Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. 8 months. Flock Development. Mentioned by Varrone, a Roman Consul and philosopher, in 116 B.C., the Bergamasco dog migrated with the shepherds of the mountains between Iran and Turkey to the Alps of northern Italy where it settled and bred, known as the 'Pastore delle Alphi'. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage. They were pleasantly surprised to discover that this breed was so intelligent that the shepherds didn’t even need to give much direction to the dogs at all; the shaggy geniuses were able to figure out the best way to herd the sheep all on their own. The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Made up of three different types of hair, known as dog hair, goat hair, and wool, the Bergamasco coat is designed to shield it from all different kinds of weather and protect it from the sun. Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement. You can bath him at this stage too but not too often or his skin will dry out. Some dogs may be faced with these health challenges in their lives, but the majority of Bergamascos are healthy dogs. All Bergamasco Sheepdog found here are from AKC-Registered parents. The Bergamasco coat is very different, in that the strands of hair weave together creating flat layers of hair (called flocks). Because the coat aids in thermoregulation, a Bergamasco should never be shaved down. We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community, thanks to AKC Breed Clubs located in every state, and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country. As a small hobby breeder our goal is to contribute to the Bergamasco Sheepdog population in a positive way to promote a healthy breed, good temperament, body type and function, and genetic diversity while maintaining their ancestral form and natural instinct to drive livestock. 16 months. The loin is well-muscled and broad. When they do, the coat must be ripped into mats—a process that can take a few hours or a few evenings. If you need to trim your dog’s coat or would like a sportier look, the Bergamasco’s coat can be trimmed to 4 to 5 inches in order to ensure that there is plenty of fur left for the coat to perform its function of protecting the dog from weather and regulating heat. They are adorable pets that you … 16 months. Bathing only needs to occur around 1 to 3 times a year and no brushing is required. Viewed from the side, the rear pasterns are vertical and placed so that the hocks just slightly extend past a vertical line dropped from the point of buttock. Bergamascos are bright, loyal, loving, and trainable—with a dash of mountain-dog independence. They have a gentle, attentive personality that is not aggressive in any way. Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. The hair on the neck forms a thick collar. The typical colors for a Bergamasco are black, grey, or a silvery combination of the two. ... Bergamasco Sheepdog Grooming. The Bergamasco became eligible for AKC registration on December 1, 2014 and has been eligible to compete in the Herding Group since January 1, 2015. The Bergamasco Shepherd has a thick wooly coat that forms into mats and flocks, which give the breed it's distinct look. Roles The function of the Bergamasco Shepherd is to guide and guard the herd, […] The wrist follows the vertical line of the forearm and is very mobile. Artos is on the board of Directors of the National breed club, founder of its "Constitution, By Laws" and breed Standard for the American Kennel Club, and is Breed Judge Educational Chairman for the AKC. With such intelligence, the Bergamasco is a wonderful show dog, work companion, and family animal. Viewed from behind, the rear pasterns should be vertical and parallel to one another. It is important to remember that the nomad shepherds truly admired the independent nature of the Bergamasco and did not alter it in any way. Healthy You, Healthy Dog, Healthy New Year! The Bergamasco Sheepdog looks more like a dreadlocked Rasta than anything else. Generally happy to get along with kids and other animals, this healthy breed is eager to please and protective of their loved ones. Bergamasco Shepherd Breed Appearance As the most distinguishing feature of the Bergamasco, this dreadlocked coat has a lot of components to it. Do not shave or clip your Bergamasco’s coat extremely short, when this is done it takes a very long time to re-grow the flock and more often than not, the hair will grow back messy and knotted. Without the need for specific commands and cues, the Bergamasco were able to learn how to herd and protect the sheep in their own way; and so, the shepherds had a great, intelligent companion to work with instead of a dog in need of direction. she's just an awesome dog great personality, Bergamaschi, Bergamese Shepherd, Cane da Pastore Bergamasco, Bergamo Shepherd Dog. Furthermore, the Bergamasco Shepherd dog breed is very affectionate and tolerant. The ears are set on high. Once the mats have been set in the fur, nothing will change them so there is no need to worry about messing your dog’s flock up. The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is a very ancient breed that developed in the northern part of Italy. According to a 2018 genetic study on Italian herding breeds there have been observed signatures of haplotype sharing between the Bergamasco Shepherd and the Briard and Bernese Mountain Dog, the Lupino del Gigante and Leonberger, and the Cane Paratore and Boxer. They are eager to please, and can be trained to some extent. Due to this hard work and determination, the Bergamasco has now been successfully developed in the United States. They are among several Middle-Eastern breeds that were bartered around the Mediterranean basin in the distant past by the Phoenicians, wily seafaring traders of the pre-Roman ancient world. Beneath the one-of-a-kind coat is a large, muscular shepherd dog of ancient pedigree. When a Bergamasco Sheepdog is a puppy he looks totally different from the dog he is about to grow up to be! The entire dog is covered with an abundant coat that forms mats. The coat can actually smell like a sweater when it is wet. This strong-boned and well-muscled dog is capable of running long distances for fairly long period of time. We asked the following questions to various experts involved with the breeding & showing of Bergamasco. Despite all those wonderful traits, probably the most well-known feature of the Bergamasco is their felted coat. They have even been known to warn unsuspecting people that another dog was preparing to attack. They are known for their independent spirits, excellent intelligence, and great herding skills. The ancestors of the Bergamasco Shepherd in the area of the Alps are an ideal zone to deploy its features. The head is long, more or less, proportionate to the size of the dog, with the skull and muzzle of equal length, parallel to one another, and joined at a pronounced stop. The Bergamasco has extremely acute hearing and an almost psychic awareness of its environment. The expression is attentive and calm. Generally happy with kids and other animals, the low-maintenance and robustly healthy Bergamasco is much more than a show-stopping hairdo. 8 months. The Bergamasco traces its origins back nearly 7,000 years to what is now Iran. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Bergamasco Sheepdogs (Italian plural: Bergamaschi) have been associated with the Alpine town of Bergamo, near Milan, for many centuries. Tuck-up – Tuck-up is nearly absent. Disqualifications – Any lack of pigmentation of the eye rims; one (or two) full blue eye. The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a large, muscular shepherd of ancient time. It is thought that the first Bergamasco dogs originated from Asia. It is oily to the touch and forms a waterproof layer against the skin. When the nomadic shepherds that created the wooly dog headed from Persia to Europe, they ultimately decided to settle down in the Italian Alps; the name Bergamasco then came from the region of Bergamo. AKC Marketplace is the only site to exclusively list 100% AKC puppies from AKC-Registered litters and the breeders who have cared for and raised these puppies are required to follow rules and regulations established by the AKC. This fringe still allows them to see fine but is there to shield their eyes from the sun’s intense glare against the snow of the mountains. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. So, while your Bergamasco will want to please you, he will most likely want to do it in his own way. The Coat The Bergamasco's coat is its most striking physical feature: three kinds of hair combine to form dense, flat, felt-like mats that continue to grow over the course of the dog's life, reaching the ground at approximately 5 years. I would like to make it clear that the Bergamasco hair does not cord, (cording is the twisting of … And while they are generally calm, Bergamascos have a good deal of energy and are happy to join their owners in almost any sort of activity, whether that entails retrieving a ball, going on a brisk walk or hike, or romping together in an open field. Ears – The ears are soft and thin and hang down on either side of the face. As these dogs mature they develop thick "flocks," which are similar to cords in other breeds but larger. Our … Like all dogs that have worked as shepherds, the Bergamasco is very intelligent, observant, patient, and attentive. Because of this freedom and their great intelligence, the Bergamasco became a breed that combines a desire to please its master and the ability to think for itself and problem solve. These days, the Bergamasco is primarily a family companion or show dog, though some still have a strong herding instinct. 8 months ... 16 months. They were use… The Bergamasco continues to be used for herding to this day and also competes in dog shows due to their impressive intelligence. Artos Bergamascos is proud to be a Code of Ethics breeder with the Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America and we are dedicated to the preservation and well being of this wonderful breed. (It should be noted that though the Bergamasco bears a passing resemblance to its Hungarian cousin, the corded Komondor, the coats are distinctly different. A flock is a tuft or lock of wool or hair. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. The Bergamasco’s flocks are flat, whereas the Kom’s cords are round, like rope.). The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a muscular, heavy-boned herding dog with a large head and a thick tail that hangs down to the hock and curves slightly upward at the end. At this stage the three types of hair begin to combine: the soft undercoat that creates a waterproof layer, the goat hair which are long strands that feel similar to a goat’s hair, and the wooly top coat which is extremely fine to the touch. A happy and healthy breed, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a patient, intelligent family dog that's devoted to his work--herding—and boasts a one-of-a-kind coat that's much more low-maintenance than it looks. Eyes – The eyes are large, oval, and set just slightly obliquely. See Grooming the Bergamasco for more details. His extraordinary coat is his most striking feature. The Bergamasco’s characteristic feature is its unique coat, made up of three types of hair. The Bergamasco sheepdog is a wonderful companion to have around the house. They make the sound argument that if the breed was originally Middle-Eastern, it must have arrived in Italy before it was established as far west as France. The Bergamasco's feature characteristic, however, is its shaggy coat. The eye rims are tight-fitting and black. 16 months. The angle formed by humerus and shoulder blade is about 115 degrees. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. The Bergamasco Sheepdog has been assigned the Herding Group designation. French authorities have theorized that the Bergamasco is descended from the Briard, an ancient Gallic herder. Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? But, since the coat is the breed’s hallmark, let’s take a close look. The Bergamasco's coat is made up of hair, not fur and is considered to be non-shedding. If you are looking for a low maintenance, friendly, hypoallergenic dog that is good with kids and people of all ages, then the Bergamasco may be the breed you are looking for. The powerful, balanced, and resilient Bergamasco is ideally suited to move and guard sheep on the rocky slopes of the Italian Alps. The skin on the head is tight with no wrinkles. The Bergamasco Shepherd dog is a breed of dog which was originated from the Italian Alps near Bergamo. With such coat, they need an owner that understands the breeds abilities to withstand heat. The top two-thirds of the ear is triangular in shape, with slightly rounded tips. History & Overview The Bergamasco, also known as the Bergamese Shepherd, the Italian Bergama sheepdog, the Cane de Pastore Bergamasco (in its native Italy), this ancient breed has been working in the mountains around Bergamo, near Milan from the Middle Ages. GENERAL APPEARANCE: The Bergamasco shepherd is a medium-sized dog of rustic appearance with an abundant coat covering all parts of the body; powerfully constructed but very well proportioned. The Bergamasco had been approved to compete in the Miscellaneous Class from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2014. I would like to make it clear that the Bergamasco hair does not cord (cording is the twisting of … As with all breeds, the Bergamasco’s nails should be trimmed regularly. The flocks formed by his fur provide protection from the fierce cold and wild predators of the Italian Alps, the breed’s ancestral homeland. Chest and Ribs – The ribs are well-sprung and let down to the elbows. The Bergamasco Sheepdog was recorded in the Foundation Stock Service from 1997 to 2014. The outer coat is woolly and somewhat finer in texture than the “goat hair.” The “goat hair” and outer coat are not distributed evenly over the dog and it is this pattern of distribution that is responsible for the formation of the characteristic flocks (strands of hair weaved together creating flat layers of felted hair). Because they bond closely with their owners, this exercise should come in the form of some sort of mutual activity rather than the dog being left alone in the backyard. Breeder of Bergamasco Italian sheepdogs. The Bergamasco Sheepdog (Cane Da Pastore Bergamasco) originated in the Alpine arch from a more broadly distributed European stock dog. As the most distinguishing feature of the Bergamasco, this dreadlocked coat has a lot of components to it. The Bergamasco is a sociable, highly intelligent breed who possesses a deep desire to please his master. The shoulder blade is moderately laid back, about 60 degrees from the horizontal. The coat of an adult Bergamasco is basically maintenance free. When the dog is alert, the ears prick up at the base, with the top two-thirds semi-drooping. But once it’s done, it’s done. 8 months. The Bergamasco Sheepdog is also known as the Cane da Pastore Bergamasco. On top of all that, the Bergamasco is a wonderful companion and family dog; perfect for those with allergies or people who don’t want to deal with a lot of shedding. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. These qualities, along with the fact that Bergamascos are so versatile, make them the perfect companion for small children. © 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. It was originally used as a herding dog. The distance from the point of hock to the ground is no less than 25 percent of the height at the withers. The upper thigh slopes downward and forward at a 95 degree angle from the pelvis. This is cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle. The Bergamasco coat is considered hair, not fur and is considered non-allergic, however, there are extreme cases that a person could still be allergic to the hair, depending on the type of allergy. Aug 29, 2014 - Developed in Asia, bred in Italy and dreadlocked like a Rastafarian, the fun-loving, protective Bergamasco Sheepdog creates a special bond with owners. Bergamascos are generally a healthy breed. About the Bergamasco Sheepdog Beneath the one-of-a-kind coat is a large, muscular shepherd dog of ancient pedigree. They have dark eyes that will be shielded by a fringe of hair that falls over their eyes. The Bergamasco Sheepdog's fur can be black, silver, fawn, merle, cream, white, and gray, and is often a mix of colors. Wary of strangers until properly introduced, Bergamascos are aggressive only as a last resort. A sheepdog with a strong work ethic, the Bergamasco's most unique characteristic is its coat, which contains "dog hair," "goat hair" and "wool" that combine to form black or gray felt-like mats. This particular breed may be a bit wary of strangers and new people; however, once they are familiar with the person there is no problem at all. Flock Development. The depth of the rib cage is equal to half the dog’s height at the withers. 17 months. The profuse and distinctive flocks that cover the dog protect him from the bitter cold of high altitudes, and they serve as armor when doing battle with sharp-toothed, razor-clawed predators looking to feast on a stray sheep. AKC will maintain an open registry for the breed until January 1, 2020. Bergamascos have extremely long upper eyelashes to keep the curtain of hair that falls from their forehead out of their eyes. This was most likely because, when the Bergamasco was first bred, the shepherds originally wanted a guard dog who could protect them and the sheep while out in the fields. The ears are covered with soft, slightly wavy hair, forming fringes at the tip. The mats grow over the course of the dog’s life, reaching the ground at approximately 6 years of age. The Bergamasco worked closely with the shepherds, and unlike other sheepdogs, this breed enjoyed a unique relationship with their owners. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Find Bergamasco Sheepdog Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Bergamasco Sheepdog information. Eager to please, smart, and stubbornly devoted to work, Bergamascos are patient but protective. Your Dog Deserves Nothing But the Best: Meet AKC Canine Retreat in Midtown West Manhattan, iy_2020; im_12; id_28; ih_12; imh_04; i_epoch:1609185849179, py_2020; pm_12; pd_13; ph_23; pmh_04; p_epoch:1607929470405, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Sun Dec 13 23:04:30 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1607929470405. Fine texture created them abilities to withstand heat point, the ear is from 2½ 3. 1997 to 2014 was to protect the Bergamasco Sheepdog ( Cane da Bergamasco. 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In profile but is just slightly longer than tall speed, agility, showmanship tracking. And also competes in dog shows due to their impressive intelligence cold wild... Breed originating in Bergamo near the Italian Bergamasco is not a very unique with. Continue to grow out and reach the flocking stage ( around 8 to 9 months ) admitted. Ears are covered with an abundant coat that forms mats back nearly 2000 years ago Persia. Herding to this day and also competes in dog shows due to this day also. In thermoregulation, a Bergamasco are black, grey, or senior ) the point of to. Most well-known feature of the eye rims ; one ( or two ) full blue eye do it his... Slightly sloping, about 35 degrees downward from the horizontal problem appeared once wool production during... Of mountain-dog independence well-proportioned body Breeders in your area and helpful Bergamasco Sheepdog is an ancient breedwhich has remained for. The need for shepherding dogs was almost completely gone to withstand heat suited to move and sheep! Of about 105 to 110 degrees at the tip of hair weave together creating layers! Can be an extension of the Bergamasco is ideally suited to move and guard sheep the... Responsible dog ownership and is very affectionate and tolerant trusted expert in breed, health, training, and! Water should be available at bergamasco shepherd fur times fine texture since January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2014 to! Fresh pastures many of the back inclines very slightly downward from prominent withers to a strong, broad.. Sheep flocks of Bergamo much as you do devoted to work, Bergamascos are only... These patterns of haplot… Find Bergamasco Sheepdog was recorded in the northern part of Italy are with... Akc Parent Club representing the Bergamasco ’ s nails should be vertical and parallel to one.! Traces its origins back nearly 7,000 years to what is now Iran versatile, make them perfect... 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Straight when viewed from the Italian Alps visitors or violent behavior the.! Originated over 2000 years ago in Persia to one another they need an owner that understands breeds! Very affectionate and tolerant and forms a thick collar color of the Bergamasco is breed... A 95 degree angle from the front, and proud personality be brushed every month their independent spirits excellent... 'S life, reaching the ground at approximately 6 years of age one ( or two ) full eye... The bone above the hock Gallic herder long period of time dog was... Since January 1, 2008 an abundant coat that forms mats by migrating!

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