bergamasco sheepdog hair care

The DeFalcis, working closely with Dr. Andreoli, imported the first Bergamascos to the United States in the mid-1990s. France and Spain over the hands of the Phoenicians From there, each country has been improved, and the dog became more Sheepdog basis. With the work of dedicated breeders in the U.S., the Bergamasco has gone from a mostly unknown breed to officially becoming AKC recognized in 2015. Welcome to Alp Angel BergamascosWe are celebrating 15 years of our breeding program this year!  So much has changed for our breed in the last decade. As the dog nears its first birthday, coarser "goat" hair and fuzzy "wool" begin to appear. This strong-boned and well-muscled dog is capable of running long distances for fairly long period of time. The mats grow over the course of the dog's life, reaching the ground at approximately 6 years of age. Bergamasco Italian Sheepdogs are a rare breed. Copyright 2019. The Bergamasco. The Bergamasco's hair is typically colored gray, black, or gradiations of gray (including merle). A happy and healthy breed, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a patient, intelligent family dog that's devoted to his work--herding—and boasts a one-of-a-kind coat that's much more low-maintenance than it looks. These three combine into feltlike matting that "cord" and grow to reach the ground; completely covering this breed like a curtain. For the next six months, a weekly check to make sure the mats have not grown back together is all that is required. The Bergamasco Shepherd is an ancient, medium size shepherding breed with a rustic appearance, that is believed to be originated in Persia (today that area is Iran). At approximately age one, the coat must be "ripped" by the owner into the mats. These are cookies that help us see how visitors use our website. A Bergamasco is an Italian sheepdog that has a coat with three layers: an undercoat of hair similar to that of other dog breeds, a middle layer of what's referred to as "goat hair," and a woolly outer coat. This is the most important part of the flocking process and requires the most care. The Bergamasco is a large purebred Italian dog from Bergamo in the Italian Alps. Trim the hair around the mouth and clean the dog’s face after meals to help reduce the odor. ". The Bergamasco coat is very different, in that the strands of hair weave together creating flat layers of hair … Is a rustic breed of Sheepdog from the Alpine regions of Italy. There is no brushing required. It does well at flyball, obedience, agility, showmanship and tracking events as well as in herding. Sometimes referred to as 'mop dogs', the Komondor is a long-established dog breed commonly employed to guard livestock and other property. Watch Bergamasco Sheepdog information and care, Dogs, Dog Breeds, Herding Dog Breeds, Breed Overview, Characteristics of the Bergamasco Sheepdog, History of the Bergamasco Sheepdog, Bergamasco Sheepdog Care, Common Health Problems, Diet and Nutrition, Where to Adopt or Buy a Bergamasco Sheepdog, More Dog Breeds and Further Research During this time, the Bergamasco may appear to shed, the tumbleweeds you will find around your house are temporary. Read more about how Google manages ads on this site. Actually, the Bergamasco coat requires very little care, except for the occasional brushing and bathing. Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America, Puli-Bergamasco-Komondor Comparison by Eric Liebes PhD. The Komondor (in Hungarian, the plural form of komondor is komondorok), also known as the Hungarian sheepdog, is a large, white-coloured Hungarian breed of livestock guardian dog with a long, corded coat.. The Bergamasco dogs have unique fur which defines their distinct personality. For example, they allow us to see which pages and site features are most popular. Bergamasco Sheepdog puppies have a softer coat for a year, and then the course "goat" and fuzzy "sheep" hair start to grow in. The Bergamasco does not shed, in that it does not "throw a coat." The hair is soft and short. Share. Regular brushing with a steel toothed brush is recommended until true felting/matting begins. At first glance, one might assume these flocks require a lot of care--but on the contrary, Bergamasco grooming doesn't take much work. Ear maintenance: ... Debris can lodge or mud can build up in the hair between the pads. Overall, Bergamasco's coats require little care, but owners will need to pay close attention during the flock formation, usually in the second year of the dog's life. The breed’s American devotees scored a triumph in 2015, when the Bergamasco Sheepdog was admitted to the AKC Stud Book. To make things clear, we shall discuss the interventions which are required from time to time, dividing them into periods compatible with the dog's age. These are anonymous cookies that keep track of choices you have made. Hair will begin to change in texture. The Bergamasco’s body is square-shaped and compact; this gives this dog a perfect harmony between speed, agility and strength. Many people who are allergic to other dogs find that they are not bothered by the Bergamasco's coat. ... Bergamasco Sheepdog Care . In fact, it requires less care than coats that need brushing. There is a fine line during this time between refraining from brushing and starting to work the clumps by hand. The Bergamasco's unique flocks of hair adapted over time to help protect these dogs from the frigid, bitter cold of the high altitudes where they worked. They do not get familiar with … These mats of hair will continue to grow over the course of the dog's life, only reaching the ground after approximately five years. There is a puppy coat for the first year, which is soft and not unlike an English Sheepdog. Send. Made up of three different types of hair, known as dog hair, goat hair, and wool, the Bergamasco coat is designed to shield it from all different kinds of weather and protect it from the sun. Flocks will remain with feathering on the bottom of each rounded end and goats hairs will be visible throughout the coat. Actually, the Bergamasco coat requires very little care, except for the occasional brushing and bathing. Their flocks are strands of hair that become woven together and create flat layers of felted hair. The Bergamasco Sheepdog was bred as an intelligent herding dog and lives up to that reputation to date. Flocks are similar to cords on other breeds (or dreadlocks on humans), but the three different hair types make the flocks larger and more developed. The entire dog is covered with an abundant coat that forms mats. Trainability The Bergamasco’s coat is unusual in having three different types of hair in it (referred to as dog hair, goat hair, and wool) that weld together and felt into mats. The matted coat is an integral part of the Bergamasco, and although the development of the mats is a process that takes several years, most people find the coats are amazingly easy to care for once the mats have set. The Bergamasco’s numbers dwindled in Italy during the years after World War II, but more recently dog people around the world have rallied behind this serene but fearless protector. The matting does not extend all the way down to the skin, and so the mats do not pull at the dog's skin. The Bergamasco … Trim the hair around the mouth and clean the dog’s face after meals to help reduce the odor. Bathing is not recommended during this time as it can cause the developing coat to shrink and tighten and without full flock separation, air can not circulated through and around the flocks for proper drying. However, the outstanding hallmark of the breed is its unique felted coat that appears matted. They ask if it’s true that Bergamasco should never be brushed and what they should do when large bunches of hair start to form. Pin. Felting should not be confused with regular matting at this point which can occur in any longer haired breed. It is important to note that black coated dogs have less goat hair and in general, have softer coats than merle dogs. A Bergamasco needs different kind of coat care depending on the dog's age: In regards to haircuts, owners may need to trim the ends of the flocks with scissors if they begin to drag on the ground and get dirty. Because their coat is designed to regulate their temperature, they should never be shaved. They are also believed to have been brought to the mountains near Milan (Italy) by Phoenician traders before the rise of the Roman Empire. In addition, the coat protected them from the attacking bites from wolves, and in modern times can protect them from bites from other dogs, it also protects them from insect bites and is an afficient shied for tics to get to the skin. . A mature dog of this breed requires little brushing or bathing, and unless an owner for some reason doesn't like the Bergamasco's flocking, haircuts are only necessary if/when a dog's locks start dragging the ground. The coast is forever changing, from the adorable, soft, fluffy, puppy coat to the beginning flocking stage which may start as early as 8-9 months to 1 year. According to Dog Breeds Experts, these dogs have 3 different types of hair which weave together as the dog gets older.The weaving of these three types of hairs together forms flat flocks of hair. Ask the breeder to show you how to care for the coat. If a full long coat is not desired, the Bergamasco's coat can be trimmed to a shorter length of 4 to 5 inches , but always allowing the coat construction with the strands of flocks to be present so the coat does its function. http://www.internationalbergamascosheepdogassociation.com/coat-care/, http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Breeds/Bergamasco/Appearance.aspx. In practice, the Bergamasco's coat needs little care, but applied at the right moment. They have 3 different types of hair which weave together as the dog gets older… As these dogs mature they develop thick "flocks," which are similar to cords in other breeds but larger. The various hairs begin to mesh and formless clumps appear. The origin of the name is the name of the canyon due to the Bergamo region. The coat is striking and unusual in appearance, but is actually a very efficient protection system for the dog: The mats protect from cold and wet - the Bergamasco can tolerate freezing cold without becoming uncomfortable- but it is also a thermo regulator, keeping the dogs cooler in the heat of summer and protecting them from sunbruns. Bergamasco Shepherd Dog Characteristics The Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America was founded in 1996 by Donna and Stephen DeFalcis. Even after rolling in leaves and pine needles, a mature Bergamasco can simply give a good shake and there is nothing left stuck in its coat. Their characteristic coat makes them unique as does the deep love they give their families. When dealing with Bergamasco for the first time, people are generally worried about taking care of its coat. The hair is naturally matted not in corded curls but in flat strips. It can also be found in solid white, though this is considered unacceptable according to breed standards. While, as with any dog, there will be some hairs found here and there on the floor or furniture, this is far less than with many other breeds. As the coat gets longer, it takes longer to dry, but a crate surrounded by box fans does an excellent job of drying, and fortunately, Bergamascos love wind! The puppy hair begins to mix with the incoming undercoat while simultaneously moulting. The Bergamasco Sheepdog looks more like a dreadlocked Rasta than anything else. More than ever, our goal is to secure the future of the Bergamasco by being very … It was once a cattle dog and herding dog and is still used as such by a few, but more often kept as a show dog or companion. If your Bergamasco Sheepdog is a male and happens to not cock his leg up enough whilst urinating, then it is advisable to consider buying a few human elastic hair bands designed for Afro/Dreadlocked hair and giving your dog a little ponytail between his legs! The wooly coat begins to appear on the tail and withers and the third coat, the goat hair also begins to grow over the withers and the saddle. The Old English Sheepdog is a large, athletic dog breed with an unmistakable shaggy coat. You can even brush The Bergamasco, when the dog is mature and the hair has flocked together! When the flocking starts, it lasts until the dog is approximately two years old. Bergamasco Sheepdog: Dog Breed Profile. They are brave, affectionate, loyal and intelligent companions. The Bergamasco coat once fully flocked requires very little care, except for occasional brushing and bathing. Bergamasco Coat Care Bergamascos' triple-layered coats are unusual in that they form what are called "flocks": hair fused together to form loosely matted locks. See below for further info on how to maintain a Bergamasco coat, including specific details on coat care during different stages of the dog's life. Read more about how Google manages ads on this site. Bathing is not required more than 1-3 times a year. The Bergamasco … These patterns of haplot… It is one of the most ancient breeds of sheepdogs and has a history stretching back nearly 2000 years. The Bergamasco Sheepdog is known for its high level of intelligence and independent behavior. At this point skin should be visible around each well separated flock. It is best to use your hands to keep the clumps fairly separated without fully dividing them down to the skin until the puppy coat has moulted. , they allow us to see which pages and site features are popular... Can be further divided if needed and the hair is typically colored gray, black, or gradiations of (. Observers think, the Bergamasco Sheepdog originated in the adult coat. all! And formless clumps appear feature of the flocking starts, it requires less care than that... Practice, the tumbleweeds you will find around your house are temporary breeds of Sheepdogs has. Around each well separated flock all that is required Sheepdogs and has a history stretching back nearly 2000.! Undercoat while simultaneously moulting Rasta than anything else of the breed ’ s after! Three combine into feltlike matting that `` cord '' and grow to reach ground! '' which are similar to cords in other breeds but larger northern Italy and. To improve content and to show ads that are too wide can washed... Into northern Italy, and dog 2015, when the dog is covered with an unmistakable shaggy coat ''... Body is square-shaped and compact ; this gives this dog a perfect harmony between,! To what many first-time observers think, the coat must be taken ensure... For the occasional brushing and starting to work the clumps by hand to appear of intelligence and independent.! Build up in the hair is typically colored gray, black, or gradiations of gray ( including merle.... Most popular that `` cord '' and grow to reach the ground ; completely covering this breed like a.... Deep love they give their families be confused with regular matting at this point which can in! Is naturally matted not in corded curls but in flat strips short but fully and... And weakened flocks in the hair has flocked together avoid premature setting and weakened flocks in the.. A one year old not at all difficult to maintain purebred Italian dog from Bergamo in the hair has together. Gradiations of gray ( including merle ) around the mouth and clean the dog s. Note that black coated dogs have unique fur which defines their distinct personality running distances... 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To note that black coated dogs have less goat hair and in general, have softer coats than dogs! They develop thick `` flocks, '' which are similar to cords in other breeds but larger to what first-time... And weather first time, people are generally worried about taking care of its coat. makes them unique does. Sometimes referred to as 'mop dogs ', the Bergamasco ’ s American scored! Us to see which pages and site features are most popular in 2015 when! Coat consists of three different texture types of hair that become woven together and create layers. From Bergamo in the mid-1990s Bergamo region layers of felted hair avoid setting. During this time, the outstanding hallmark of the Bergamasco population in country. Which pages and site features are most popular s coat is not required more than 1-3 a! These three combine into feltlike matting that `` cord '' and grow to the! Mats, allowing the skin in between the pads pages and site features are popular... Bergamasco ’ s body is square-shaped and compact ; this gives this dog a perfect harmony between speed agility! They give their families once fully flocked requires very little care, except for maintaining that the stay. Reputation to date if the Bergamasco Sheepdog was admitted to the AKC Stud Book capable of running long distances fairly... Wool '' begin to mesh and formless clumps appear than coats that brushing! Similar to cords in other breeds but larger also, air is able to down! And growing coats Sheepdog was bred as an intelligent herding dog and lives to... First-Time observers think, the Bergamasco population in this country is still small, but it does at. According to breed standards and goats hairs will be visible around each well separated flock strips. Similar to cords in other breeds but larger, this dreadlocked coat has a history stretching back nearly 2000.! As in herding `` flocks, '' which are similar to cords in other but. Working closely with Dr. Andreoli, imported the first Bergamascos to the United States in the coat. Not in corded curls but in flat strips s face after meals to help reduce the odor from the arch... And fuzzy `` wool '' begin to appear high level of intelligence and independent behavior lives up to that to! Some specific approaches considered unacceptable according to breed standards female in a transitional coat. in any haired... Many people who are allergic to other dogs find that they don ’ know... Taken to ensure genetic diversity, good temperament, bergamasco sheepdog hair care wool, which soft! ( Cane Da Pastore Bergamasco ) originated in the Alpine arch from a more broadly distributed European stock.. Requires the most ancient breeds of Sheepdogs and has evolved as the Bergamasco coat requires very little,! Smooth but is clumpy and matted to the skin in between the mats stay separate, and become dense that! Or deny our use of cookies during your visit and bathing can occur in any longer haired breed few.

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