Bergamasco Grooming & Care Guide

The Bergamasco Coat: Understanding the Basics

The Bergamasco’s flocked coat is one of the most recognizable features of the breed. It is made of three distinct hair types, a fine undercoat provides an oily, waterproof protective layer a fine, harsh, grey goat hair, and a soft woolly top coat, that gradually weave together to form flat, felt-like flocks. While the coat may appear similar to that of a Komondor or Puli, their cords tend to be rounder than the flocks of a Bergamasco. The coat matures in stages, reaching the ground when the Bergamasco is about 6 years old. Unlike typical long-coated breeds, Bergamascos are not brushed, owners instead use their hands to separate, shape, and maintain the flocks.

The Coat Stages

The Puppy Stage: Birth to 8-12 Months

Bergamasco Sheepdogs are born with short, soft hair. This puppy coat can form tangles that should be brushed out but does not have the felting characteristics of a more mature Bergamasco coat. Occasional (Monthly) brushing is acceptable. Bathing should be limited as frequent baths eliminate the protective oils that naturally occur and will dry out the Bergamasco Sheepdog's skin.

12 months to 2 years

Between 8 and 12 months, the puppy coat will start to mat or clump together as the three hair types begin to grow. The pin brush will no longer be effective. This often starts at the base of the tail. These clumps should be pulled apart by hand. When separating the mats, think about forming pathways all the way down to the skin.

This stage can sometimes be very frustrating for new Bergamasco Owners. You may spend 20 minutes forming paths to the skin and the next day the hair may be clumped back together. That is to be expected. The true more permanent flocks, will not form until around 2 years of age, some dogs may take even longer. Some ownders choose to work a section of the dog's hair each night, others perfer a longer weekly session. When forming these pathways to the skin, start at the end of the flock furtherst away from the skin and work down. Pull the hair away from itself as if pulling velcro apart. Some people have been known to use corchet hooks, knitting needles or seam rippers to get the flock started. The important thing to remember is that by working the dog's hair by hand, owners get the wonderful opportunity to bond with their dog. Don't let the often dramatic Bergamasco fool you, pulling the hair apart does not hurt them. It should be noted that from this stage on, baths should be limited to only when necessary (up to two times a year). Especially in the early stage, wet Bergamasco hair will seize up and pull on the skin. Beyond this, over-bathing will dry out the dog's skin. Additionally, the flocks will start to take even longer to dry; often more than 24 hours. Spot cleaning is recommended. Dry shampoo can also help to keep the Bergamasco coat looking and smelling great!

Flocks form from the skin up. There should be a slight space of straight hair next to the skin that protects it, the flock formation will start just above this space. When pulling the hair into smaller flocks, be sure to not start them too narrow. Small flocks will eventually get too heavy and break off. We recommend flocks about 3-4 fingers wide. Feel down to the skin to be sure that the skin is not being pulled. There is no need to worry about what direction the flocks are forming. The standard refers to this as a "rustic" look. Especially early on in the process, this "rustic" look can leave the Bergamasco Sheepdog looking unkempt. Many non-Berbgamasco owners will likely make comments about the wild look, suggesting brushing the dog. It is crucial not to take this to heart. Helping the coat to form naturally is caring for a Bergamasco Sheepdog. This coat protects them and helps Bergamascos to regulate their temperature.

3 to 6 years

When the Bergamasco is about 3 years old, flat natural flocks will form and keep their shape. Smile and take a sigh of relief...finally the Bergamasco Sheepdog looks like a Bergamasco (Owners can tell they've hit this stage because people will start asking if the dog is a Komondor or Puli. Just smile and proudly tell them the dog is a Bergamasco Sheepdog!) At this stage the flocks need little maintenance. Occasionally the flocks will stick together and need to be ripped apart, or larger flocks start to pull at the skin and need to be split. The great thing about the adult Bergamasco Sheepdog coat is that there is little that needs to be done to maintain it. As difficult as it looks to care for, the coat requires only a small amount of attention.

6 years +

Adult flocks will begin to touch the ground by about 6 years of age. Especially for older dogs, it is perfectly acceptable to trim the flocks. Some owners will trim flocks as often as yearly. This both prevents the flocks from dragging on the ground and being to heavy for aging Bergamasco Sheepdogs.

For more Coat and grooming care visit Our Care Doc

Daily, Weekly, and Seasonal Coat Care

• Daily: Quick visual checks for debris, moisture, or mats forming near the skin.
• Weekly: Hand-separate tight areas where flocks have grown too close together.
• Seasonally: Full-body coat review, bathing, trimming around paws, and skin inspection.

Bathing a Bergamasco is less frequent than many breeds—usually every few months or when needed. Proper rinsing and thorough drying, with fans recommended, are essential to prevent lingering moisture in the flocks.

Exercise & Activity Needs

Despite their calm indoor demeanor, Bergamascos are athletic and capable working dogs. They benefit from daily walks, structured play, and mental engagement such as puzzles, training, or nose work. They are not frantic or hyper—but they thrive with meaningful, thoughtful activity.

Many Bergamascos enjoy:

• Hiking and outdoor adventures
• Nosework, scent games, and tracking
• Obedience or rally
• Farm or livestock work
• Family activities and social time

Living With a Bergamasco

Bergamascos are deeply bonded family dogs. They do best in homes where they can participate in daily activities and feel included. They typically get along well with children and other animals when properly socialized.

Their coat is surprisingly low-shedding and acts as a natural insulator—warm in winter, cool in summer. However, owners should be mindful of heat and ensure access to shade and water during warm weather.