I'm Nicole K., the breeder behind Spellbound Bergamascos located in Novato, CA. We are a small breeder of Bergamasco Sheepdogs, in northern California, with a focus on health, conformation, structure, and temperament. Our dogs are all bred to the Italian standard, and are beautiful and healthy. Puppies are raised in the house with us and our other dogs.. They leave here confident and ready to become one of your family members.. We strive to place each puppy in a home that is a good fit for this breed, as they are part of our family and deserve a wonderful life. Bergamascos are not for every family but if they are I always tell my families they will ultimately have another!
Q. & A. with Nicole
Why did you start breeding?
I got into breeding Bergamascos because I wanted to keep this amazing breed in the US true to its roots in Italy. My mentors are the two most respected kennels in Italy.
What makes your program special?
In the past 7 years I have only bred and raised 4 litters. I am about quality and not quantity. The dogs I am willing to breed are carefully chosen. For the 9 weeks my puppies are here it is a 24/7 commitment. They sleep in my room and I don't leave them for more than a few minutes at a time and only to run for groceries or care for the other animals! They get lots of love and attention.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Nicole
Nicole has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include between $3,000 - $3,800 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“My puppies leave here wormed, vaccinated with their first shots, microchiped with registration, AKC registered, and with a contract. I don't require a deposit as I never want a family to feel forced to take one of my puppies. If they change their mind then I can easily place the puppy with another family as I never have as many puppies available as I do families who want them.”
Contract & health guarantee
Nicole may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Nicole offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Nicole directly.
Spellbound Bergamascos meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Blaise, mom
Bergamasco Sheepdog
About Blaise
Blaise is a female Bergamasco Sheepdog about 6 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Nicole decided to make her part of their program. Nicole has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Ajax, dad
Bergamasco Sheepdog
About Ajax
Ajax is a male Bergamasco Sheepdog. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Nicole decided to make him part of their program. Nicole has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Ajax, dad
Bergamasco Sheepdog
About Ajax
Ajax is a Bergamasco Sheepdog. Carefully selected as a great representative of their breed, Nicole decided to make them part of their program. Nicole has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Spellbound Bergamascos reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Bergamasco Sheepdogs.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Examination (rDVM, not registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (rDVM, not registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
DNA Disease Panel
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).