Bergamasco Breed Description

An Owner's Bergamasco Description
Watch out - Rags is coming!! Rags is our newest family member. We chose this breed because of their reputation as great family dogs. Even though he's not as well known as the more common 'family' dogs like the Lab or Golden Retriever, his temperament makes him a perfect fit for our family.

Might not look like it, but these dogs can actually see through all the fluff on their face and Rags is constantly on the watch, ever alert to his surroundings. I don't mind that he is somewhat leery of strangers. In fact, our family gets a sense of security because of that personality trait. We like the Bergamasco's protective nature. But, since he's non-agressive, that's about as far as it goes; in fact, Rags is the ultimate peacemaker. He would never make it in Guard Dog Academy, that's for sure!

Because we have kids that like to run and play, Rags fits right in. He loves to play, but without the competitive spirit or other breeds of dog. He will just walk away if things get too out of hand.

Rags can be a complex dog to understand as he has so many different endearing qualities. He's really one of a kind! Amazingly, Rags can view each person in our family on an individual level and respond differently to each one. He seems to judge strangers the same way: each on an individual basis, determining who he will allow to get close.

I'm glad we live here in Colorado, at a high altitude, because this breed is best suited to cooler climates. Their dense coats are well designed for harsh cold weather. Rags enjoys his rest time outdoors and will choose to exercise only when he's ready, and that's mostly running and playing with the kids. He is so loveable and affectionate with the family that he is a perfect example for the kids to mimic with other animals, and even with each other.

 

 

Introduction

Also know as the Bergamese Shepherd. In looks and temperament, these hardy and adaptable dogs are remarkably similar to the Briard. However, while the Briard is popular in France and abroad, the Bergamasco is relatively unknown outside their native region of Bergamo in Italy and at times they have been close to extinction. An exceptionally efficient worker, their distinctive corded coat evolved to protect these dogs from the weather and the flailing hooves of livestock. They are affectionate, courageous and loyal and make superb companion and guard dogs. They are not suited for city life. They weigh 57 to 84 lbs. and stand 22-24" at the shoulders.

History

As early man began to keep sheep and goats, his dogs aided him in keeping the flocks safe from predators. Man and dog drove the sheep to pasturelands, traveling along the mountains from east to west according to the archaelogical records. The dogs hearty enough to make this arduous journey and protect the sheep from wolves along the way have evolved over the centuries with us.

The Bergamasco became the dog of the shepherds in the Italian Alps, and centuries passed without much change. Thanks to the synthetic fiber development during the war years, after WWI wool demand decreased worldwide. That meant less flocks, and that meant less dogs. The Bergamascos began to dwindle in number and faced probably extinction. Dr. Maria Andreoli established Dell'Albera Kennel and over four decades developed Bergamasco bloodlines that have enabled the breed to survive and thrive in the modern age.

General Description

The first line of defense these dogs present to a predator is their fur. Rope-like and densely felted, it covers all of their body, and can form a complete curtain in front of their eyes. It is impossible for a wolf to bite through this dense covering, which also protects the Bergamasco from the climate of the Italian Alps where it has long been the dog of choice for sheepherding. That curtain of fur that forms in front of the animals' eyes act as a visor against the glare of sunlight reflecting off the snow. The coat has distinct types of hair. Flocks are the strands of hair that become woven together to create flat layers of felted hair; loose mats cover the Bergamasco's body and legs. The undercoat is oily to the touch and completely waterproof.

Slightly longer than they are tall, the dog's mCenturies of fairly isolated breeding have created today's Bergamasco: hearty and strong, intelligent and resourceful. This is not a dog who is going to come into your family and act as a subordinate pet. Rather, it will view itself as one of the family, on an equal footing with those it loves and respects, a self-sufficient working partner. . They are self-actuating thinkers with a keen intelligence that enables them to solve problems without guidance from theirs, although they will aim to please those they love. uzzle and skull are of equal length with a pronounced stop. Skin is tight along the head (no wrinkles). Brown eyes, black eye rims, nose and lips. The short hanging ears are triangular with rounded tips.

Color
s include gray through solid black, white markings are acceptable but not solid white.

Temperament

Centuries of fairly isolated breeding have created today's Bergamasco: hearty and strong, intelligent and resourceful. This is not a dog who is going to come into your family and act as a subordinate pet. Rather, it will view itself as one of the family, on an equal footing with those it loves and respects, a self-sufficient working partner. . They are self-actuating thinkers with a keen intelligence that enables them to solve problems without guidance from theirs, although they will aim to please those they love.

In doing the research before selecting the right breed for you and your family, be sure to assess whether you want the combination of intelligence and independence commingled in this type of dog. Today, farmers and ranchers in the US are discovering the impressive abilities of this ancient herding breed.

Health and Care

Obviously, when performing as sheep dogs the way their ancestors did, grooming was minimal at best and the Bergamasco's coat was left to flock and mat as nature dictated. As a house pet, owners may wish to separate clumps of hair into smaller groupings to more easily remove dirt and increase air circulation to the dog's skin, but notice that if the clumps are left alone, they will naturally mat about half an inch away from the dog's skin, allowing the skin to breathe and eliminating pulls. Talk to your breeder for the best grooming advice!

Colors

Shades of gray as far as complete black , grey yellow with brown

Living Area

He feels good in presance of a owner with experience in raising dogs, if he is kept in the yard he gets his own exercise. He needs to be socialized and traind.

Recognized By

N/A

Pets4You offers listings of Bergamasco breeders with puppies for sale.