Bergamasco Shepherd

The Bergamasco Shepherd is an Italian herding dog under a coat that grows into flat felted mats — not cords, but broad flocks the breed grows and keeps for life.

History

It worked the Italian Alps around Bergamo, moving and guarding flocks in cold and rough country. The matted coat is insulation and armour that developed with the job, formed from three different hair types that felt together as the dog matures.

Temperament

The breed is known for being watchful, patient and independent — a herding dog bred to make decisions when the shepherd is out of sight, and one that forms a deliberate rather than instant bond.

Care and training

It needs moderate exercise and mental work. The coat is unusual rather than laborious: the flocks are separated by hand as they form during the dog's first years and then left alone, needing no brushing at all afterwards, though it takes a long time to dry.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia; the breed is otherwise regarded as robust. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.