History of the Bergamasco Breed
According to experts, the Bergamasco breed is an ancient shepherding dog that can be traced back thousands of years. Most accounts claim that this breed was developed in Persia, in the region that is now Iran. These dogs were used for tending and herding sheep flocks for nomads. This breed was said to have worked in mountain terrain of areas reaching from Persia to Europe. Some of the nomads that kept this breed ended up making a home in the Italian Alps, and that is where the breed became known as the Bergamasco. The dogs were selectively bred based upon their working capabilities, and it is suggested that the shepherds kept the bloodlines of this breed a secret. The Bergamasco almost became extinct after World War II because of the decline in the production of wool which led to a decline in the need for sheepdogs. An Italian breeder of the Bergamasco, Dr. Maria Andreoli, is credited with saving the breed from extinction. Through the science of genetics, she was able to develop bloodlines that created many champion dogs.
Size and Appearance of the Bergamasco Breed
The thick, shaggy coat of the Bergamasco is its best-known trait. A medium-sized dog of good proportions, this breed has a strong, powerful build. The legs are straight when viewed in profile and from behind, and the oval-shaped feet have well-arched toes. The muzzle features a black nose with wide nostrils and well-developed jaws with teeth that meet in a scissors bite. The slightly oval eyes are quite large and usually brown in color. The eyes offer an intelligent and serene, yet alert, expression. The soft, thin ears are triangular in shape. The tail is thicker at the root, and it tapers to the tip. It is covered with thick, harsh hair. The coat of the Bergamasco is made up of three kinds of hair. The hair is very abundant and it forms mats or "flocks" that characterize this breed. Each year, the flocks grow from the spine to the ground. There is a thick drape of hair that grows over the eyes which provides protection from the sun. The coat of this breed comes in a variety of shades including gray or silver gray to coal color. The gait of the Bergamasco is described as regular, untiring, and long-striding.
Bergamasco Temperament
An intelligent and brave breed, the Bergamasco is, overall, a peaceful dog. This breed does not tend to view its owner as its master, but rather its friend. This breed is quite attentive, and it enjoys being involved with everything its family is doing. It is a wonderful watch dog, even though it is not aggressive. It is usually reserved and suspicious of strangers. This breed is excellent with children, because it is patient and enjoys playing games. Some Bergamascos are used as therapy dogs for handicapped children. It also gets along with other dogs as long as the Bergamasco doesn't perceive them as a threat. This breed will do fine with a family cat if it is raised with it.
Bergamasco Recommended Maintenance
Once the coat of the Bergamasco is fully flocked, this breed doesn't require much coat care. Occasional brushing and bathing will be all that is necessary. The flocking stage usually begins as soon as 8 - 9 months of age and is normally completed by the time the dog is two years old. It is from age 2 to 3 that the coat settles into a "flocking pattern" that continues to grow throughout the life of the dog. The unique coat of this breed consists of three kinds of hair: the waterproof undercoat layer made up of dense yet fine and oily hair; the goat hair layer made up of long, harsh strands; and the woolly top coat which is finer and soft to the touch. It is the goat hair and the woolly top coat that weave together to form flocks. The flocks will reach the ground usually by the age of 5. This dog does not shed, except when it is a puppy. This breed enjoys cold climates, and it can sleep outdoors without a problem. The Bergamasco is not recommended for apartment dwelling. It should be provided with a fenced-in yard. Daily exercise is important, but the exercise needs of this breed can be met with daily walks and playing games with the children in the yard.
Bergamasco Health
Life span: 13-15 years
Major concerns: None, usually a very healthy breed
Minor concerns: None
Occasionally seen: None
Suggested tests: None
