| The Bergamasco is a loving, loyal, intelligent breed | | | | are one year old and has a transition stage between |
| that is a gentle giant and a wonder to behold with its | | | | ages 2-3 as the cords begin to take shape. By age 5, |
| long, natural cords of hair sweeping the ground. While | | | | their cords will reach the ground. They are not |
| we are conditioned to believe that you need to brush | | | | shedders and their hair is considered to be |
| your dog's hair daily to maintain a soft, unmatted | | | | non-allergenic.Loving, loyal and gentle, the Bergamasco |
| coat, you are actually expected to do the opposite | | | | is the perfect dog for families with children. They |
| with the Bergamaco's hair, allowing it to grow | | | | love children and will play with them as well as |
| naturally into matted cords of hair.A medium to | | | | snuggle with them. They are independent by nature |
| medium-large size dog, the Bergamasco weighs | | | | as they would be out with in the Alps with their |
| between 57 to 85 pounds. They reach up to 24" in | | | | flocks for long periods of time. They are friendly |
| height. They are an ancient breed that dates back | | | | dogs and make wonderful family pets. They are easy |
| over 2000 years. Their country of origin is Italy. They | | | | to train. Early socialization is recommended for other |
| were mainly used to herd sheep in the alpine regions | | | | dogs and pets. They do well with other Bergamascos. |
| of Italy. Their thick, grey coat provided protection | | | | They are energetic and need plenty of exercise. |
| against the elements and camaflouge for their | | | | They do not like to be locked up inside all day and |
| surroundings. The long hair that covers their eyes | | | | are not good apartment dogs. If you live in a warmer |
| helped keep the sun that shined on the snow from | | | | climate, you should make sure that your Bergamasco |
| blinding them. They once faced extinction but are no | | | | is not overheated and has a place to get out of the |
| longer in danger and are found in Italy, other parts of | | | | sun and get cool. They are better for cooler |
| Europe and the U.S.If you have never seen a | | | | climates.As farm dogs or companion dogs with active |
| Bergamasco as a puppy, you will find it hard to | | | | families, the Bergamasco will be happy. They enjoy |
| believe that that fluffy, soft puppy hair will eventually | | | | family time, but can also spend time alone and be |
| grow into the long cords on the adult Bergamasco. | | | | fine. They like a job to do or some sort of activity or |
| Recognized by the AKC, the Bergamasco comes in | | | | play. If you can provide a home with plenty of |
| gray, silver gray or black and might have a little fawn | | | | exercise and want a dog that will be gentle and |
| or white in areas. Their harsh, long hair should not be | | | | loving with you and your children, then the |
| groomed but should be allowed to grow naturally into | | | | Beramasco might be the right dog for you.Learn |
| matted, long cords over their entire body including | | | | more about the Bergamasco or visit us online to talk |
| their eyes. Their hair begins to change before they | | | | about Dogs or to see Dog Pictures. |