Bergamasco Dog Breed information

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The Bergamasco is a breed of dog with its origins in the Italian Alps, where it was originally used as a herding dog.

Appearance

The Bergamasco is a medium size dog, well proportioned and harmonious having a rustic appearance. It is a solidly compact dog with a strong, powerful build that gives it great resistance without taking away any of its agility and speed of movement.

Coat and color

The breed's most distinctive feature is the unusual felted coat which is a normal and healthy characteristic of the breed. Its coat is characterized by three types of hair which is abundant and forms mats or flocks. The mats start from the spine and go down the flanks, growing every year to reach the ground. The color of the coat can be anything from gray or silver gray to coal. This color served as a camouflage when working in the mountains.

Bergamascos are born with short, smooth fur, which slowly develops the characteristic mats as the dog grows. The mats will reach as low as the dog's paws in adulthood.