Bergamskaya Shepherd Dog: features of the breed, upbringing and maintenance

The 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 Bergam Sheepdog. Thanks to its exclusive type of wool, it will be simply impossible to confuse the breed with any other.

Bergamskaya Shepherd Dog (or Bergamasco) is a dog with an amazing exterior, bred in the province of the same name of Bergamo. The animal is the result of artificial selection, its breeding was carried out by local farmers who needed a reliable guard for grazing livestock in the mountains. Today it is not known for certain which breeds the shepherd dog comes from, but there is a version that the Tibetan mastiffs became the progenitors of such dogs.

Closer to the 19th century, various dog handlers began to actively engage in the breed, the fame of the animal spread along with its appearance in other localities and provinces, as Bergaman farmers drove their livestock for resale together with four-legged guards. Breeders began to select the best representatives of the breed, cross them among themselves, thereby consolidating the basic qualities of the dogs.

The shepherd dog received official recognition among cynologists only in 1959. At the same time, the standard for Bergamasco was drawn up and approved. The approval and recognition served as an incentive for active breeding of the breed, the animals began to participate in various cynological exhibitions. Today, there are not so many representatives of this breed around the world., however, the unique dog in dreadlocks attracts well-deserved attention, thanks to which more and more fans of the Bergamo Sheepdog are appearing among lovers of four-legged pets.

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 the 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 height usually varies between 45-55 centimeters. Shepherd dogs weigh 35-40 kilograms for males and 25-30 for bitches.

In addition to differences in height and weight, it can be noted that in males, the skeleton will be much larger and heavier.

The head of animals is of medium size, proportionally folded relative to the body, the transition to the muzzle is well visualized. In this case, the distance from the nose to the back of the head will have approximately the same values. Dogs have large eyes, pupils may be brown, but other shades will be acceptable.

The ears of the Bargamasco are placed low, have a small 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. The teeth are large, with white enamel.

A muscular corset is well developed throughout the dog's body, but the animal will be rather dry, the abdomen is tucked up, and the chest is wide. The back is medium, there is a slight roundness on the lower back. The limbs of the dog are straight, set parallel, have well-developed muscles. The claws are painted black.

The tail in dogs is set low, thick in diameter, has a saber shape, can rise above the level of the back. Acceptable colors for the Bergamo Sheepdog are all shades of gray, as well as variations in black from light to dark. Pure white is considered a rejection, a light color must necessarily contain a gradient transition to gray.

Stable immunity is inherent in animals, so they rarely get sick. The average life span of dogs of this breed is 11-15 years. However, some members of Bergamasco may have congenital ailments. Among them, it should be noted:

• dysplasia of the joints;
• ear diseases;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• allergic manifestations of a different nature.

Animals of this breed stand out for their incredible loyalty to their owner. They inherited this quality from their ancestors, who could be grazing for a long time only with a person and a herd. This feature causes some difficulties, provided that the pet is left alone in the dwelling.

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 upbringing. At a young 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 attached not only to the breeder, they are sociable 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 rather indifferent, it will not behave aggressively, however, it will not go into close contact either. It does not come into conflict with other dogs, since the animal has a sense of self-esteem and self-confidence.Dogs can be used as personal guards, do not get lost in someone else's territory and retain clarity of mind, decisiveness. With proper training, the Bergaman Shepherd Dog will protect its territory, home and property, but on condition that the breeder initially designates such tasks for the pet.

Since animals love freedom and space, Bergamasco breeders will need to provide their pet with regular physical activity. In an apartment environment, keeping such dogs can be difficult to walk long distances, therefore the breed is more suitable for keeping in a private house or outside the city.

Bergamasco will feel good in a spacious open-air cage; it is forbidden to put a shepherd dog on a chain. The pet is walked twice a day. The dog can be taken with you for cycling, fishing, jogging.

Bathing the dog is often not required; 2-3 hygiene procedures per year will be sufficient. You cannot comb the animal, and it is also not recommended to trim woolen bundles. An exception will be the area around the eyes and mouth, where, as the coat grows, it will need to be shortened. In addition, you will need to regularly pick out the garbage from the wool. To make the animal look well-groomed, the breeder should untangle the dreadlocks by hand.

The breeder's attention will be required for the dog's claws, they are trimmed about once every 3-4 weeks. It is necessary to accustom your pet to this procedure from a young age. Ears and eyes should be checked regularly, and wiped twice a week with a special lotion that 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 a brush are used. Treatments should be weekly.

The shepherd dog is not sufficiently developed thermoregulation, therefore, in the heat, the pet can get heatstroke. In summer, keep it away from direct sunlight. Provide a good drinking regime without restriction.

The breed is not capricious in food, but a properly selected diet will prolong the life of the pet, and also make it possible to exclude possible problems with the sensitive digestive system of the dog. The owner of the Bergamo Sheepdog can choose between commercial food and a natural diet.

In addition, the breeder can choose food specifically for mobile dogs with a high energy value and the correct ratio of BJU. Also, store food does not require the introduction of additional vitamin complexes into the dog's menu. The preferred class for bergamasco would be premium or super premium.

If the breeder has chosen a natural food option for himself, then he should compose the pet's menu in such a way that:

• 30% of the diet accounted for the protein component;
• most of it will be taken by carbohydrates;
• fat in food should be at a minimum - about 10%.

Protein is found in beef, chicken, organ meats, and seafood. The dog will get carbohydrates from cereals and vegetables. Also, the Bergaman Shepherd Dog can be given fermented milk products with a low fat content. It can be yoghurts, kefir, cottage cheese. Sugar should be discarded.

The following foods will be banned from consumption by a dog:

• fatty meats;
• bakery products;
• smoked and salted products;
• 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. It is necessary to reduce the frequency of feedings gradually, by reducing the number of meals, but at the same time increasing the volumes of portions.

Breeders of dogs of this breed should be prepared for the fact that in the process of training and education, they can show pronounced stubbornness. To eradicate this trait, you cannot use physical force, it is important to find suitable motivation, thanks to which the dog will happily execute the commands given to him. It is recommended to train a pet from early childhood.

It is worth noting that excessive rudeness and aggression on the part of the owner of the bergamasco can be met with similar behavior of the animal towards 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.

For the characteristics of this breed of dog, see below.