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Bergamask sheepdog
Patronage Italy
Classification:
- FCI Group 1
- Herding dogs and cattle dogs, except Swiss Mountain Dogs
- Section 1: German Shepherds
Height at the withers:
- Bitch: 54-58 cm
- Male: 58-62 cm
- Bitch: 26-32kg
- Male: 32-38 kg
The Bergamasque Shepherd Dog is believed to be a descendant of the Persian Shepherd Dog and is also descended from the Molossian Dogs and the Hungarian Shepherd Dogs. The Bergamasque shepherd dog and the Maremman shepherd dog (Maremmano) are the most common dog breeds and oldest varieties in Italy. The Shepherd Dog of Abruzzo has long been confused with the Maremma. In 1898 Italy opened the first stud book.
DescriptionThis intelligent, intrepid dog is medium sized with a rustic appearance. The shaggy, luxuriant and matted hair that forms such a natural shell is characteristic. The color is gray in all shades, grey-black spotted, isabella and also completely black is possible, white markings are allowed. All in all, the Bergamasco is a well-proportioned dog and has a strong build. The ratio of the height at the withers (height at the shoulders) to the length of the body is square and the head is large, but must not appear clumsy, the ears are thin, hanging and should be about half the length of the head. The color of the eyes should match the coat, depending on the color of the coat they can be more or less dark. A tail curled over the back is not desirable, it should hang down to the hock when resting and be carried up like a sickle when excited. She is covered in goat-like hair and shorter tails are preferred.
CareIn order to get the typical appearance of the breed, conventional grooming is unnecessary. From the second year of life, the upper and lower wool becomes felted, then these felt shags should be torn into 4 cm wide "strips". With each "change of hair" the shag lengthens by about 3 cm. With young dogs, care must be taken to ensure that the shags are separated down to the skin so that air can get to them - later this happens all by itself due to the weight of the shags themselves. A Bergamasque dog should be brushed regularly on the neck and head area, this is where it should be Don't matt the fur. It should be avoided that thick felt plates form on the ears, but the fur remains airy and light. The fur is kept very short on the belly so that the shag can be worn like a cape.
UsageThe Bergamasca shepherd dog was originally an excellent herding dog for mountain herds. Nowadays he is becoming more and more popular as a family dog - he is also enthusiastic about dog dancing and agility. The matted fur makes it weatherproof and also provides natural protection against predators such as wolves and bears, which are still widespread in Italy.
