Bergamasco Sheepdog health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Bergamasco Sheepdog, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 15 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the Bergamasco Sheepdog
| Condition | What it is | Related costs |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasiaNamed by: breed club screening [3] | The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2] | Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [4] Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [5] |
| Elbow dysplasiaNamed by: breed club screening [3] | The bones of the elbow don't grow together quite right, which causes lameness in the front legs and early arthritis. [6] | Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [7] Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [8] |
| Degenerative myelopathyNamed by: breed club screening [3] | A slow, painless disease of the spinal cord that weakens the back legs in older dogs. There's no cure, but rehab can help. [9] | Dog MRI (owner bills): $900–$2,900 [10] |
Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM) - DNA Test. [1][3] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.
What to budget
For a large dog like the Bergamasco Sheepdog, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640), and surgery, when needed, runs $541 – $3,903. [11]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Bergamasco Sheepdog at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,500. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 13–15 years and you get roughly $11,400–$22,700 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [11][12] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.
Insurance and savings
The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [13] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [14] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [15]
Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.
Common questions
What health problems are common in the Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. That doesn't mean every Bergamasco Sheepdog will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Bergamasco Sheepdog?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640).
Should I get pet insurance for a Bergamasco Sheepdog?
It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.
What health tests should a Bergamasco Sheepdog breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM) - DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a Bergamasco Sheepdog live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 13–15 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (15) — tap to show
- AKC – Bergamasco Sheepdog breed page (with the national breed club)
- VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – Elbow dysplasia
- VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
- VCA – Degenerative myelopathy in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog MRI Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
- VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)