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Underneath each coat is a large, muscular shepherd dog of ancient pedigree. But, since coat is the identity of the breed, let’s take a closer look. The Bergamasco sheepdog has three different textured hairs that naturally form loose mats, or “frocks” (strands of hair woven together, covering the body and legs, forming flat layers). The herd, the Italian Alps, provides protection from the fierce cold and wild predators of the ancestral homeland of the breed.
Bergamascos are bright, loyal, loving and trainable – with the freedom of a mountain-dog. They look at their loved ones in a calm manner. Wary of strangers unless properly introduced, Bergamascos are invasive only as a last resort.
The Bergamasco Cherdogs (Italian plural: Bergamachi) has been associated for many centuries with the Alpine town of Bergamo near Milan. They are among the many Middle-Eastern breeds that were intercepted around the Mediterranean basin in the distant past by the Phoenicians, who were seafaring merchants of the pre-Roman ancient world.
French authorities have testified that Bergamasco is descended from an ancient Gallic herd briard. However, patriotic Italians insist that Bergamasco came first and contributed to the genetic makeup of the brayard and other European herd-dog breeds. They make sound arguments that if the breed was originally Middle-Eastern, it would have immigrated to Italy before it was established as far west as France.
The powerful, balanced and resilient Bergamasco is ideally suited to move and protect sheep on the rocky slopes of the Italian Alps. “It would not be an exaggeration to call this breed the smallest dog in the world,” says an expert. Exuberant and conspicuous herds covering the dog protect him from the bitter cold of high altitude, and they serve as armor when fighting with sharp-toothed, razor-clawed hunters in search of a feast on a high sheep. (It should be noted that although Bergamasco passes through its Hungarian cousin, the Corded Komondor, the coats vary. The flanks of the Bergamasco are flat, while the cords are rounded like a rope.)
Bergamasco’s numbers plummeted in Italy during the years following World War II, but recently dogs around the world have raced behind this quiet but fearless defender. American devotees of the breed won in 2015, when the Bergamasco Sheepdog was recruited to the AKC Stud Book.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a large-headed dog with a fleshy, heavy-heeled herd and a thick tail that hangs downward and tilts slightly upwards at the end. The entire dog is covered with a copious coat that makes mats. The Bergamasco is compact in profile, but only slightly taller than tall.
Bergamasco’s specialty is its unique coat, which is made up of three types of hair. The coat consists of frocks (hair woven together to form flat layers of bent hair) or loose mats, which cover the dog’s body and legs, and protect the dog from the weather and predators. The hair on the head is usually long and hangs above the eyes.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days
The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
The Bergamasco sheepdog requires only moderate amounts of exercise every day. Because they have a close relationship with their owners, the practice should come as some sort of interpersonal activity rather than leaving the dog alone in the backyard. And while they are generally quiet, Bergamascos have a good deal of energy and are happy to engage their owners in almost any kind of activity, whether it insists on retrieving a ball, A brisk walk or hike, or romance together in an open field. .
Bergamascos are generally a healthy breed. Like all breeds, there may be some health issues. Some dogs may face these health challenges in their lives, but most of the Bergamascos have healthy dogs.
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