Bergamasco

Overview

Overview of Bergamasco

The Bergamasco is an ancient Italian breed with roots dating back 7000 years. Because they have such a long history, it isn't easy to trace their ancestry, but some say that they descended from ancient herding dogs from Persia and made their way to Europe with nomadic shepherds. Also known as the Bergamasco Sheepdog, this dog was once widespread in the northern alpine regions of Italy, namely the valleys of Bergamo, where sheepdogs were needed the most. Their coat, which forms naturally occurring loose mats or flocks all over the body, is their most defining feature! It will start weaving itself together when a Bergamasco reaches a year old to create flat layers of felted hair all over its face, ears, torso, and legs. When this starts to happen, please pay special attention to separating these mats into smaller flocks so that the skin can breathe. Once these flocks establish themselves, the Bergamasco's coat becomes relatively low maintenance and does not require daily brushing. Contrary to popular belief, Bergamascos can be bathed frequently, as long as their coat can be dried quickly enough to avoid mildew growth. Their unique coat insulates them from the extreme cold and helps regulate their body temperature, so it is essential never to shave your Bergamasco. These ancient sheepdogs come in various colors ranging from light to dark gray tones, marrow, and smoky black.