About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 79-89 cm

Height range  : 53-61cm

Weight range : 25-39kg

Coat : Long|triple coat|fine oily undercoat|harsh goat-like hair|woolly outer coat|felted flocks or loose mats|weather resistant|heavy naturally matted coat

Life expectancy years : 13-15

Colors: black|brown|gray|silver|solid gray|solid black|fawn|isabella

Activitity Level : Moderate

Origin: Italy

Similar Breeds : Old English Sheepdog|Bearded Collie|Komondor|Puli|Catalan Sheepdog

 

History

Ancestors of the Bergamasco moved with flocks through the mountains of Asia and Europe before settling in the Italian Alps where the breed developed as a sheep herder and flock guard. The breed takes its name from Bergamo and its insulating matted coat evolved for harsh alpine conditions; after decline around World War II it was preserved in Italy by Dr. Maria Andreoli.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

confident|friendly|independent|intelligent|quiet|courageous|sociable|outgoing|calm

Personality

intelligent|patient|independent|loyal|friendly|observant|balanced|devoted|eager to please|protective

Needs

outdoor space|moderate daily exercise|mental stimulation|regular wellness checkups|healthy diet|coat separation during development|time outdoors

Social Needs

forms strong bonds with owners|patient and tolerant with children|good with kids and other animals|protective family companion|wary with strangers

Grooming 

separate developing mats into individual pieces once woolly texture starts around age 1|after coat setup no brushing required|bathe only 1-3 times a year|care for ears nails and teeth|professional groomer may help|heavy coat needs periodic management but is low routine maintenance later

Nutrition

healthy diet recommended|N/A

 

Breed Standard

Ancient breed of sheepdog from the Italian Alps with a heavy coat that forms naturally into mats. The breed should be medium-sized , strong and compact with a rustic appearance and protective flocked coat suited to herding and guarding work.

Did you know?

The Bergamasco’s famous coat is made from three hair types and eventually grows into ground-reaching flocks that protect against harsh weather and predator bites. Though it looks demanding , once the coat is properly separated it usually needs very little brushing and only occasional bathing.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus bloat, Atopic Dermatitis, Cataracts

 

Symptoms

1. hind limb lameness , slowness rising , bunny-hop gait and reluctance to jump or climb stairs may occur
2. hindquarter muscle loss might develop

1. forelimb lameness that may intensify after activity , shortened stride , elbow held outward and localized swelling may occur
2. pain or stiffness during limb extension might be visible

1. unproductive retching or gagging , hard swollen abdomen , extreme restlessness , pacing and hypersalivation may occur
2. pale gums and rapid breathing indicating shock might develop

1. intense itching , scratching , biting or licking paws , face and underarms may occur
2. secondary skin infections , hot spots and musty skin odor might develop and early lesions may be hidden by the heavy coat

1. cloudy , milky or bluish-grey appearance inside the pupil may occur
2. bumping into obstacles or hesitation in low light or unfamiliar places might develop

Onset of symptoms

 

Hip Dysplasia

1. severe forms may appear during growth between 4 and 12 months
2. it more commonly may present as gradual stiffness and arthritis in mature or senior dogs

Probability Of Onset:

1. low to moderate

Elbow Dysplasia

1. clinical signs typically may emerge between 5 and 10 months during rapid growth

Probability Of Onset:

1. low

Bloat

1. may strike suddenly at any stage of adulthood
2. risk factors may increase in senior dogs or around heavy food , water intake near hard work

Probability Of Onset:

1. low to moderate

Atopic Dermatitis

1. typically may manifest between 1 and 3 years of age

Probability Of Onset:

1. low

Cataracts

1. may develop as juvenile cataracts under 2 years of age or later in adult life as hereditary cataracts

Probability Of Onset:

1. low

Reasons

Hip Dysplasia       

1. No specific missing chemical is identified in the provided material.
2. The condition is described as a developmental joint disorder tied to inherited structure and environmental strain.
3. Rapid growth , excess weight and high-impact stress may worsen vulnerability according to the text.

 

Gastric dilatation-volvulus bloat:

1. No specific missing chemical is identified in the provided material.
2. The condition is linked to deep chest structure and triggers such as rapid eating , gulping air or single large meals.
3. Sudden stomach expansion and twisting may result from those factors rather than a defined nutrient lack.

 

Hip Dysplasia       

1. No specific missing chemical is identified in the provided material.
2. The condition is described as a developmental joint disorder tied to inherited structure and environmental strain.
3. Rapid growth , excess weight and high-impact stress may worsen vulnerability according to the text.

Bloat:

1. No specific missing chemical is identified in the provided material.
2. The condition is linked to deep chest structure and triggers such as rapid eating , gulping air or single large meals.
3. Sudden stomach expansion and twisting may result from those factors rather than a defined nutrient lack.

 

Elbow Dysplasia

1. No specific missing chemical is identified in the provided material.
2. The condition is linked to inherited mismatch in growth rates of the radius and ulna.
3. Uneven pressure and micro-fractures within the joint may follow from that mismatch.

Atopic Dermatitis

1. The text describes an underlying skin barrier defect rather than a named missing nutrient.
2. An overreactive immune response may allow environmental allergens to penetrate more easily.
3. Moisture or foreign matter trapped near sensitive skin may increase vulnerability when the coat is dense.

Cataracts

  1. 1. No specific missing chemical is identified in the provided material.
    2. The condition is linked to an inherited mutation that alters lens structural proteins or water balance.
    3. Lens proteins may clump together and interfere with light passage to the retina.

Normally Treament Methods

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. weight management , low-impact conditioning , physical therapy and NSAIDs may be used
    2. severe cases might need total hip replacement

 

Elbow Dysplasia:

  1. 1. arthroscopic surgery to remove fragments or loose cartilage flaps may be used
    2. weight optimization , NSAIDs and low-impact rehabilitation might be part of management

 

Gastric dilatation-volvulus bloat:

  1. 1. immediate emergency veterinary care may include IV fluids , stomach decompression and surgery to de-rotate the stomach
    2. preventative gastropexy might be performed

 

Atopic Dermatitis:

  1. 1. targeted allergy medication such as oclacitinib or cytopoint , medicated antimicrobial bathing , allergen avoidance or immunotherapy may be used
    2. incomplete drying of mats is not recommended

 

Cataracts:

  1. 1. mild cataracts may need monitoring
    2. if vision is significantly impaired surgical phacoemulsification with artificial lens placement might be used. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hip Dysplasia :

  • 1. glucosamine hydrochloride can,might be helpful for joint cushioning
    2. chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful for cartilage support
    3. MSM can,might be helpful for inflammation support
    4. omega-3 marine oils EPA and DHA can,might be helpful for joint comfort
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Elbow Dysplasia

  • 1. green-lipped mussel extract can,might be helpful for cartilage health
    2. hyaluronic acid can,might be helpful for joint support
    3. collagen peptides can,might be helpful for connective tissue support
    4. high-potency omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for inflammation support
recommend product

Gastric dilatation-volvulus bloat

  • 1. probiotics can,might be helpful for gastrointestinal motility support
    2. digestive enzymes can,might be helpful for reducing excess fermentation gas
recommend product

Atopic Dermatitis

  • 1. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for skin barrier support
    2. omega-6 fatty acids can,might be helpful for skin integrity support
    3. biotin can,might be helpful for skin integrity
    4. zinc can,might be helpful for skin support
recommend product

Cataracts

  • 1. antioxidant eye drops can,might be helpful for general ocular support
    2. lutein can,might be helpful for lenticular and retinal support
    3. zeaxanthin can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support
    4. vitamins C and E can,might be helpful for eye health
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