Bergamasco Shepherd Dog

Feeding a Bergamasco requires attention to their large breed status and moderate activity level. These dogs do best on high-quality commercial dog food appropriate for their life stage - puppy, adult, or senior. Given their size, they're prone to bloat, so feeding smaller, more frequent meals rather than one large daily meal is recommended.

Australian owners should choose premium brands that meet nutritional standards, focusing on foods with quality protein sources and controlled calcium levels during puppyhood to support proper bone development. Adult Bergamascos typically need 2-3 cups of food daily, divided into two meals, though individual requirements vary based on age, activity level, and metabolism.

If you prefer preparing home-cooked meals, consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure balanced nutrition. Include lean meats like chicken, beef, or fish, along with appropriate vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, and grains such as rice or oats. Always cook eggs before serving, and avoid foods toxic to dogs like chocolate, onions, and grapes.

Monitor your Bergamasco's weight carefully - their thick coat can hide weight gain. Feel for their ribs regularly and adjust portions accordingly. During Australia's hot months, these dogs may eat less, which is normal, but ensure they maintain adequate hydration. Fresh water should always be available, particularly important given their thick coat and heat sensitivity. Treats should comprise no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake to prevent obesity.

Here's where Bergamascos surprise everyone - despite their dramatic appearance, they're actually low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. That incredible coat is made up of three hair types: coarse "goat" hair, dense "dog" hair, and soft undercoat that naturally combine to form flat, felt-like mats called "flocks."

For the first year, your Bergamasco puppy will have soft, fluffy coat that requires regular brushing like any other dog. The magic happens around 12-15 months when the different hair types begin appearing and the coat starts naturally matting. This is when you'll need to help form the flocks by hand - a process that takes a few hours but only needs doing once in the dog's lifetime.

Once the flocks are established, grooming becomes remarkably simple. No brushing is required - in fact, it would destroy the coat structure. You'll only need to check occasionally that mats haven't grown together and separate them if necessary. Bathing is needed just 1-3 times yearly, though drying takes considerable time due to the coat's density.

For Australian owners, this coat is both a blessing and a challenge. It provides excellent insulation against cold Melbourne winters but makes hot Queensland summers difficult. Never shave a Bergamasco completely, as this disrupts their natural temperature regulation. However, you can trim the coat shorter for comfort during extreme heat, though this isn't ideal for show dogs. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care complete their grooming routine.

Bergamascos are intelligent dogs with an independent streak that makes training both rewarding and challenging. They were bred to think for themselves while working with flocks, so they approach training as equal partners rather than subordinates. This means you'll need patience, consistency, and respect for their decision-making nature.

Early socialisation is absolutely crucial for these naturally wary dogs. Expose your Bergamasco puppy to various people, animals, and situations in a positive way. Puppy training classes are invaluable for learning basic manners and social skills. These dogs respond best to positive reinforcement methods - they want to please you but need to understand why they should do something.

Exercise needs are moderate but consistent. A daily walk, some playtime, and mental stimulation will keep most Bergamascos content. They're not high-energy dogs like Border Collies, but they do need regular activity to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. In Australia's climate, plan exercise for cooler parts of the day - early morning beach walks along the Gold Coast or evening hikes in the Blue Mountains are perfect.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and jobs around the property help keep their intelligent minds occupied. Many Australian owners find their Bergamascos excel at dog sports like agility or tracking, though their independent nature means they'll do things their own way. Remember, these dogs bond closely with their families and prefer activities that include their favourite humans rather than being left alone in the backyard.