Bergamo Shepherd Dog - breed description and dog character

To date, the number of dogs of the breed Bergamo Shepherd is very small. Previously, these animals helped farmers conduct household chores, but over time, when they became participants in exhibitions and competitions, their owners stopped using them as sheep shepherds. The reason for this was that during operation, their long-fur coat fell into disrepair.

Despite their size, these dogs are quite calm and balanced. They are not very active, but, nevertheless, can easily manage a huge herd of animals. Bergamian shepherds can hardly tolerate a long absence of owners, and whenever possible try to always be near them.

History of breed origin

The breed of the Bergamo shepherd is associated with the Italian city of Bergamo. And this is true, because its origin is associated with this particular place.

In the distant years, when this dog was considered not only as a pet, but also as a housekeeper, gatherings took place in this city, on which the professional data of these animals were studied. But there is another theory that insists that the name of the breed comes from the word "birgamino", which means "assistant shepherd." Now it is impossible to say exactly which of the theories is true, but as practice shows, it is in both versions.

Previously, these shepherd dogs were used only as assistants, so it is almost impossible to find out about the genealogical tree of current champion dogs. Recognized this breed in the middle of the 20th century, namely in 1959. Of course, this happened quite late, but the reason is that the breeders worked on the appearance of the animals. But, even in spite of external changes, working qualities also remained at a high level.

Breed description

The Bergamo Shepherd Dog is a medium-sized dog with long hair, which eventually rolls into ropes. His nervous system is quite stable, because earlier they had to perform the function of a shepherd for a long time. The height of the male reaches 60-62 cm, and the females, as always, are slightly lower - 54-56 cm. The weight of the animal depends on some factors, most often on gender. Their average weight ranges from 26 to 38 kg. But from their unusual lush coat, they can look much heavier.

1. The shape of the dog’s head is proportional to its body, takes two-fifths of the height, although due to the dog’s fur coat it seems much more massive. The cheekbones are not expressive, the connection of the skull with the muzzle is not expressed.
2. The nose of the shepherd is quite large, and its nostrils are open.
3. The eye is not visible at all because of the coat, but they are oval in shape and the color varies from light to dark brown.
4. The neck is not long, but not short, there is a thickening closer to the connection with the body.
5. The body has a slightly elongated shape, with a flat back.
6. The tail is set low, of unequal thickness, tapering towards the end.
7. Both the front and hind limbs look quite powerful, but this is not only because of the coat, because they themselves are quite large and muscular. Paws have thick and firm pads and strong claws.
8. The coat has a rather thick undercoat. Long hair rolls over time into flat dreadlocks.
9. A common color scheme is shades of gray, dogs are not bred with white hair, and if a puppy with such a color was born, then it is not allowed to be bred.

Bergamo Shepherd Character

The most striking feature of this dog, which distinguishes it from others, is a strong affection for its owners. Therefore, they always pursue their masters wherever they go. Even if the place where the person lives, brings the dog discomfort. Therefore, if such a pet lives in an apartment, you can not leave him alone for a long time. Otherwise, depression can overcome him. Therefore, if the owner of such a dog lives in a metropolis and works hard, the dog will suffer. It is necessary to distribute your time so that you can spend time with your shepherd dog at least in a local park, then she will be much happier. The cause of this problem is animal genetics. Earlier, the Bergamsk shepherds were used as shepherds, and they grazed their herds in the mountains. And there was nobody there except the shepherd, the herd and the dog. Therefore, the dog considered it his duty to follow his master, anywhere. Despite the fact that the life situation has changed dramatically, but genetically embedded traits are manifested now.

By nature, these animals do not like to strain much, so you can rarely meet the Bergamo shepherd, which runs and jumps. If the owner throws a stick, the dog will bring it, but in the absence of encouragement, the animal will not repeat this.

Dog health

The condition of your pet must be monitored. The first problem that the dog may encounter is sunstroke. It seems rather strange, since the birthplace of these animals is the sunny city of Bergamo. But even if it is under a less scorching sun, the risk of impact is high. The reason is that these animals have a completely different way of thermoregulation than humans. Their temperature in itself is quite high, and because of the coat, ultraviolet rays are attracted even more intensely. The thermoregulation of the Bergamo shepherd occurs through the paw pads and nostrils. To avoid heat stroke, do not drive the animal on hot asphalt. It is also necessary in the summer to always carry water, which will be intended for the dog. If necessary, you can make a compress or just pour water on the head and inguinal zone, because it is here that the temperature is the highest. But for this it is worth spreading the hair, because a thick undercoat does not allow moisture to get on the skin.

It is necessary to periodically treat the pet from parasites, because then it is very difficult to remove fleas from long hair.

Unfortunately, Bergamo shepherds can have some physical problems of an orthopedic nature. A common problem is joint dysplasia. In addition, there are problems with the food system, namely gastroenteritis. To eliminate the disease, you need to be more attentive to your dog, and at the first sign of an ailment immediately contact your veterinarian. And most importantly - it is necessary to control what the shepherd eats.

Bergamo Shepherd Care

1. The greatest attention should be paid to wool. Separate hairs of a pet's fur coat are covered with a fat layer, which performs the function of protecting it from moisture and other external influences. Therefore, bathing animals can be done only a couple of times a year. Frequent washing destroys this layer, and if the wrong shampoo is used in addition, the situation is even worse. As you know, hair will not be able to form into dreadlocks. And they are precisely the main property of the breed. Even when debris or grass gets into the wool, it is necessary to carefully pull them out, and do not untangle these woolen laces. You can’t cut them off only if we are talking about some kind of surgical intervention. Woolen cut may not grow to its previous length. But, despite the presence of dreadlocks, this dog should look gorgeous.Therefore, it is worth monitoring the condition of the hairstyle, especially if the dog participates in exhibitions.
   Ears should be inspected and cleaned periodically.
2. With regards to the eyes, you can not worry, because they do not require special care.
3. Teeth need to be cleaned, so it is worth accustoming to this from the very youngest years, otherwise dental diseases can develop.
4. Claws should always be trimmed, as they cause discomfort in the animal.
5. Feeding depends on age, but in any case, it must be balanced. It is better to give preference to ready-made feeds that incorporate all the necessary components.
6. Walking with a Bergamo shepherd is a must. It is better if the owners live outside the city, where there is a lot of space for walking. But, if the dog lives in the city, he will be able to feel great there, too, if you arrange frequent walks and pay attention to him.

Walking in the fresh air is what the dog loves, although he does not prefer to run and jump, but just slowly walk.

Training

These chic and kind dogs obey their master implicitly. Therefore, the training process will not cause trouble. They are easy to manage, because they will not be capricious and show their character. But they need encouragement because without it the dog may refuse to make separate commands. Shepherds have a very stable nervous system, which allows them to calmly and patiently carry out orders.

Interesting facts about the breed

Due to the fact that the Bergamo shepherds grazed sheep in the mountains, their coat corresponds to that climate. So, the dog has grown a long coat with a very thick undercoat that protects against natural phenomena. Therefore, in winter, the dog feels better, and he is not afraid of any wind and frost.

Ordinary mountain dogs, which are still used as shepherds, have significant differences from those that take part in exhibitions. The wool of shepherd dogs is very confused and resembles one continuous ball, which cannot be allowed in the exhibition representatives of the breed.

Even today, in the 21st century, not a single device can replace a dog when it comes to shepherds. These dogs, in addition to their main mission, are engaged in the search for people in the mountains when an avalanche descends. A person spends almost 4 hours to research 1 ha, which takes a dog no more than half an hour.

The acquisition of a puppy of the Bergamo breed

Breeders try to find a worthy couple when it comes to mating. Because not only the puppy’s cost, but also his health depends on it. When puppies are born, breeders engage with them, developing out of ability through games.

The biggest mistake when choosing a puppy is to pay attention only to its color. But this is not the most important sign of pedigree and thoroughbred. When choosing, three more criteria must be taken into account - this is the puppy's health, as well as his character with quick wits.

Video: Bergamo Shepherd