Petzlover
Bergamasco is originated from Italy but Pastor Garafiano is originated from Spain. Both Bergamasco and Pastor Garafiano are having almost same height. Both Bergamasco and Pastor Garafiano are having almost same weight. Both Bergamasco and Pastor Garafiano has almost same life span. Both Bergamasco and Pastor Garafiano has almost same litter size. Both Bergamasco and Pastor Garafiano requires Moderate Maintenance.
The Bergamasco comes from northern Italy. This medium sized sheepdog is of ancient origin. Known as an Italian sheep herding breed, his name actually comes from the town where he comes from - Bergamo.
It was after World War II that there was danger that this breed would disappear as the need for herding and shepherding was diminishing. An Italian breeder, however, Dr. Maria Andreoli, stepped in to save the breed.
It was in 2015 that the American Kennel Club also changed the breed’s status from Miscellaneous to the Herding Group.
Hailing from the Canary Islands, the Pastor Garafiano is a dog which was once used for working purposes but which is essentially a pet today.
Also known as the Spanish Collie, it is not really sure if the dog really has any links to the Collie.There are dog experts who claim that there are actually very few pure specimens of this dog because of interbreeding with other breeds such as the German Shepherd.
There was a time that the breed almost disappeared but a working group was established to further establish breeding centers for the dog. Today the Pastor Garafiano is a recognized breed and he has been registered since 1982.
This medium sized sheepdog stands 54 – 62cm in height and weighs up to 38 kg as an adult. It is his coat which draws the most attention. It is of a coarse texture and actually greasy to the touch. It actually forms into strands or almost like dreadlocks from the top of the body, so that people agree he is one of shaggiest dog breeds there are.
From age 1 on the coat starts to become woolly, and then the flocks start to form. As these clumps of hair appear, it will become necessary to separate them into smaller cords by hand to ensure attractive formation Brushing isn’t necessary but a big toothed comb can keep their hair ‘groomed’.
The colour of the coat is solid grey with patches of shades of grey and sometimes black. His dense, heavy coat makes it that he is suited to cooler climates. Because he is a herding dog, he wouldn’t do well in an apartment but would suit a home with a large garden.
He is intelligent and social but will need firm handling as he is a boisterous dog. He has a muscular yet compact body with a large head, long tail, high-set semi-drooping ears and large, gentle looking brown eyes. Although not instinctively aggressive, he makes an excellent watch dog with strong protective instincts to protect his human family.
He views new people into his circle with suspicion and wariness. He is good with kids and pets in the home and is playful and energetic.
This is a medium to large dog, with its hindquarters being a bit higher than the shoulders. The body is strongly built with a deep chest. He stands at between 55 to 64cm in height and weighs between 24 to 35kg.
The nose is black and the eyes brown. The ears are slightly erect. The double coat is long and thick and the color is almost golden or tawny, much like a lion. Puppies are born brown and the color changes as they get older.
The tail is long, and when the dog is in motion or alert the tail is lightly curled. He is an active dog requiring a lot of intensive physical exercise. It is therefore not recommended that he be kept on a small city property but that he be on a farm or have a large garden.
This is a good looking, confident sheepdog who is also intelligent and therefore easily trained. He makes a splendidly obedient pet when he has been trained and socialized.
He is docile, calm and friendly and good with children in the home who have been taught to be kind and gentle with him. Apart from regular play, make sure he gets his regular exercise and he is constantly allowed to be part of the family.
This is a working dog so they are naturally alert. He is also intelligent and independent and this independence is seen with training as he doesn’t take easily to following instructions, becoming stubborn. You’ll certainly want to have your Bergamasco socialized and trained as he can be a boisterous dog, bounding with energy.
This is a dog that will need to be kept busy and provided with plenty of activities so that he remains happy, playful and relaxed.
Lively and intelligent, these dogs also form strong bonds with their owners and get on well with the children in the home. He will take well to country life as opposed to living in the city.
The Pastor Garafiano is such a wonderful docile and friendly pet that he is guaranteed to make a wonderful companion for any family.
He is a dog that simply loves spending time with his human family and won’t do well when left alone in the backyard day after day. Take good care of this beautiful tawny dog and give him your attention and you will have a wonderful canine friend that is difficult to beat in terms of loyalty and devotion.
Your Bergamasco can live to be 13 to 15 years of age and he is considered to be a healthy breed. Nonetheless you want to be aware of health issues that are common to this breed
he is vulnerable to heat. He can die of heat exhaustion quicker than other breeds
keep an eye on him for hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and skin allergies
Your Pastor Garafiano can reach anything from 10 – 14 years of age if he is happy and well taken care of. Every dog however, can fall prey to one of the many common dog illnesses there are. Some of these are -
This is an inherited inflammatory disease of the skin, blood vessels and muscles. Signs of dermatomyositis can vary from mild to severe skin lesions and inflammation of muscles and even a decrease in muscle mass. Severely affected dogs can even have difficulty with swallowing. Symptoms of the disease are usually seen before the dog is 6 months of age.
This is an eye disease where there is a gradual deterioration of the retina. Dogs can become night blind early in the disease and as the disease goes on, they can even lose their daytime vision.
This is a very common dog ailment – the abnormal formation of the hip socket can cause pain, arthritis and even lameness. It is severe enough to know that dogs with hip dysplasia should never be bred.
The Bergamasco isn’t a shedder but his coat will need to be combed once a week just to keep it in order. You don’t want to bath him too often, especially during the Winter as his coat takes a long time to dry. It isn’t recommended to shave a Bergamasco as the coat regulates the dogs temperature – keeping him warm and cold as the weather demands.
They thrive on a blend of kibble (dry) mixed with raw and-or moist food once or twice a day. Remember to include quality chicken, turkey, etc. mixed with some vegetables and rice into your dog’s diet. Ensure a constant supply of fresh water in an easily-cleanable bowl.
Balls and ropes are important for building muscle strength and burning energy. Remember your Bergamasco is a working breed and will need plenty of games and exercise.
Groom your Pastor Garafiano at least twice a week. Your dog’s coat is fairly long and it sheds too and you want to make sure it doesn't become all matted. There are different brushes you can use for his beautiful coat.
You can also use this grooming session to check other areas of your dog. Check inside his ears, check his eyes and feel for new or unusual lumps. Make sure to keep his nails trimmed.
Exercise your pet every day. Take him on walks or hikes and provide him with ball or frisbee games. Exercise keeps him fit and healthy but also happy and content.
Nutrition is of critical importance to your pet's wellbeing. It is important to know what your pet needs to stay healthy and have a strong immune system which can ward off disease.
There are some good commercially manufactured dog foods on the market but it is important to choose the one that doesn’t come filled with toxic colorants, preservatives and fillers. Protein should be high on the list of ingredients listed on the pet food packaging. Also make sure to feed your pet food that had been made for his size, his breed, his age and his energy requirements.
To provide some variety to your pet’s diet, give him some tasty home-made food. Dog’s do well on simplicity and consistency. Some boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as spinach, sweet potato and carrots all chopped up and added into his dry kibble occasionally will keep him bright eyed and with his tail constantly wagging.
He’ll thank you for not varying his diet with things that can give him an upset stomach such as coffee, tea, popcorn, grapes, onions and chocolate.