The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a rare dog breed from the Italian Alps. It’s most famous for its unusual coat that looks similar in appearance to dreadlocks. There’s a lot you’ll want to know about this special canine so here are some of the top Bergamasco Sheepdog facts and information.
The Bergamasco Has Ancient Roots
Because of its isolation, the Bergamasco Sheepdog as we know it today has been in existence in northern Italy for around two thousand years. However, the Bergamasco’s origins can be further traced back even longer to the working shepherd dogs of nomadic herders in Persia some of which ultimately settled and stayed with their dogs in the Italian Alps.
It Was Originally Used As A Cattle Dog
Despite its name, the Bergamasco Sheepdog didn’t always specialize in herding sheep. The breed was originally used to guide and keep large herds of cattle together and also protect them from predators. However, later on when the needs of the Italian farmers changed the Bergamasco skills were put to use herding and protecting flocks of sheep, particularly in the Bergamo region from which it gets its name.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog Was Saved From Extinction
A fact about the Bergamasco Sheepdog’s history that most people don’t know is that it almost went entirely extinct. With the rise in technology and advancements in machinery over time fewer dogs were used by sheep farmers.
And by the Second World War with many shepherds enlisted in the Italian army and also a drastic decline in dog breeding at the time, the Bergamasco as a breed was decimated. Luckily Dr. Maria Andreoli stepped in and helped to develop a breeding program that ultimately saved the breed.
The Bergamasco Is A Natural Guard Dog
Because it was developed to protect livestock from predators, this breed is naturally protective. The Bergamasco’s strong protection instinct means it is vigilant whenever it hears or sees anything out of the ordinary. Typically it will sound the alarm with its bark but it will respond with more aggression only if the situation calls for it.
The Hair Covering Its Eyes Isn’t Just For Looks
One of the Bergamasco Sheepdog facts many people are surprised to learn is that the thick hair covering the breed’s eyes actually serves a highly specific purpose. While it does add to its shaggy-looking appearance, its real job is to help block the sun from the dog’s eyes.
Along with the help of the breed’s extra-long eyelashes which keep the hair up off the face, it works like a sun visor. This is extremely important when working in snowy mountain conditions where the sun reflects off the snow.
The Bergamasco Is An Independent Yet Loyal Canine
It may sound contradictory but the Bergamasco is both an independent thinker and at the same time eager to please its owners. When working with livestock it needed to be able to take initial commands from the shepherd but then also think and problem-solve totally on its own in the remote mountain terrain and ever-changing circumstances that this self-sufficient canine encountered.
The Breed Is Famous For Its Distinct Coat
Without a doubt, this breed’s most defining characteristic is its unique coat. The Bergamasco’s coat has flocks of hair that look similar to wool and are often compared to looking like dreadlocks. These flocks are made up of three different types of hair that naturally weave together and offer protection for the dog.
Its Coat Isn’t As Hard To Take Care Of As You Might Think
Just one look at the Bergamasco’s coat would be all it would take for most potential owners to think that it would take an enormous amount of time to maintain. However, this is not the truth. One of the most interesting Bergamasco Sheepdog facts is that while it does take special care the breed’s coat isn’t that high maintenance.
The breed only needs to be bathed a few times per year and its coat is typically odor-free. And while the coat can mildew if it is heavily soaked through and then not thoroughly dried afterward, putting the dog in a crate and using a fan(s) can help to get the job done easily.
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