Bergamascos are often confused with the Komondor. Komondors are much larger and generally white in color, have a "corded" coat, are a herd guardian (not a herder) and many live outside with the livestock. Komondors come from Hungary. In general Bergamascos have a grey to black color and matted coat (flocks). Bergamascos love outdoor activities but need to live indoors with their family.  

 

The Bergamasco of Today

 

Like many of the European working breeds, they came close to extinction during world war II. It is from the thoughtfulness and hard work of a few breeders that we can thank for their survival. However, even today, the Bergamasco is still very rare. In it’s native land of Italy there are fewer than 150 offspring being produced per year. There is little demand for herding dogs that actually work when considering the changing times of the modern world. Throughout Europe and North America a limited number of dedicated breeders exist to help oversee the Bergamascos future. Most of the Bergamascos of today are living comfortable lives as family companions. Although few are full time herders, many owners attend shows & events to help educate others and provide their beloved Bergamascos an enjoyable activity.

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Bergamascos are a very rare and cherished breed originating from the alpine regions of Northern Italy. Also called the Alpine Sheepdog, the Bergamasco is a herding breed with very intuitive problem solving skills. The Bergamasco is a dog with a lively intelligence, always alert but at the same time quiet when their intervention is not required. When needs be, they are determined, courageous and excellent herding dogs. They establish a close bond with their owner and family and are most content when by their side. They have a sweet face with an almost languid expression, which always seems to want to communicate something to you. They learn easily, but do not like to carry out useless tasks. They know how to use up their strength sparingly and control their behavior depending on the situation. Their well-balanced temperament and natural intelligence make them excellent working dogs but above all ideal companions. They can be trained for a great variety of tasks: environmental services, man-work, obedience, agility, and of course herding livestock.

 

This is a rustic breed, strong and rugged, resistant to all types of weather and particularly suitable for life in a rural environment, an excellent companion for active people with an outdoor lifestyle. Its most typical attraction is its long and abundant coat, with wavy tufts everywhere; coarse on the front half of its trunk, while from the thorax side down the entire length of the hind part it forms locks that start from the tip of the dorsal line and fall to the sides. Tufts and locks completely cover its limbs as well.

 

What is a Bergamasco Sheepdog?

 

The Bergamasco has ancient origins. In fact the Bergamasco comes from a group of shepherds and cow herders that spread from the Orient to the Western world after migrations of the nomad populations and their herds. The exchange of the dogs took place when the sheep were sold. The progenitor of the Bergamo Shepherd found its most suitable cradle through northern Italy in the territory of the Alpine Arc, where sheep herding was much developed, and in the Po Basin of Piedmont and Lombardy, where they went for wintering. This handler dog was selected exclusively for its work aptitudes and, for a long time, its blood lines were kept a secret by the shepherds.