Bergamasco
The coat mats itself deliberately into flat felted plates that hang like a rug. An Italian mountain herder, and the flocks take several years to form.
Overview
The Bergamasco has the strangest coat of any breed. It grows three different hair types that mat together into flat felted plates, called flocks, which hang from the body and protect the dog from cold, from predators and from the Alpine sun.
The flocks are not neglect. They form deliberately over several years, they are managed rather than brushed, and a mature Bergamasco's coat is essentially a suit of armour that it grew itself.
Temperament
Calm, watchful and independent. Bergamascos were bred to work with a shepherd rather than for one, and they make their own decisions about the flock.
They are patient and gentle with their families, particularly with children, and reserved with strangers. They are intelligent and stubborn, and they will consider an instruction rather than obey it. They are quieter and steadier than most herding breeds.
Care and grooming
Almost no brushing, and that is not a shortcut. The flocks are separated by hand as they form, roughly once a year, and after that the coat is largely left alone. Bathing is infrequent and drying takes a very long time.
The breed is generally healthy with hip dysplasia the main concern. Thirteen to fifteen years is unusually good for a dog of this size.
Living and exercise
An hour or more a day and space to patrol. They are not high energy in the herding dog sense, and they are working dogs that want a purpose.
The coat means heat is a real consideration, and a Bergamasco in a hot climate needs shade and management. The breed is rare outside Italy.
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