Puppies

Naomi

Nario

Martina

Novella

Blizzard Peak Nario “Ozzy” and Alpines Alcina Dell Albera “Alcee” had 8 puppies on May 22, 2010. All of the puppies have found great families. If you are interested in our next litter, please complete our Inquiry & Waiting List Form and feel free to contact us with any additional questions. Don’t be afraid to ask, we enjoy talking to people interested in the Bergamasco Sheepdog.

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Breeding Philosophy

Breeding dogs and livestock is a passion and a lifestyle we have enjoyed for many years. We take very seriously the responsibility of bringing new life into the world and request the same from anyone with our puppies. We make the commitment to breed responsibly and with the offer of our support, we ask you to make the commitment to care for the lifetime of your cherished pet.

When planning a litter we always ask ourselves if the timing is appropriate. We first look to see if there are interested families on our waiting list. If we determine the time is right, we then plan for puppies based on the females estrous cycle. Our primary goal is to produce puppies with good temperament and structure. We match the male and female based on a variety of factors including the known history of previous generations. When working with a rare breed, like the Bergamasco, you will usually discover a limited gene pool in comparison to many more popular breeds. Because of this, it is very important to have an accurate database and understanding of the dogs that are available. This pedigree database enables us to study breeding combinations for help in determining compatible matches.

The current North American Bergamasco gene pool is very related. Although linebreeding is an accepted and often desirable practice when breeding animals, there is much to consider. We will just touch the surface for a basic understanding regarding the Bergamasco. Simply put, the worldwide population of Bergamascos is small. Over the last 40 to 50 years, a handful of European breeders have nurtured the breed and have produced lines they feel are best representations of the Bergamasco. Like many other canine breeds, there are different variations of style and look. It is in the “eye of the beholder”, or often times a show judge, as to what they feel is the ideal specimen in relation to the standard. Through the practice of linebreeding, many champion dogs have been produced. Linebreeding is a great way to lock in desirable traits. This includes structure, temperament and health. Unfortunately, it can also lock in undesirable traits as well. You may have heard and read about pure breed dogs that have been “overbred” and are now facing a variety of health problems. Basically this is referring to an excess of linebreeding or inbreeding. After a certain point, the advantages of linebreeding will eventually be detrimental. Science has proven this time and time again throughout history with genetic studies relating to breed specific population health. When a breed population is small, it is most critical to incorporate a variety of genes. If not, you risk losing diversity that will provide for long term health and stability. It is our goal at Blizzard Peak Bergamascos to closely monitor these relationships and take full advantage of the world genetic population. Through importation of puppies and semen, in coordination with the worldwide community and sound breeding practices, we are striving to produce Bergamascos that will be healthy long into the future.

A Puppy From Blizzard Peak Bergamascos

When you receive a puppy from us, you can feel confident your new family addition has received the best of care. From day one, we are 100% hands on with every aspect of the puppies development. We handle each puppy multiple times during the day. Every puppy and mom is weighed and checked for proper body condition on a routine basis. We make sure everyone eats and socializes so they progress to their full potential. At around 2 weeks of age we begin an observation process for personality traits. We also begin various stimuli and socialization activities. We continue these activities until the day you pick up your puppy.

People often ask where the puppies are raised (inside, kennel, etc...). For the first 5 to 6 weeks, everyone is inside with us 100% of the time. Weather permitting, we will start to take the litter outside for short periods with mom. This enables them to explore and experience many of new and exciting things. It also helps to condition their system to the outside environment. At around 7 to 8 weeks, we will introduce the puppies to our indoor/outdoor kennel facility. We call the kennel a large “play pen”. It is a perfect place for the puppies to romp around in a clean and safe environment. Our kennel is designed for us and the pups. It is completely under roof, lighted, monitored with security cameras, has a sloped concrete floor and dog doors for going in and outdoors. The indoor area is lined with rubber mats, and beds. We use the best Kuranda raised beds along with fleece. There are plenty of toys for everyone to enjoy. We also have chairs inside the kennel for everyone to sit and enjoy the puppies. During the remaining couple of weeks, the puppies will spend their time in our home and the kennel area. By the way, our adult dogs live inside with us. None of our Bergamascos live outside.

Most of our puppies are picked up around the age of 10 weeks. By this time, we believe most puppies benefit more by moving on to their new families. Depending on air travel and peoples schedules, we work with the pickup dates. All of the puppies will be up to date with appropriate vaccinations and wormings. You will be provided a veterinarian health certificate, instructions, food for a few meals, a lead, a bowl and toys.

Once you leave, we are a phone call or e-mail address away to offer support. We also want to hear stories and see pictures of your growing puppy!