Bergamo Shepherd Dog

History, origin & features

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is an ancient breed, used by shepherds as far back as Roman times. Originally from the Bergamo Alps, Bergamasco Shepherd Dogs are specialized in guarding and herding sheep, and have also made a name for themselves as family dogs. The breed came close to extinction after the Second World War, but an enthusiastic Dr. Maria Andreoli did much to save it by maintaining quality breeding.

Today, the Bergamasco is highly prized as a companion, guard, therapy and mountain rescue dog. Bergamasco Shepherd Dogs are almost perfect for families, large or small. They form a close relationship with their master, in whom they are loyal and faithful. They are protective by nature. They love wide open spaces and need them to run and exercise. In addition to an excellent temperament and very easy upbringing, he is endowed with iron health, with no illnesses to deplore. Coat: abundant, long, covering all parts of the dog's body, sometimes with a very rough texture (goat hair), especially on the back of the trunk. Characterized by wisps on all limbs.
Color: all shades of uniform gray with or without gray patches. Shades of light fawn or solid black are acceptable.
Head: well proportioned to the rest of the body. The length of the muzzle is equal to that of the skull. The forehead is broad and rounded, the stop well defined, the lips thin, the jaws well developed and the cheeks not very prominent.
Ears: Triangular, semi-drooping, set high, broad at the base, between 11 and 13 cm long.
Eyes: Large, brown in color to match the coat, with a gentle, peaceful, attentive gaze.
Body: square-shaped. The withers are well defined, high and long, the back straight and muscular, the croup broad and robust, the chest ample and well sprung.
Tail: set rather low, thick at the base and tapering towards the tip, furnished with slightly wavy woolly hair, carried saber-like at rest, whip-like when the dog is in action.