Bergamasco Shepherd

Description of the breed

The Bergamasco Shepherd is one of the oldest and most unique dog breeds. Their history dates back to ancient times when these reliable and intelligent dogs were used to guard herds in alpine pastures. The Bergamasco gets its name from the ancient Italian village of Bergamo, where this breed was first developed. The exact origin of the dogs is unknown, but it is believed that their ancestors may have descended from Tibetan shepherd dogs brought by the Romans to the Alps over 2000 years ago.

Historical documents show that Bergamasco shepherds effectively performed the tasks of guarding and protecting herds and assisted shepherds during pasture grazing. They were not only excellent guardians but also great companions and protectors, capable of withstanding the cold and harsh weather conditions of the Alps.

In the 19th century, the Bergamasco shepherd began to gain popularity beyond Italy, especially in Europe. They became very popular in Germany, where sheep herds needed quality protection. The Bergamasco was valued for its strength, endurance, and excellent sense of territory.

During World War I, the Bergamasco nearly disappeared as many dogs were sent to the front. However, thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts, the breed began to be cultivated again and its population started to recover after the war ended.

Today, the Bergamasco shepherd is still in demand as a working breed and is used for guarding flocks of sheep and other animals. They are also known for their loyalty and friendliness to families, making them excellent pets and companions.

Externally, the Bergamasco has coarse and thick fur that protects it from cold and moisture. They possess powerful musculature and a wide chest, which gives them strength and endurance. Their intelligence and quick wits make them easy to train and effective working dogs.The Bergamasco shepherd is a breed that uniquely combines ancient history and reliability. They continue to serve as guards but have also become wonderful family pets, capable of offering their owners loyalty, love, and safety.The price for a puppy ranges from 80,000 to 85,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Bergamasco Shepherd is an impressive breed of dog, known for its powerful and harmonious physique. These dogs have strong muscles and excellent endurance, making them ideal herding companions. Their appearance is characterized by elegant lines and proportions that highlight their strength and agility.

One of the distinct features of the Bergamasco Shepherd is their thick and coarse coat, which is perfectly suited for protection against cold and damp conditions. The coat has a double layer, with a long and dense outer coat as well as a soft and thick undercoat. Thanks to this fur, Bergamasco Shepherds can withstand even the harshest weather.

Their appearance reflects their strength, intelligence, and ability to perform various tasks. They also possess a loyal and friendly temperament, making them not only excellent working dogs but also ideal pets and companions.

The most recognizable characteristic of the Bergamasco Shepherd is their remarkable musculature and strong limbs. They have a sturdy back and a broad chest, which make them powerful and sturdy working dogs. Their legs are firmly planted on the ground, with a strong bone structure and thick fur covering.

Overall, the Bergamasco Shepherd is a majestic and formidable animal. Their imposing appearance and robust figure signify their physical strength and readiness to perform their duties. However, despite their impressive looks, they also have a friendly and devoted nature, making them excellent companions for those who understand and respect their unique qualities.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the Bergamasco shepherd is broad and muscular, with well-defined cheekbones and smooth lines. The skull is round, with a wide forehead that smoothly transitions into the muzzle. This gives the dog a confident and noble appearance.

Морда

The face of the Bergamasco Shepherd is long and strong, with a straight profile. The jaws are powerful, allowing for effective gripping and holding of objects. The lips fit tightly against the jaws, which prevents the teeth from falling out.

Уши

The ears of the Bergamasco shepherd are floppy, of medium length, with rounded tips. They are set high on the head and hang loosely, giving the dog a friendly and open appearance.

Глаза

The Bergamasco Shepherd has large, round eyes that are usually dark in color. They convey intelligence and attentiveness, giving the dog a focused and friendly expression. The eyes are set at a moderate distance from each other.

Зубы

The teeth of a Bergamasco Shepherd are strong and healthy, with a correct bite. The jaws are powerful, allowing the dog to confidently grasp and hold objects. Healthy teeth are essential for proper nutrition and overall health.

Корпус

The Bergamasco Shepherd has a strong and muscular body, with a well-developed chest. Its back is straight and powerful, providing excellent stability and endurance in motion. The belly is taut, indicating good physical condition.

Конечности

The limbs of the Bergamasco shepherd are strong and well-proportioned, with strong muscles. The front and hind legs are straight, providing excellent maneuverability. The paws are rounded with sturdy pads, allowing for confident movement across various surfaces.

Хвост

The tail of the Bergamasco Shepherd is of medium length, thickening at the base and narrowing toward the tip. It is usually held at the level of the back or slightly lower and may be raised when the dog is excited. The tail serves as an important means of communication for the dog.

Шерсть

The Bergamasco Shepherd has long, thick fur with a dense undercoat. This coat protects the dog from adverse weather conditions and requires regular grooming.

Окрас

The color of the Bergamasco shepherd can range from gray to black and red, often with white markings. This variety of colors gives each dog uniqueness and charm.

Character

The character of the Bergamasco Shepherd combines numerous wonderful qualities that make this breed special and unique. They possess a strong will, intelligence, and loyalty, making them ideal companions and working dogs.

One of the main characteristics of this breed is their loyalty. Bergamasco Shepherds are undeniably devoted to their owners and family. They seek to be close to people and are willing to make any sacrifices to protect them. This makes them excellent guards and protectors, capable of ensuring the safety of their loved ones.

The intelligence and quick-wittedness of Bergamasco Shepherds are also impressive. They have excellent trainability and understanding. Their quick reactions and ability to adapt to various situations make them ideal helpers for different work tasks. They easily remember commands and instructions and are ready to serve their owners.

The Bergamasco Shepherd is known for its courage and determination. They are not afraid to face challenges and are ready to take on any challenge. However, despite their strength and bravery, they also possess a balanced and calm demeanor. They are not prone to aggression or excessive recklessness and control their emotions well.

Socialization plays an important role in shaping the character of the Bergamasco Shepherd. Proper introductions and interactions with other people and animals help them feel confident and trustful. This is especially important to prevent the emergence of inappropriate and unsocial behavior.

Bergamasco Shepherds are also ideal companions for active people. They are full of energy and require sufficient physical and mental stimulation. Regular physical activity and training help meet their needs and keep them in good shape.The outstanding qualities of the Bergamasco Shepherd make it an ideal pet for those who value loyalty, intelligence, and strength. They reliably perform their work duties and are faithful companions and protectors for the entire family.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for and maintaining a Bergamasco Shepherd requires regular attention to ensure they lead a healthy and happy life. Here are some key points to consider when caring for this breed.

Proper nutrition is the foundation of healthy development and an energetic life for the dog. The Bergamasco Shepherd needs high-quality dry or natural food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. It is advisable to discuss the diet with a veterinarian or breeder to ensure all nutrients and trace elements are included.

The Bergamasco Shepherd is an energetic and resilient breed that requires regular physical exercise and an active lifestyle. Outdoor walks, playtime with other dogs, running in open spaces, and training help them expend energy and maintain good physical condition.

The Bergamasco Shepherd has a thick, double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and remove dead hair. Bathing is only necessary in extreme cases, as it can strip natural oils and dry out the skin. Additionally, regularly check and clean their ears and trim their nails.

Early and ongoing socialization is an integral part of caring for a Bergamasco Shepherd. It’s important to expose the puppy to different people, animals, and situations to help them adapt well. Regular visits to public places and interactions with other dogs will help develop their social skills and confidence.

The Bergamasco Shepherd is known for its intelligence and loyalty, making them excellent learners. Proper and consistent training will help them develop skills and follow commands. Use positive reinforcement and praise to motivate them during training sessions.Regular veterinary visits and preventive check-ups are essential for maintaining the health of a Bergamasco Shepherd. Conditions like hip dysplasia can be common in this breed. Early detection and treatment of these issues can mitigate their impact.Ultimately, the Bergamasco Shepherd is a breed with robust health and energy that requires an active and caring family. Spend sufficient time and attention on their care, and you will be rewarded with a healthy, happy, and loyal pet that will bring you much joy and love.

Training and Education

Training and education of Bergamasco shepherds play an important role in their upbringing and development. These intelligent and devoted dogs learn easily and are capable of mastering various skills and commands. However, successful training requires patience, consistency, and the right approach.

One of the fundamental principles of training Bergamasco shepherds is the use of positive reinforcement. This includes praise, treats, and play as rewards for correctly following commands. The Bergamasco shepherd responds exceptionally well to praise and encouragement, making it a powerful motivational factor in the training process.

The most crucial part of training is to start sessions at an early age. Young puppies quickly memorize and absorb information, so it’s advisable to begin with simple commands such as “Sit” and “Lie down.” Gradually increase the complexity and expectations, rewarding the puppy for successfully completing tasks.

Consistency and coherence in training are also key. Establish a regular training schedule and stick to it. Short but frequent training sessions are more effective than longer, sporadic ones. Gradually increase the difficulty of the exercises by adding new commands and tricks, aiming for greater complexity and skill improvement.

It’s also important to make training interesting and diverse. The Bergamasco shepherd quickly realizes what is happening, so repeating the same exercises can lose their attention. Use various toys, training aids, and role-playing games to make the learning process fun and engaging.

But remember, training a Bergamasco shepherd requires a positive approach and collaboration. Harsh treatment and strict training methods are ineffective and can harm your relationship with the dog. The Bergamasco shepherd responds best to kind yet confident guidance during training.Ultimately, training and educating a Bergamasco shepherd is a rewarding and enjoyable process, especially considering their intelligence and loyalty. Maintain a positive approach, foster a trusting relationship with your dog, and enjoy watching their development and skill improvement. As a result, you will have a well-trained pet who will delight you with their loyalty and unique abilities. At Zoopark, the best breeders offering purebred puppies are gathered.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a puppy is a responsible decision that requires careful consideration. Here are several key points to keep in mind when selecting your future pet.

Research the Breeder’s Reputation: Identify reputable and reliable breeders of Bergamasco Shepherds who care about the health and good pedigree of their dogs. Their experience and integrity should be high, so refer to reviews and recommendations from other owners of this breed.

Visit the Kennel: It’s best to meet the breeder in person and visit the kennel where the puppies are born and raised. Observe the living conditions and the breeder’s attitude towards their dogs. Ensure that the puppies look healthy, active, and well-socialized.

Ask Questions: Reach out to the breeder with your questions regarding the breed, the puppy’s parents, health, temperament, and training. The answers to your questions will help you better understand whether the breed and specific puppy fit your needs and lifestyle.

Review the Pedigree: Learn about the puppy’s pedigree to ensure that its ancestors have good genetic traits and are free from hereditary diseases typical of the breed. A professional breeder should provide you with complete information about the parents.

Conduct Health Testing: Ensure that the puppy has received all necessary vaccinations and has undergone required health testing procedures, such as a veterinary examination, screening for eye and heart issues, and hip and elbow dysplasia scans.Interact with the Puppy: Spend time with the puppy, observing its behavior and attention towards people. Choose a puppy that demonstrates friendliness, signs of confidence, and matches your expectations for temperament.Commit to Serious Obligations: Remember that choosing a puppy is a long-term commitment to its care, training, socialization, and maintaining its health. Ensure that you are ready to take on this responsibility and provide the puppy with the necessary attention and care.Choosing a Bergamasco Shepherd puppy is a process that requires research, careful thought, and communication with the breeder. However, with the right decisions and approach, you will be able to find the perfect pet that will bring you joy with its loyalty and love.

Health and Diseases

Caring for the health of a Bergamasco shepherd is a primary concern for its owners. By regularly taking care of your dog and ensuring regular visits to the veterinarian, you can guarantee it a long and healthy life.

One of the most common health issues in Bergamasco shepherds is their susceptibility to joint diseases, including hip and elbow dysplasia. Therefore, it is essential to choose reputable breeders who conduct appropriate tests for hereditary conditions.

Another common issue within the breed is epilepsy. These dogs may experience occasional seizures, and while it can be a sign of epilepsy, it may also stem from other medical issues that require a specialist’s consultation.

Bergamasco shepherds may also be prone to certain genetic disorders, such as gout and hereditary neuropathic syndrome. To prevent possible diseases, it is necessary to thoroughly study the puppy’s pedigree and consult a certified breeder.

Stomach operations, such as gastric torsion or bloat, are also a concern for Bergamasco shepherds. These dogs have a high risk of gastric torsion, so it is important to monitor their food volume and distribution, as well as to ensure activity after meals.

In addition to these issues, Bergamasco shepherds can experience both common ailments and breed-specific problems. Therefore, regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to detect and prevent potential health issues.To maintain the overall health of a Bergamasco shepherd, it is recommended to follow a proper and balanced diet, provide systematic physical exercise, and use special supplements to strengthen joints and the immune system. Preventive vaccinations and regular dental and eye check-ups also play a vital role in maintaining their health.The health of a Bergamasco shepherd is a result of proper care and attention from the owner. By following the veterinarian’s recommendations and providing appropriate care and attention, you can be assured that your pet will enjoy a long and healthy life. – the best website for animals where you can buy or sell a puppy.