Bergamasco
- Size
- Large
- Height
- Females – 22 inches at the withers; Males – 23 ½ inches at the withers
- Weight
- Females – 57 to 71 pounds; Males – 70 to 84 pounds
- Coat
- Long
- Color
- Solid gray or gradations of gray up to black
- Energy
- Medium
- Activities
- Conformation, Herding, Guarding, and Agility
This ancient Alpine breed, believed to be 2,000 years old, was originally developed to guard and herd livestock. Today, he is widely recognized as a loving family companion. Gentle, patient and caring, the Bergamasco thrives on human attention and doesn’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. His signature, considerably hypoallergenic coat doesn’t require much grooming other than occasional bathing, but his nails should be clipped and teeth brushed regularly.
Did you know? The Bergamasco has extremely long eyelashes that keep his hair out of his eyes and protect him from snowblindness.
More. The breed’s distinctive corded coat is comprised of three types of hair – undercoat, “goat hair” and outer coat – that combine to form feltlike mats. These cords grow as the Bergamasco ages, finally reaching the ground when the dog is 6 years old.