Bergamasco Dog - Bergamasco PuppiesA new member of the AKC Miscellaneous Dog Group, The Bergamasco, an Italian dog breed, is also known as Bergermaschi, Bergamese Shepherd, Bergamasco Shepherd Dog, and Cane da pastore.Their long coats are very impressive and, in many ways, make them look a lot like the Komondor or Puli.
This is a very ancient dog breed - probably at least 2000 years or so old. They have been used in the past as a herding dog, a guard dog, and also as a watch dog. They are extremely intelligent herding dogs and really quite rare. In fact, they almost became extinct after WWII. Had it not been for the hard work of one particular Italian breeder, Dr. Maria Andreoli, this might have happened. It was through her efforts over 40 years that good and reliable bloodlines were finally reestablished.
Watch a short video about these dogs They do need room to run - inside a fenced yard is one good place to start. Daily walks are important for exercise. Due to their extreme coat, grooming can take up quite a bit of time. So be forewarned. They are covered with a thick coat of three kinds of hair that requires hours of grooming each week to maintain its beautiful appearance. These different hairs combine to form dense, flat, felt-like mats all over the dogs body that continue to form throughout its life. They are very athletic too and can "turn on a dime" if needed. As a herding dog, they must be capable of working in all kinds of terrain and the skill and endurance to do so.
The striking characteristics of the breed, an exotic "hippie" looking coat, extreme intelligence, tremendous good health overall, very prominent working background - all give this dog its own very unique place in dog history. Country of origin: Ancient origins
Return from Bergamasco to Miscellaneous Dog Breed Group
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