Bergamasco Sheepdog Newfoundland Mix

The Bergamasco Sheepdog Newfoundland Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Newfoundland. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Bergamasco is known for being determined, intelligent, and patient. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Bergamasco Sheepdog or the Newfoundland? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Bergamasco Sheepdog Newfoundland Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Bergamasco Sheepdog Newfoundland Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Bergamasco Sheepdog Newfoundland Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Newfoundland Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Bergamasco Sheepdog History

He looks like a Muppet with dreadlocks, but in reality he’s a sweet, loyal sheepdog with a patient nature and an intelligent, independent spirit. And you can see that in his eyes, if you look for them! You might look at this dog and think, “grooming nightmare.” Not so! The Bergamasco’s coat needs some prep work when he’s still a puppy, but after that, it’s smooth sailing. He wears his mats (or “dreads”) proudly, and once established they require almost no maintenance. Among adult dogs, little to no brushing is required, and bathing usually isn’t necessary more than one to three times a year. Experts advise that the dog never be shaved. As sheep-herders, Bergamascos were bred to work independently and to problem-solve without a handler’s supervision or commands. This makes him somewhat different from other shepherd breeds. A strong, muscular dog with a considerable ability to endure long working hours and harsh elements, Bergamascos are believed to be descendants of ancient dogs that tended and herded flocks of sheep in mountainous Iran (then Persia) for their nomadic masters. Over time, some of these nomads settled and remained in the Italian Alps. It is there that the dog came to be known as the Bergamasco (for Bergamo, one of the first Italian towns where he worked tending sheep).

More recently (in the period immediately following World War II), Bergamascos nearly became extinct because of the drop in wool production and the corresponding drop in need for sheep and sheepdogs. A highly trained Italian scientist, Dr. Maria Andreoli, is credited with saving the breed by studying and observing its genetic traits. Over 40 years of careful breeding, Dr. Andreoli developed many lines of champion dogs at her Dell' Albera kennel. She is also credited with sharing knowledge that enabled the Bergamasco to be successfully introduced in the U.S.

Newfoundland History

The Newfoundland Dog is known for its working ability. It is known as the “Gentle Giant.” One of its original working purposes was used for taking ropes ashore in North Atlantic seas, retrieving lost fishing gear and rescuing humans. It is a very strong and powerful swimmer. Due to its size it has also been used as a pack animal, sled dog, and carting dog. It has a thick double layered coat which makes it great for cold weather. Like many breeds, no one really knows the history, but it more than likely originated from dogs brought from the island of Newfoundland to England in the early 1800's.
The most popular theories are: They were developed from the black 'bear' dogs transported to Newfoundland and the Americas by Vikings around 1000 A.D. This obviously makes it a very old breed. They possibly evolved from the American Black Wolf or from other native dogs.
They developed from the inter-breeding of European dogs brought to Newfoundland in the 15th and 16th century by explorer's.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Newfoundland Mix Size and Weight

Bergamasco Sheepdog
Height: 22 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 57 - 84 lb.
Lifespan: 13 - 15 years

Newfoundland
Height: 25 - 29 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 100 - 150 lb.
Lifespan: 8 - 10 years

Bergamasco Sheepdog Newfoundland Mix Personality

The Bergamasco Sheepdog and the Newfoundland might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Newfoundland Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Bergamasco Sheepdog mixed with the Newfoundland might be prone to joint dysplasia, eye problems, gastric torsion, bloat, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Newfoundland Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Bergamasco Sheepdog Newfoundland Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Bergamasco Sheepdog Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in