If you are looking for a dog that's not only gorgeous looking with a superb, affectionate and loyal character, but a dog that's known to be one of the healthier breeds around, then you would not go far wrong by choosing a Bergamasco. Although, not a lot of research has been carried out on the breed because they such a rare breed, they do boast long lifespans which can be anything up to 15 years plus when well cared for.

However, with this said, if you are thinking about getting a Bergamasco puppy, it is well worth asking a breeder if any of their dogs suffer from certain hereditary and congenital health issues and if they have, to find a puppy elsewhere. A reputable breeder would always be prepared to show potential owners all the relevant information pertaining to the dogs and bitches they use in a breeding programme and would expect to be asked for this type of information.

Below are just three health disorders associated with the Bergamasco and although not all dogs would ever suffer from any of them, it is worth knowing they might because the earlier a condition is correctly diagnosed and then treated, the better the outcome typically is for the dog.

Hip Dysplasia

One condition that might affect the breed is an orthopaedic disorder called hip dysplasia. It's caused by the abnormal development of the hip joint which typically occurs when dogs are still growing. Dogs with the condition tend to be extremely lame and in severe cases, arthritis sets in, debilitating a dog's movement even more. Veterinary attention should be sought if you are at all worried about your dog because the sooner the condition is diagnosed, the sooner your pet would be made to feel more comfortable and a therapeutic treatment can be set in place.

Bloat – Gastric Torsion

Bloat is a very painful condition where the stomach fills with air which then rotates. It is a condition that needs to be taken very seriously because often it could prove fatal due to the fact that the supply of blood is cut off. The Bergamasco as well as larger breeds that boast deep, narrow chests, are more prone to developing the condition. If you notice your dog showing any signs of a swollen stomach and restlessness, veterinary attention should be sought as soon as possible. Other symptoms include:

• Excessive Drooling
• Abdominal pain
• Shallow, rapid breathing

Bloat is a very serious condition that may affect the breed and which needs to be treated as soon as possible because if not, it could prove fatal in less than one hour.

Eye Problems

The breed is known to suffer from various eye conditions which tend to develop because of the hair that continuously falls over them. It's really important to check their eyes on a regular basis and if there is a problem to get to the vet sooner rather than later. As with most eye conditions and other health issues, when caught early enough, they are easier to treat and the outcome tends to be that much better.

A Wonderful Protective Coat

The beauty about the Bergamasco's coat is that it is always changing during the course of a dog's life and because of it's structure, these lovely looking dogs rarely suffer from any sort of skin disorder. The reason being that their coats offer such a wonderful protection

Conclusion

These lovely looking dogs are still pretty rare and therefore not a lot of research has been carried out into the breed. However, they are considered to be one of the more robust and healthy dogs around. They boast gorgeous, loyal and affectionate natures which is why they are becoming more popular than ever before. The breed is also known to be very good guard dogs and soon let owners know when there's something or somebody around. If you are looking for a gorgeous looking dog and one that's considered to be a robust and healthy dog that boasts a pretty long lifespan, the Bergamasco could be the perfect choice.