Bergamascos are very athletic

Question: Are Bergamascos easy to train?
Answer: Bergamascos are highly intelligent and will respond well to consistent, positive training. A heavy hand is not needed and totally inappropriate for this breed. Bergs are very quick with figuring things out...., including people. They will look to you as a friend and for guidance but will not blindly obey unless they feel it will please you. It is a partnership with mutual respect. For those new to owning a dog or those needing some extra help or updating, we highly recommend a group training class. We still attend them with all of our own dogs. You can't beat the socialization it provides and it is a great opportunity to meet other people with similar interests.

Question: Can Bergamascos live outside?
Answer: Unless you plan on living out there with them..... absolutely not! Bergamascos have lived for centuries in close contact with man and will be unhappy if left alone for extended periods or relegated to the barn or dog house. If you are looking for a fulltime outside dog, the Bergamasco is not for you.

Question: Do Bergamascos make good herding dogs?
Answer: This is what Bergamascos were originally bred to do and with proper training (like any herding breed), they can be excellent herders. Our Bergamascos are great at lending us a hand to round up the livestock!

Question: What can one expect to pay for a Bergamasco puppy?
Answer: Bergamascos are priced accordingly when considering the whole picture. Bergamascos are a VERY special breed. Their numbers are extremely limited in the world. Reputable breeders take great care, time and expense making sure the breed remains healthy. They will take extra time and will sometimes travel great distances in order to perform a breeding or bring in a new bloodline. A reputable breeder is very concerned with where their puppies are placed and would rather keep the puppies until they find a good home. Bergamasco owners understand and appreciate how valuable the bloodlines are and take great pride in their dogs. If one is just looking for an average pet, there are a lot of great breeds out there. A Bergamasco is something to be cherished.....

Question: I am confused with the coat color. What color are they?
Answer: This can be a bit confusing but basically a Bergamasco is either black or merle (gray with black spots) with some even displaying a tawny hue. The tricky part is how the coat color changes as they grow into adulthood. When the puppies are born, the true (genetic) color is very easy to distinguish. Merle puppies will generally stay the same color. Black puppies can stay black but the majority will gray as they mature. The graying is the result of a specific gene common to many breeds and can be subtle to very dramatic. Some Bergamascos that are born black can turn completely gray or even a creamy white leaving no trace as to their original birth color. It is also acceptable for the blacks to have a small white star on their chest or toes...... pretty neat huh!

Question: How long do Bergamascos live?
Answer: Pretty much like any other breed this size. Environment, care and genetics all play a role but 10 to 15 years is to be expected. Bergamascos are healthy dogs and don't have some of the genetic problems as with other more populated breeds.

Question: Is the coat difficult to care for?
Answer: No, not really, but is does take some commitment as the puppy coat evolves into it's adult coat between 8 and 18 months average. There is much written about proper coat care for those needing help. Your breeder should also be available for instruction during the transition phase. The adult coat is best kept to the owners lifestyle. Long or short is a personal preference and is generally related to whether your Bergamasco is working, showing or just being a family pet.

Question: Does the Bergamasco require a special diet?
Answer: No, this again is a personal preference of the owner and what your Berg likes. Like any dog, they thrive and are healthier on a high quality diet. Bergamascos are generally not aggressive eaters like a Labrador. They will eat enough to be satisfied but most will not gorge themselves and sometimes will leave food in the bowl.

Question: How much exercise does a Bergamasco require?
Answer: Bergamascos do quite well with hanging around the house for the majority of the day. However, they are a herding breed and do require exercise. Most working breeds require a certain amount of daily exercise or activity in order to be content. A healthy daily walk is great but they do best with additional vigorous exercise. 20 to 30 minutes of play time with a ball (ours like a soft disc) is usually sufficient. A small fenced in yard is also helpful as they will have a place to move around and survey the property outside on their own (off leash). Our Bergamascos really, really enjoy themselves when they get to run, perform agility activities or herd our alpacas! Just be careful not to over exercise when they are still growing and developing.

Question: Why do Bergamascos look the way they do?
Answer: As with many dog breeds, they evolved over time with their environment and selective breeding. When people ask about the look, they are usually referring to the unique matted coat. The coat has developed this way for protection from the elements and from predators.

Question: How big is an adult Bergamasco?
Answer: About 55 to 75 pounds with females weighing on the lower end. Average height at the withers is 22 to 24 inches.

Question: Are Bergamascos friendly?
Answer: Absolutely! They are wonderful family dogs. Like many other breeds it is very important to socialize them regularly at a young age with people outside of your family. They should have exposure to people (including pets) of all ages and especially small children. We recommend a group puppy training class as part of your socialization training. It contributes to a more confident and well rounded personality as they get older.

Question: Where do Bergamascos come from?
Answer: There is a long and ancient history with the Bergamasco. They come from the northern alpine regions of Italy and that is still where most of the Bergamascos are today.