Living With a Bergamasco

Living with a Bergamasco is different from living with many other breeds. They are thoughtful, observant dogs that tend to form strong bonds with their people. They are often described as independent, but in reality they are very connected — they just don’t demand attention in loud or constant ways.

Bergamascos like to be involved in daily life. They want to know what’s going on and where their people are, even if they’re not always right on top of you. They are often happiest when they can quietly keep an eye on things.

Temperament in Everyday Life

In the home, Bergamascos are often steady, but they are not passive dogs. They are intelligent, opinionated, and very aware of their surroundings. Many lines, particularly those with stronger working instincts, can be demanding and will push boundaries if they are under-stimulated or misunderstood.

They tend to think before reacting, which can look like calmness, but it is more accurately thoughtfulness. They are deeply bonded to their families and can be sensitive to changes in routine or environment. They do best with owners who enjoy engaging with their dog and providing structure, rather than expecting an “easy” or low-effort companion. They are intelligent, opinionated, and very aware of their surroundings. Many lines, particularly those with stronger working instincts, can be demanding and will push boundaries if they are under-stimulated or misunderstood.

Activity and Routine

Bergamascos are moderate dogs. They enjoy activity and movement, but they don’t usually need endless exercise to be content. Regular walks, time outdoors, training, or a job to do are generally more important than sheer intensity.

They thrive when they are part of a routine and when they have a sense of purpose. Being left out of daily life or treated as an ornamental dog can lead to frustration or withdrawal.

The Coat: Living With It

The Bergamasco coat is one of the most misunderstood parts of the breed. It does not require traditional brushing, but it does require hands-on involvement and a willingness to learn. Living with this coat means accepting that it will change over time and that it will never look “styled” or polished.

This is not a low-effort coat, but it is a natural one. People who are comfortable with a functional, evolving coat tend to do well. Those who want a dog to look tidy or uniform at all times often struggle with this aspect of the breed.

Is This the Right Breed for You?

Bergamascos are not an easy or universally forgiving breed. Some individuals can be reactive, and issues such as dog aggression or leash reactivity do occur within the breed. This is especially true when dogs are under-socialized, poorly matched to their home, or not given appropriate structure and guidance.

They do best with owners who are comfortable reading dog behavior, setting boundaries, and addressing challenges thoughtfully rather than hoping they resolve on their own. This is not a breed for people who want a highly social, bombproof dog in every situation, or who expect training to be effortless.

For the right home, Bergamascos can be deeply rewarding companions. We encourage prospective owners to be honest with themselves about their experience level, lifestyle, and expectations before deciding whether this breed is the right fit.

Learning More

We encourage anyone interested in the breed to take time to learn about what living with a Bergamasco is really like.

For specific questions about grooming, exercise, and general care, please visit our Bergamasco FAQ page.
To learn more about how we raise and place puppies, you can also visit our Puppies page.