focused, the Bergamasco is said to have very strong protective instincts, is very intelligent, courageous but not aggressive, quiet yet alert to his surroundings, patient and eager to please.
Easily trained and always willing to please, the Bergamasco however does not enjoy carrying out useless tasks. With their well balanced temperament and intelligence, they can be trained for many functions, including obedience, agility, herding and guarding sheep, and police/rescue work. The breed is strong and rugged, able to endure all types of weather and is an excellent companion for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
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Health Issues:
The Bergamasco breed is generally very healthy. However, as with all breeds, the Bergamasco may be susceptible to some health concerns including hereditary disorders. If you are considering the adoption of a Bergamasco puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all recommended health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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Pictured here are Canadian Tapestry at Stonedance "Halla"
with her father, Cosmos dell'Albera "Io"
Halla was the first born from the first litter in Canada.
Photo courtesy of Stonedance Bergamasco Sheepdogs
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Grooming:
During the dog's first year, the puppy coat is soft and similar to that of the Old English Sheepdog. As the dog nears his first birthday, the coarser "goat" hair and fuzzy "wool" begin to appear. At this time, the coat requires "ripping" into mats. This process is done only once and for the following six months, a weekly check is required to ensure that the mats have not grown back together. After this time, the mats naturally stay apart and become dense enough that nothing gets caught in them.
Once the mats have set, the coat is very easy to care for. No brushing is required and the Bergamasco does not shed. The breed may also be a good choice for people who suffer from allergies. For further information on grooming and coat care for the Bergamasco, see the International Bergamasco Sheepdog Association website at: www.pastore-bergamasco.org.
- Bergamasco Coat Care — From Artos Bergamascos
- How to Groom a Bergamasco — From Luna di Lana, a Bergamasco breeder in Germany. (Note: At this time text is available in German only)
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Grooming — Grooming information, tips & techniques along with listings of Groomers from across Canada.
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Training Resources:
- Training — For information on training your Bergamasco, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Herding Dogs — A section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes training and general information about Herding/Stock Dogs; listing of Stock Dog Clubs and Associations; listing of upcoming shows and events; and more.
- Clubs, Sports and Activities — If you're looking to get involved in a dog sport or activity with your Bergamasco, this is the place to go. Included is information on various sports and activities as well as listings of non-breed specific Clubs from across Canada. (For specific Bergamasco Clubs, see the Bergamasco Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — Information on various jobs that dogs are involved in, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, SAR Dogs, and many more. Plus listings of various organizations accross Canada.
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