Fashion for dogs with a unique exterior is observed among lovers of four-legged pets today. Among the ancient, few, but no less interesting animals, it is worth highlighting the Bergamo shepherd. Due to its exclusive look of wool, it will be simply impossible to confuse the breed with any other.
Origin history
Bergamo Shepherd Dog (or Bergamasco) - a dog with an amazing exterior, bred in the province of Bergamo of the same name. The animal is the result of artificial breeding, local farmers were engaged in its breeding, who needed a reliable watchman to graze cattle in the mountains. Today it is not known for certain from which breeds the shepherd comes from, however there is a version that Tibetan mastiffs became the ancestors of such dogs.
Closer to the 19th century, various dog handlers began to actively engage in breed, the fame of the animal spread with its appearance in other places and provinces, as Bergamian farmers drove their livestock for resale along with four-legged guards. Breeders began to select the best representatives of the breed, cross them among themselves, thereby fixing the basic qualities of dogs.
However, the main emphasis was still placed on behavioral qualities and instincts, the appearance of pets remained in the background.
The shepherd dog received official recognition among dog handlers only in 1959. At the same time, a standard for bergamasco was drawn up and approved. The approval and recognition served as an incentive for active breeding of the breed, animals began to participate in various dog shows. Today, there are not many representatives of this breed around the world.However, the unique dog in dreadlocks attracts well-deserved attention, due to which there are more and more fans of the Bergamo shepherd among lovers of four-legged pets.
Breed description
The main feature of the pet is the appearance of the coat. In the process of growth, it rolls into dense long bundles, which some may call tangles. According to standards, the growth of animals of this male breed should be 55-62 centimeters at the withers, while the bitches will be strikingly lower. Their growth usually varies between 45-55 centimeters. The weight of the shepherd is 35-40 kilograms for males and 25-30 for females.
In addition to differences in height and weight, it can be noted that in males, the skeleton will be significantly larger and heavier.
The head in animals is medium in size, proportionately folded relative to the trunk, the transition to the muzzle is visualized well. In this case, the distance from the nose to the back of the head will have approximately the same values. The eyes of the dogs are large, the pupils can be colored brown, but other variations in shades will be acceptable.
The ears of bargamasco are low, small in size, resemble a triangle in shape, hang down, while the cartilage will be soft. The nose is large with massive nostrils, painted black. The jaws are strong, while the bite will be correct - scissor-like. The teeth are large with white enamel.
A muscular corset is well developed throughout the body of the dogs, but the animal will likely be of a dry type, the abdomen line is tightened, and the chest is wide. The back is average, on the lower back there is a slight roundness. The limbs of the dog are straight, set in parallel, have well-developed muscles. Claws are painted black.
The tail of the dogs is low, thick in diameter, has a saber shape, and can rise above the level of the back. Acceptable colors of the Bergamo shepherd are all shades of gray, as well as variations of black from light to dark. Pure white is considered a rejection, a light color must necessarily contain a gradient transition to gray.
The undercoat is thick and plentiful, stands out for its density.
Persistent immunity is inherent in animals, so they rarely get sick. The average life expectancy of dogs of this breed is 11-15 years. However, some representatives of bergamasco may experience congenital ailments. Among them it should be noted:
- joint dysplasia;
- ear diseases;
- gastrointestinal problems;
- allergic manifestations of a different nature.
Nature and behavior
Animals of this breed stand out for their incredible devotion towards their owner. They inherited this quality from their ancestors, who could have been grazing for a long time only with a man and a herd. This feature causes some difficulties, provided that the pet is left alone in the home.
In shepherd dogs, behavioral disorders from loneliness, up to depression, can be observed.
Bergamasco are hardy and courageous animals, they demonstrate obedience, and also constantly try to please their owner, because they have sincere feelings for him, but with proper education. At a younger age, a certain amount of stubbornness can be noted in the character of the animal, however, with the right approach, this negative trait is very easy to correct. Shepherd dogs are not only attached to the breeder, they are communicative animals, so they will get along well with all family members, without exception, including other pets, even cats.
In relation to strangers, the dog is more likely indifferent, will not behave aggressively, however, it will also not make close contact. With other dogs does not come into conflict, because the animal is inherent in self-esteem and self-confidence.Dogs can be used as personal guards; they are not lost on foreign territory and retain clarity of mind, determination. With proper training, the Bergamo shepherd dog will protect its territory, housing and property, but on the condition that the breeder initially designates such tasks for the pet.
Conditions of detention and care
Since animals love free will and spaciousness, bergamasco breeders will need to provide the pet with regular physical activity. In apartment conditions, keeping such dogs can be difficult for long distance walks, therefore the breed is more suitable for keeping in a private house or in the country.
Bergamasco will feel good in a spacious enclosure, it is forbidden to plant a shepherd on a chain. Walk the pet twice a day. You can take your dog with you for bike rides, fishing, jogging.
The pet must have its own toys, it is also recommended to choose a company for the animal so that the shepherd can communicate with other dogs.
Bathing a dog is often not required, 2-3 hygienic procedures per year will be enough. It is impossible to comb the animal, and it is not recommended to trim the woolen tows. The exception will be the area around the eyes and mouth, where, as the hair regrowth, it will be necessary to shorten it. In addition, you will need to regularly choose garbage from wool. To make the animal look well-groomed, the dreadlocks to the breeder should be untangled by hand.
So that long and thick hair does not become a breeding ground for ticks and other parasitic insects, the dog should be regularly treated with special compounds.
The attention of the breeder will require the claws of the dog, they are cut about once every 3-4 weeks. To accustom a pet to this procedure is necessary from a young age. Ears and eyes should be examined regularly, wiped twice a week with a special lotion, which can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy.
You will also need to monitor the cleanliness and health of the dog's oral cavity. For these purposes, a special paste and brush are used. Procedures should be weekly.
In a shepherd, thermoregulation is not sufficiently developed, so in a heat a pet can get heat stroke. In summer, keep it away from direct sunlight. Provide a good drinking regimen without restrictions.
Feeding
The breed is not capricious in food, but a properly selected diet will extend the life of the pet, and will also make it possible to exclude possible problems with the dog’s sensitive digestive system. The owner of the Bergamo shepherd can choose between industrial production feeds as well as a natural diet.
Most dog handlers still recommend preference for finished products, since all necessary vitamins and minerals will be present in its composition.
In addition, the breeder can choose the food specifically for moving dogs with high energy value and the correct ratio of BJU. Also, store-bought feeds will not require the introduction of additional vitamin complexes into the dog's menu. The preferred class for bergamasco will be premium or super premium.
If the breeder has chosen for himself the option of natural nutrition, then he should make the pet's menu in such a way that:
- 30% of the diet accounted for the protein component;
- most carbohydrates will take over;
- fat in food should be at a minimum - about 10%.
Protein is found in beef, chicken, offal and saltwater fish. The dog will get carbohydrates from cereals and vegetables. Also, a bergamo shepherd dog can be given dairy products with a low fat content. It can be yoghurts, kefir, cottage cheese. Sugar should be discarded.
The following foods will be banned by the dog:
- fatty meats;
- bakery products;
- smoked meats and pickles;
- flavor enhancers.
An adult pet should be fed twice a day - in the morning and in the evening, when as puppies will require feeding at least 4-5 times a day, but in small portions. Reducing the frequency of feeding is necessary gradually, reducing the number of meals, but at the same time increasing the volume of servings.
It is important to ensure the correct drinking regime for the shepherd, so clean water should always be freely available.
Parenting and training
Dog breeders of this breed should be prepared for the fact that in the process of training and education they can show pronounced stubbornness. In order to eradicate this trait, it is impossible to use physical force, it is important to find the right motivation, thanks to which the dog will gladly execute the commands given to him. It is recommended that you teach your pet from early childhood.
If you conduct regular classes with the puppy, then in the future the dog will not be so wayward.
It is worth noting that excessive rudeness and aggression on the part of the owner of the bergamasco can be met by a similar behavior of the animal in relation to humans. The owner of such a dog needs to find an individual approach to the pet, in which case he will become his faithful and reliable four-legged friend for life.
About the features of this breed of dogs, see below.
