Temperament of the Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco is a family dog and will make his family his flock. His lifestyle may have changed from that of guarding and herding sheep but the Bergamasco is still the same.

Strong, sound and brave, the Bergamasco is above all very intelligent and balanced. The intelligence of the dog has been refined for natural selection. Being alone with hundreds of sheep to look after and having to sort out different and unexpected problems, caused the Bergamasco's intelligence to develop steadily.

Bergamascos are above all a peaceful dog with is human family and other pets in the house. A careful selection was applied to eliminate excessive aggressiveness. Puppies play together, without impulse towards rivalry. They grow up in harmony with each other and develop strong personal links which are never broken.

 Bergamasco show great respect for each other, they avoid irritating or provoking one another. They have strong, balanced characters, their highly developed dignity makes it possible for them to live in peace with each other in a community devoid of dominance and submission.  That said, it is important to note that  Bergamascos are strong guardian of their home and family and might not tolerate strange dogs and humans if they disrupt the family harmony by their behavior or if they are intruders.

The Bergamasco is a friend to its human family, never a follower. He does not submit, but obeys to demonstrate affection and will not do this under menace. He always needs to understand "why" he has to do something. A Bergamasco needs to be treated as the intelligent being which it is; only if you can make it understand rationally what you want of him, will comply with pleasure, but in its own way.

He will never see you as a master but as a friend. Attentive and reserved, it participates constantly in everything which goes on around it and, even when it appears to be asleep, it eyes will be following you, because it always wants to know where you are and what you are up to.

Although not instinctively aggressive, the Bergamasco is an excellent watch dog because it doesn't likes strangers invading its world, and might not tolerate other dogs who misbehave or humans who act threatening in his home.

The Bergamasco has a special relationship with children starting back from its sheep dog ancestors when looking after lambs. It will be patient and protective, tolerant and attentive, seeking the children company and establishing a true friendship with them.

Anyone who owns a Bergamasco is also lucky enough to have an excellent Nanny on hand, part from feeling protected, loved and safe at all times.

The Bergamasco is both a watch dog and guard and will alert when people come to the home, however, the Bergamasco is not aggressive as long as there is no serious threat to the family. The Bergamasco is great with all children and have been used as Therapy dogs for handicapped children. Bergamascos are usually okay with other dogs as long as they don't challenge them or appear as a threat. It is not recommended to place a Bergamasco with a very protective breed. They will usually do okay with cats, but it is best if they were brought up together while the dog is still a puppy. The Bergamasco sees each individual that comes to the house as a separate person. As to whether to Bergamasco is friendly with strangers; all depends on the feel of that person and what the dog senses.