Answers to common questions about Bergamascos and our breeding program
Are Bergamasco coats low maintenance?
Yes and no. Bergamascos require a fair amount of coat care, especially during the first two years. This is a critical period which involves frequent hand work and brushing to ensure the coat is properly set during it’s initial matting phase. Neglect to keep up with the coat at this time can make the coat too difficult to open in to flocks later. It will require that you take advice from your breeder to learn how to deal with the flocking process. Once the coat is in fully formed flocks, the maintenance is much less. Bergamascos also require special care when washing and drying to prevent mildewing of the coat. Bergamascos are known to bring the outside in! They can carry grass clippings, twigs, pine needles and leaves on the coat which may require frequent floor cleaning.
Are Bergamascos hypoallergenic?
Some people with dog allergies do not react to the Bergamasco. However, the Bergamasco coat can act as a vector for pollen and other environmental allergens. It is best to meet a Bergamasco in person first if you are allergic to dogs.
Can a Bergamasco live in the city?
It has been done successfully. The main things to consider is that your Bergamasco needs space to run and play, will bark and should not climb stairs as a young puppy while joints are growing. If you live in an urban environment with a fenced area for free play, access to the outdoors without having to climb flights of stairs and have forgiving neighbors, a Bergamasco may still work for you.
Does a Bergamasco need air conditioning?
If you live in a hot and humid climate, yes. Bergamascos do not like humidity. They will require air conditioning in summer months in southern states or in states with hot summers.
Can I use a groomer for my Bergamasco?
Most groomers have never seen or worked on a Bergamasco coat. You may find some that have bathed Bergamascos before. Bergamascos in flocked coats need ample time to dry under high velocity fans. You will not be able to have this done at a groomer but can bring them in for a bath and dry them at home. As far as working the coat, that is something that has to be maintained at home on a very frequent basis and can not be relied on to be maintained by a groomer only. Your breeder is your best resource for coat help.
Do Bergamascos have many health problems?
Bergamascos are generally a healthy breed! The main issues our breed is faced with is hip dysplasia and cancer. Bergamascos can live to an average of 12-14 years if they are not afflicted by those two common causes of morbidity. We test all our breeding dogs for hip and elbow dysplasia through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals ( OFA ) and Penn Hip. We also do full DNA panels to check for hereditary illnesses through Embark. We provide proof of this testing to all our puppy homes. Please ensure you are getting a puppy from tested parents as we can only speak for our own program.
Are Bergamascos easy to train?
They can be! Bergamascos require consistent and dedicated training. Some are very active and some are more laid back. Bergamascos who are food motivated are easier to train. Our Bergamascos are treat driven and have a lot of drive. The time you put into training is what you will get out of it. Our Bergamascos are training and/or competing in Obedience, Agility, Conformation and Herding.
Are Bergamascos barkers?
Yes. Yes they are….oh yes. Some more than others. We have some who rarely bark and some who bark all the time.
Can Bergamascos live outside?
No. Bergamascos are very family oriented and want to be with their people always. Bergamascos are not livestock guardians that live with livestock. They are a herding breed that works foremostly with their shepherd/person. Our Bergamascos must live indoors as family members.
Can Bergamascos be bathed often?
Yes. They can be bathed when needed like any other dog but it is critical that you are equipped to dry them within a reasonable time frame. A high velocity fan should be used.
Can I shear my Bergamasco?
You can certainly keep your Bergamasco in a short or clipped coat as long as the skin is not exposed to the sun’s rays. If you plan to show your Bergamasco, you must keep your dog in a fully flocked show coat.
Do Bergamascos get along with cats?
Depends. Most do and if raised with cats your Bergamasco likely will get along with them. Remember that this is a herding breed and herding is controlled prey drive. Expect that is will require training and patience. Many Bergamascos do live very succesfully with cats but every situation is different.
Can I purchase a Bergamasco for breeding?
In short, no. We take a very careful approach to breeding. All puppies are sold as pets. If a puppy shows promise upon maturity and has passed all health testing, only then can it be considered by us. Our contract enforces this.
Are Bergamascos the best breed in the whole wide world?
We think so!
Will a Bergamasco protect my livestock?
Bergamascos are not Livestock Guardian Dogs ( LGDs) and were not bred for this purpose. Their presence may keep predators away and they can be territorial of their space but they do not bond directly with livestock with the instinct to protect them. They bond with their owner/Shepherd primarily. They can be protective of their owners and yards.
Do you ship puppies?
No. All of our puppies are picked up at our home in person by the new owner/family.
Do you have a wait list?
Yes, we usually do. We reserve the right to screen our prospective families and place our puppies in what we feel will be the best homes for them. Please fill out our puppy application if you are interested in a puppy from us. We recommend contacting us well ahead of time of our next litter.
Do we get to pick out our puppy?
We match our puppies to our families based on a multitude of factors to ensure the best fit. We do not assign our puppies until they are around 8 weeks old. We take gender and sometimes color into consideration but our puppies will be matched based on the needs of their new family and the lifestyle they will be living.
Are Bergamasco puppies easy to care for?
Yes, except that they need a lot of socialization during their first 2 years and especially before 16 weeks. Positive experiences in controlled environments will help your Bergamasco puppy grow into a well rounded adult.
Are Bergamascos good with children?
If raised with them from puppyhood generally yes they love children. Herding breeds can be sensitive to fast movements and loud noises. Bergamascos should always be able to have a break from children and should not be left unsupervised. Bergamascos who have not grown up with children may be unpredictable around them.
How do you prepare your puppies for their new homes?
We start from day 1 with Puppy Culture methods to help our puppies get ready for their new families. We spend the first 8-10 weeks working with our puppies to set them up for success. We socialize our puppies and give them many positive experiences during this critical phase of development. You will continue the training from there. Puppies are not housebroken when they leave us but are well on their way. Our puppy packets will include a contract, all proof of parent’s health tests, microchip and a book we have written to help guide you through the first year. We remain a guide and resource for a life of the puppy.
Do Bergamascos get car sick?
Puppies of any breed are prone to car sickness. Bergamasco puppies are no exception. Some do remain car sick even as adults but most will grow out of it as adults.
Can I bring my Bergmasco to a dog park?
We do not recommend it. Dog parks are not a good way to socialize this breed. Bergamascos can be dog aggressive, especially if they have had a bad experience with another dog before. The unpredictability of dog parks is a risk to your dog.