Bergamasco

The Bergamasco, also known as Bergamasco Sheepdog, Bergamaschi, Bergamasco Shepherd, Bergamese Shepherd, Cane de Pastore Bergamasco, Italian Bergama Shepherd, and Bergamo Shepherd, is a very old breed of dog that comes in 3 hard-to-maintain coats.

Appearance
This medium-sized dog is strong, solid, and rustic. Its square body allows it to speed along with great strength without losing it's unique spark of agility. Their skull is broad with high-set ears, and chestnut eyes on top of it. The bergamasco also comes in 3 abundant coat types as the following graph displays. All of these variations of coats come in gray, silver-gray, chocolate, coal, and even merle!

Behavior
This noble and brave pooch was bred for patience and loyalty!

The intelligence of this breed is due to it's living alone with sheep, protecting them courageously. It is a very peaceful dog and always wants to know where you are. It is not instinctively aggressive, but if strangers threaten it or you in any way, it will not hesitate to take action! This dog has been used as handi-capped helpers, and does great with children, and with cats. The observance and alertness of this breed makes it a decent watchdog. This dog is truly a pleasure to own!

History
This breed has existed for a very long time, but the bergamasco was originally bred in the territory of the Alpine Arc where sheep herding was well developed. The bergamasco was chosen due to its work-hardiness, its long hair which brought protection from the snow, and its bloodlines that were originated from some breeds of shepherds. It originated in the Italian Alps near Bergamo. In present day, it is entered in dog agility trials, herding events, obedience, tracking, and other canine-based events. The bergamaschi is still used in the Swiss and Italian Alps to herd cattle.

Top Names

 * 1) Arrow
 * 2) Bear
 * 3) Roscoe
 * Al
 * 1) Aaliyah
 * 2) Aaron
 * Bob
 * 1) Nicky
 * Dan
 * 1) Alice