The Bergamasco boasts an incredible coat that is made up of dog hair, goat hair and wool which it what gives it such a unique texture. A dog’s mats eventually reach the ground once they are around 6 years old. You would be forgiven for thinking that their coat is high maintenance, but in actual fact the reverse is true because once the cords have developed and formed, they take care of themselves. However, it's important to keep an eye on any excessive matting which can pull at a dog's skin making the area sore and painful. If this happens the offending mats need to be gently and carefully separated before dividing them into smaller flocks all of which has to be done by hand.
As a dog matures, the flocks around their saddle area may become wider and their coat will generally thicken. The natural oils in the coat means that Bergamascos are very clean dogs that only need bathing 1 to 3 times a year, but 'spot' bathing may be required in particular areas when the need arises. It’s also important to check a dog's ears regularly because moisture tends to build up in their ear canals providing the perfect environment for a yeast infection to take hold which can be notoriously difficult to clear up. Their coats should never be shaved or clipped.
Bergamascos need to be given a lot of exercise on a daily basis, but they also need a tremendous amount of stimulation to be truly happy, well-rounded dogs. A good hour's walk is essential and ideally this needs to be split into two sessions, one half hour walk in the morning and the same again in the afternoon. However, these dogs also benefit from being allowed to run around in a secure garden as often as possible so they get to let off a lot of "steam" during the day.
If you get a Bergamasco puppy from a breeder, they would give you a feeding schedule for your new pet and it's important to stick to the same routine, feeding the same type of puppy food to avoid any tummy upsets. You can change a puppy's diet, but this needs to be done very gradually always making sure they don't develop any digestive upset and if they do, it's best to put them back on their original diet and to discuss things with the vet before attempting to change their diet again.
