The Bergamo Shepherd impresses with its unusual and striking appearance. And indeed, once he saw this shaggy miracle, it is impossible to forget it. What is interesting about this breed of four-legged pets?
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Description and characteristics of the breed
For the first time they saw a Bergamo shepherd or, as it is also called, a “bergamasco”, the feeling that these animals were dressed up especially for the exhibition does not leave. Indeed, the dog’s coat resembles a knight's chain mail, consisting of metal plates. But this armor is of natural origin, and the plates are made of wool.
Such attire has a certain meaning: it protects animals from cold and predator bites. And the last of these dogs for the long years of the formation of their breed had to endure a lot.
By the nature of the dog, bergamasco are friendly and balanced creatures, obedient, sensitive and smart. Animals are distinguished by low patience and vigilance. Faithful and faithful, these creatures adore the family in which they live, and are ready to follow the owner literally on their heels. Despite their rather impressive size, these dogs are very agile and active. Solid and thoughtful, Bergamasco never barks over trifles.
Origin history
The Bergamasco breed was formed in the Italian city of Bergamo, where to this day these animals are considered one of the best shepherd dogs.
About 2,000 years ago, long-haired shepherds were brought to European ports from Phenicia.After some time, the Europeans carried out work on the selection of these animals, and representatives of the breed were exported to Italy, and specifically to Tuscany. Here they were used to create a shepherd named “Maremma”. A number of former Shepherd dogs from Phenicia were sent to the north of the country, where it laid the foundation for the Bergamasco breed. Later, these animals were imported into Spain and France, where they were used for further breeding work. Doggies very quickly gained great popularity with local shepherds.
Life span
Bergamasco are endowed with good immunity and health. A hardy animal easily adapts to different life and climatic conditions. Since the breed is small, it is difficult to mention genetic pathologies. Breeders are only charged with the obligation to monitor manufacturers for dysplasia of the elbow and hip joints. Iron health does not preclude the need for regular vaccination, as well as treating dogs for parasites.
The average life expectancy of shepherd dogs of the Bergamasco breed is 12-13 years.
Bergamo Shepherd Dog Standard
Bergamasco - medium sized animals with a strong physique and a long wool coat. The latter evenly covers the body, gathering in tangled strands. For this feature they were called "dogs with dreadlocks." Their growth ranges from 56-60 cm, and weight is 30-38 kg.
The breed standard dictates the following features of the appearance of these dogs:
- The head in shape resembles a parallelepiped, the muzzle is narrowed to the nose.
- Scissor bite, with developed teeth.
- The eyes are large, brown, with an oval cut and long eyelashes.
- 2/3 of the triangular, well-set ears hang down on the cartilage and are slightly rounded at the tips.
- The neck is bent, the scruff is pronounced well.
- Strong chest lowered to the elbows.
- The back is wide, straight, the lower back is slightly convex.
- The thick tail tapers to the tip, has a saber shape.
- The limbs are strong, straight.
The whole body of bergamasco is covered with very long, shaggy and thick hair, rough and hard to the touch. As it grows, the cover is divided into cakes, covering the dog like a shell and reaching the ground in length. The hair on the head is slightly shorter and hides the ears, face and eyes of the shepherd. The undercoat is dense, short and completely hides the skin.
The standard allows all variations of gray shades of wool of the Bergamo shepherd, as well as black and light yellow color. The presence of light spots in an amount not exceeding 1/5 of the total coat is not considered a deviation.
Dog's purpose
Bergamasco is a shepherd dog breed that has long been helping to overtake the herd and gathering in groups of animals that have fought off others. Their skills are not so relevant today, however, these shepherd dogs have retained their excellent working qualities. They are able to block the passage of cattle, subject to competent training for him to isolate one animal or their group from others.
Bergamasco is no less good as a companion of man. These dogs perceive their family members as a herd that needs to be protected and kept together. Shepherd dogs always keep track of where "their" people are and what they are doing. These dogs make excellent nannies for children.
Maintenance, care and feeding
A Bergamo shepherd dog is best kept on a farm or in a private house with a garden. These animals are not suitable for an apartment, as well as for a short leash or a closed aviary. These dogs are not enough just walking with the owner: they need to frolic in the great outdoors, play with other animals, their owner and his children. Staying in the fresh air is also important for the coat of these animals, since it creates optimal conditions for maintaining the purity of hairs. In dogs living in the enclosure or in the cramped condominiums of the dogs, the mitters begin to emit an unpleasant smell, due to the lack of proper ventilation of the coat.This problem can be solved only by the frequent stay of the pet on the street.
Important! Bergamasco perfectly tolerate cold and frost, which can not be said about the summer heat.
Bergamo shepherd hair care requires regular combing and washing until the dog reaches the age of one. Closer to 3 years, dog hair begins to gather in typical warlocks. During this period, the coat of pets should be closely monitored, from time to time, untangling the hairs with your hands and helping to curl the natural strands. The hair in the area around the eyes needs to be cut a lot. It is very rare for adults to bathe, only in case of urgent need.
The teeth and ears of the pet should be cleaned regularly, wipe the eyes. If the claws do not have time to grind naturally, they should be cut.
Bergamasco is not very picky about food. However, the diet of the animal must fully comply with its physical needs. Mobile and active, these shepherd dogs need ready-made feed or natural food, which includes all the necessary additives and minerals. The latter can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy and added to natural food for a pet. The diet may include lean meat, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, cereals (buckwheat, rice).
How to train a puppy
Since early childhood, the puppies of the Bergamo shepherd have an intelligence and quick wit, which helps to easily train these animals. The desire to work and cater to the owner will help in the process of training and command execution. These animals are very fond of praise, so do not skimp on kind words and even any goodies for the pet, making progress in training.
If necessary, you can train a bergamasco for search and rescue activities or make a guide dog out of it. In competitions, these animals show good results in obedience.
Advice! Dogs of the Bergamasco breed are brave and courageous animals, they can very well protect people close to him and their property. However, training them specifically as guard dogs is not recommended. Bergamasco is not suitable for this task, because by nature they are not evil and quite friendly animals.
Pros and cons of shepherd breed
Of the pluses of bergamasco are:
- unusual, bright exterior;
- excellent working qualities;
- good health;
- sociability;
- friendly disposition.
Minuses:
- The need for constant physical activity, walks.
- Bergamasco is not adapted to life in urban apartments.
Shaggy bergamasco is not only a great shepherd, but also a great companion for a family living outside the city and appreciating active and energetic animals. These moving creatures love to run and frolic in the company of their family members. Loyal, intelligent and loyal, these dogs get along well with children and other pets.
