The Bergamasco sheepdog is a very ancient breed, at least 2000 years old. It is believed that the origins of the breed can be found to have come from Asia.

Through the centuries to day, this breed virtually remained the same; for this we most be grateful to the shepherds for whom these dogs were invaluable because of their exceptional efficiency in leading flocks.

The breed satisfied the shepherds so much that they kept the strong will of the dogs unchanged. Nothing was worth to be modified to improve their performances. This conservation of the breed throughout the centuries has become the best guarantee of its exceptional qualities.

A dog of middle size, he becomes impressive because of his mantle. The coat is very profuse. In the region of the withers down to roughly half the depth of the thorax, only goat hair rough and strong is present, forming a smooth saddle. In the rear section of the trunk and on the limbs, together with the goat hair which is still present, there is a vast amount of woolly hair from which the particular masses of hair, known as "maps" originate. The maps in Bergamasco are long and bright (not corded like a Puli or a Komondor).

The maps start from the spine and go down the flanks growing every year to reach the ground. They are larger at their base, flat, irregular and sometimes opening fanwise. This thick coat protects the dog from cold, heat, rain and bits from snakes and insects.

This thick curtain of coat that covers their eyes has a functional purpose: it serves as a visor, so as not to be dazzled by the sun reflecting off snow in the mountains. It also allows the dog to look at in any directions, even towards the sun. The color of the coat can be anything from grey with black markings through to black.

In spite of what people may think, there is very little work to do on the coat. The coat settles naturally, and to keep him tidy it is necessary to give the dog a slight occasional brush.

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 difficult and unexpected problems, caused the Bergamasco's intelligence to develop steadily. With this knowledge of thousands of years experience, the Bergamasco is today adjusting himself to life in a new environment: in fact the family has now become his flock. Different from other breeds which tend to choose only one master, by ignoring others, the Bergamasco is the dog for all the family indeed. In particular he loves and protects the children, which reawaken in his herd instinct.

His patience and caution, together his vigilance, make him a perfect nanny. He can be aggressive towards the stranger who invades his "territory", but when released from his duty of guardian the Bergamasco is friendly with anybody.

Whoever owns a Bergamasco fells himself protected and safe. All the time the Bergamasco knows how to behave.

This is an essential, although insufficient, description of the Bergamasco breed.

When on that distant day of May 1966 I brought home my first Bergamasco sheepdog, I was totally unaware that that grey fluffy ball, all eyes and nose, would change my life. Since then and over all these years, this breed has not stopped giving me exiting surprises.

Its aspect, its character, its exceptional sensibility and intelligence, and its combination of modern and ancient qualities have made the Bergamasco a precious and rare breed, which excites and endless interest.