Wow! eBook
Bergamasco
Author(s): Maria Andreoli (Author), Donna DeFalcis (Author)
- Publisher: Kennel Club Books Inc
- Publication Date: 1 Mar. 2004
- Language: English
- Print length: 160 pages
- ISBN-10: 1593783159
- ISBN-13: 9781593783150
Book Description
Once known as the Alpine Sheepdog, the Bergamasco is a rare and special dog indeed! Only recently imported into the US and UK, this ancient sheepdog of Italy possesses many special talents, super-canine intelligence and a well-developed protective nature, all of which should lead to the breed’s wide acceptance as a companion and guard dog. The Bergamasco’s fully flocked coat, unlike that of any other breed, is this sheepdog’s hallmark, adding to his special appeal and appearance.
Editorial Reviews
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
It is now universally accepted that the first centers for domestication of sheep and goats were located in central and southern Asia. From these regions, populations that migrated in search of new pastures from east to west settled in mountainous zones along a practically uninterrupted line from the upper plains of Asia across the mountains of Anatolia, the Caucasus, the Carpathians and the Alps to the Pyrenees. Scientists who dedicated their studies to cow- and sheep- breeding noted the presence, in these same regions, of dogs with long, bristly coats. The origins of these breeds probably go back to the Himalayan zones, where there existed a wolf known as Canis lupus laniger, which had a very thick coat. Along this route there are a number of dog breeds now stabilized and recognized, which are almost certainly direct descendants from a common ancestor. From a historical point of view, it is quite logical that a group of dog breeds with such similarities is to be found along the routes followed by these migrant populations.
