Fashion for dogs with a unique exterior is observed among fans of four-legged pets today. Among the ancient, few but no less interesting animals is the Bergamo shepherd. Thanks to her exclusive type of wool, it will be simply impossible to confuse the breed with any other.
History of origin
Bergamo Shepherd Dog (or Bergamsko) - a dog with an amazing exterior, bred in the eponymous province of Bergamo. The animal is the result of artificial breeding, it was cultivated by local farmers, who needed a reliable guard for grazing in the mountains. Today it is not known for certain exactly what breeds the shepherd dog comes from, but there is a version that Tibetan mastiffs became the progenitors of such dogs.
Toward the 19th century, various dog handlers began to actively engage in breeding, and animal fame spread along with its appearance in other localities and provinces, as Bergamo farmers overtook their cattle for resale with four-legged guards. Breeders began to select the best representatives of the breed, to cross them among themselves, thereby securing the basic qualities of dogs.
However, the main emphasis was still on behavioral qualities and instincts, the appearance of pets remained in the background.
Official recognition among herders dog shepherd dog received only in 1959. At the same time, a standard for Bergamasco was drafted and approved. Approval and recognition served as a stimulus for active breeding of the breed, animals began to participate in various canine exhibitions. Today, there are not so many representatives of this breed around the world.However, a unique dog in dreadlocks attracts deserved attention, thanks to which there are more and more fans of the Bergamo shepherd among fans of four-legged pets.
Breed description
The main feature of the pet - the appearance of wool. In the process of growth, it rolls into dense long cords, which some may call tangles. According to the standards, the growth of animals of this male breed should be 55-62 centimeters at the withers, while bitches will be dramatically lower. Their height usually varies between 45-55 centimeters. Sheepdogs weight is 35-40 kilograms for males and 25-30 - for females.
In addition to differences in height and weight, it can be noted that male representatives will have much larger and heavier bones.
The head of an animal is of medium size, proportionally folded relative to the body, the transition to the muzzle is well visualized. The distance from the nose and to the occiput will have approximately the same values. The eyes of the dogs are large, the pupils may be colored brown, but other variations of shades will be acceptable.
The ears of the bargamasko are located low, have a small size, resemble a triangle in shape, hang down, and 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. Teeth - large, with white enamel.
The muscular corset is well developed in dogs throughout the body, but the animal will be more of a dry type, the belly line is tucked up, and the chest is wide. The back is average, there is a slight roundness on the back. The limbs of the dog are straight, set in parallel, have well-developed muscles.Claws painted black.
The tail of the dog is low, in diameter, thick, saber-shaped, and may rise above the level of the back. Valid 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 contain a gradient transition to gray.
The undercoat is thick and abundant, stands out for its density.
Animals have a strong immunity, so they rarely get sick. The average life expectancy of dogs of this breed is 11-15 years. However, congenital ailments can be observed in some representatives of Bergamsk. Among them it should be noted:
- joint dysplasia;
- ear diseases;
- problems with the digestive tract;
- allergic manifestations of a different nature.
Character and behavior
Animals of this breed stand out with incredible devotion towards their owner. They inherited this quality from their ancestors, who could only be grazing with a man and a herd for a long time. This feature causes some difficulties, provided that the pet will be left alone in the dwelling.
Shepherd dogs can experience behavioral disorders from loneliness, up to and including depression.
Bergamasco are hardy and brave animals, they demonstrate obedience, and also constantly try to please their owner, since they have sincere feelings for him, but with proper training. At a younger age, a certain amount of stubbornness can be noted in the nature of the animal, but with the right approach, this negative trait is very easy to correct. Sheepdogs are not only tied to the breeder, they are sociable animals, so they will get along well with all members of the family, including other pets, even cats.
In relation to strangers, the dog is rather indifferent, it will not behave aggressively, however, it will not make close contact either. It does not conflict with other dogs, because the animal is characterized by self-esteem and self-confidence. Dogs can be used as personal security guards, they are not lost on foreign territory and retain clarity of mind, determination. With proper training, the Bergamo shepherd will protect its territory, home and property, but on condition that the breeder initially designates such tasks for the pet.
Conditions of detention and care
Since animals love freedom and freedom, breeders of Bergamsk will need to provide the pet with regular physical activities. In the conditions of apartments, the maintenance of such dogs can be fraught with difficulties concerning long-distance walking, therefore the breed is more suitable content in a private house or outside the city.
Bergamasco will feel good in a spacious aviary, it is forbidden to plant a shepherd dog on a chain. They walk their pet twice a day. The dog can be taken along for cycling, fishing, jogging.
The pet should have its own toys, it is also recommended to select a company for the animal so that the shepherd can contact other dogs.
It is often not necessary to bathe a dog, 2-3 hygienic procedures per year will suffice. It is impossible to comb the animal, it is also not recommended to trim the woolen bundles. The exception will be the area around the eyes and mouth, there as the hair grows it will need to be shortened. In addition, you will need to regularly choose the garbage from wool. To make the animal look well-groomed, dreadlocks breeder should unravel manually.
To prevent long and thick hair from becoming a breeding ground for ticks and other insect parasites, the dog should be regularly treated with special compounds.
The breeder's attention will require dog claws, they are pruned about once every 3-4 weeks. It is necessary to teach your pet to this procedure from a young age.Ears and eyes should be regularly inspected, 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 mouth. For these purposes, use a special paste and brush. Procedures should be weekly.
Shepherd dogs are not sufficiently developed thermoregulation, so the pet can get heat stroke in the heat. In the summer it is necessary to keep it away from direct sunlight. Provide a good drinking regime without restrictions.
Feeding
The breed is not capricious in food, but a properly chosen diet will prolong the life of the pet, and also make it possible to eliminate possible problems with the dog's sensitive digestive system. The owner of the Bergamo shepherd can choose between industrial feed, as well as a natural diet.
Most dog experts recommend to give preference to the finished product, as it will contain all the necessary vitamins and trace elements.
In addition, the breeder can choose food specifically for mobile dogs with high energy value and the correct ratio of BJU. Also, store food will not require the introduction of additional vitamin complexes in the dog’s menu. The preferred class for bergamasco will be premium or super premium.
If the breeder chooses for himself the option of natural food, then he should create a pet menu in such a way that:
- 30% of the diet accounted for protein component;
- carbohydrates will take most of it;
- 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. Fermented milk products with a low fat content can also be given to the Bergamo shepherd. It can be yoghurts, kefir, cottage cheese. Sugar should be discarded.
The following products will be banned from using the dog:
- fatty meats;
- bakery products;
- smoked meat and pickles;
- flavor enhancers.
An adult pet should be fed twice a day - in the morning and in the evening, when puppies 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 that the shepherd dog is drinking properly, so clean water should always be freely available.
Upbringing and training
Breeders of dogs of this breed should be prepared for the fact that in the process of training and education they can show pronounced obstinacy. To eradicate this trait, it is impossible to use physical force, it is important to find a suitable motivation, thanks to which the dog will gladly execute the commands given to him. Pet training is recommended to engage in early childhood.
If you hold regular classes with a puppy, then in the future the dog will not be so capricious.
It is worth noting that excessive rudeness and aggression on the part of the owner of Bergamasko can be met by a similar animal behavior towards man. 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 the rest of his life.
On the features of this breed of dogs, see below.
