Bergamasco is a breed of dog known for its unusual matted coat. The coat is black or gray in color. It features three kinds of hair: (1) a soft, dense, fine textured undercoat, (2) a long, straight, rough layer of goatlike hair, and (3) a woolly outer layer. These layers combine to form thick, feltlike mats that continue to grow throughout the dog’s life. The Bergamasco originated in the Middle East. It was developed near the city of Bergamo, Italy, in the Italian Alps. It was originally used to guard sheep in the high mountain valleys.
The Bergamasco stands about 23 1/2 inches (60 centimeters) tall at the shoulder for males and 22 inches (56 centimeters) for females. They weigh from 57 to 84 pounds (26 to 38 kilograms). They are courageous, intelligent, and eager to please.
