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The Hair of the Dog!  The above picture, at a herding demonstration on a working farm in Bergamo,Italy, shows to their full glory, working Bergamaschi with attentive charges. There has been much written already about the unique coat of this breed which creates a definitive and most striking appearance. An integral feature,it has been the subject of much meticulous documentation and illustration.This all started ,with a handful of individuals from the last century, who began a co-operative effort to revive this disappearing breed. 
From a little closer to home....  ...this wonderful picture of a Bergamasco puppy in training! Loving arms of the family,sheep and children!What more could any Bergamasco Boy want!
The Bergamasco coat goes through three stages of development, after which , this living tapestry continually exhibits subtle changes throughout the Bergamasco`s life. Always individual, always unique,it is also triple coated. In the following section, you will find a selection of information about the breed`s coat. From fluffy, plush puppy (stage 1), to a felted coat brought on by the appearance of the `goat hairs` which helps create the individual matts for the fully flocked coat(stage 2); to the continued maintenance of the developed, growing flocks(stage3). Although impressive and quite imposing, the coat requires relatively simple and straight forward care. The following information stems from some of those who were instrumental in reviving the breed and those who carry on that work today.
--------------- Blizzard Peak Alpaca and Bergamasco The above link to Blizzard Peak takes you right to a user friendly and well organized approach for complete, 'hands on ' coat care. Starts from the very beginning, fluffy puppy, through developing stages, to an adult coat. Great pictures and super suggestions. ------------------ ---------------
For an another informative perspective on coat care visit Luna di Lana Cane Di Bergamasco. Please check under 'Grooming' . As in most things concerning this breed, the best and most immediate source of help, for issues of coat, health , and general care, should be the breeder. Please use this resource...I am always willing to help you better understand the Bergamasco...
Coat Development at Stonedance The merle coat (grey with black patches)is a good example to use for definition as it shows development just a bit more easily than the black.
Io as a puppy, with a plush and fluffy coat.
Click here to view Halla at the same age
This is Dite`s coat at two..notice the goat hairs and size of matts created. Lighter colour is courtesy of the sun. And a close up of same...
Io and Halla; mature coat, adolescent coat. Note Halla`s legs and paws as compared to Io and overall length of flocks.
More development-notice the length of hair in front and on the legs.
Halla..I`m a mat..really!
Io,Marica and Halla watching that squirrel.
Notice the goat hair and the 'saddle' from the neck back to the shoulder blades.
Halla in year five...coat in full swing...a contrast to Dite`s coat at two.
Halla , in her fifth year;Dite, year two... ~ About the dog, about the coat and common sense for both ~ There has been an incredible amount written about the Bergamasco coat and yes it is truly a spectacular crowning glory . Yet what is so rewarding about this quiet and unassumming natural breed is that fussing never seems to work! A common sense, no fuss no nonsense approach seems to work hands down! ~ come back soon as there will be lots of interesting info for you concerning the coat....not least of which will be the 'how can I get some of that into a sweater;-) ' Sept.6,2007 An update! Coat care continues to evolve with the results being increased confidence in suggestions given and steps that can be taken. Mats come off, tugged by play or chewed to alleviate a snag or find a twig that pokes. Do not be afraid that you will 'break' something"!The dog is not a rock with lichen growing on it! It is, hopefully, an active being that enjoys life and makes life with you a joy and comfort. As ever don't be afraid to ask. The person who bred the dog had to start somewhere to! On a really neat note; in my quest to find out more about processing animal fibre, I have had a wonderful little journey that lead me to lots of people who had alpaca, mohair goats, and dogs. Each in turn kindly directed me on to the next steps on this path. My stopping place was the Wilton Road Custom Fibre Mill. Believe it or not....they process dog hair! I collect all the mats the dogs lose and when some need to be removed for comfort or hygiene, make sure they are clean and dry. Stuff them in a pillow case or loosely folded bag and wait for inspiration. So far, the longer mats show up woven into my sweaters as tassles. More as we evolve.
Thank you for stopping to touch the earth.... Namaste
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