All about the Bergamasco dog's unique flocked coat

The Bergamasco is a large, intelligent and very personable dog that originates from the Alpine mountains of Italy and Switzerland. Historically, these dogs served as reliable working herding dogs, tasked with herding and guarding livestock for centuries. Today, their unique qualities have made them increasingly popular pets, including in the UK, where their distinct coat often attracts wide curiosity.

Known for their friendly and affectionate nature, Bergamascos are excellent with children and other dogs. Their lively and confident temperament, together with their strength, means they require consistent training and handling, especially on the lead.

The unique flocked coat of the Bergamasco dog

The most remarkable feature of the Bergamasco is undoubtedly its distinctive coat. Unlike many other breeds, the adult Bergamasco's coat naturally forms flat mats or "flocks"—dense, felted patches of hair that might initially look like unkempt mats to the untrained eye. This coat type is not seen in many dogs, and it is entirely normal for the adult Bergamasco.

While similar in appearance to the cords of the Puli and Komondor, the Bergamasco's coat differs significantly. It consists of flocking, which are wide, flat, felted mats that become thicker towards their ends, sometimes growing one to three inches wide.

To understand the uniqueness, the coat is composed of three distinct types of hair:

• Undercoat: Short, thick and oily hair that provides insulation and waterproofing.
• Goat hair: Long, rough, straight hair with a texture similar to Velcro, helping the coat to mat by tangling other hairs.
• Woolly overcoat: Thick and soft, this blends with the goat hair to create the dense flocked appearance.

Together, these hair types interlock to form the signature flocked coat, which serves functional roles in the Bergamasco's working heritage.

Protective qualities and purpose

The flocked coat is more than just striking; it provides excellent protection from the harsh Alpine weather the breed was adapted for. This coat helps insulate the dog against extreme cold, wind and rain while repelling water effectively. As a result, Bergamascos stay warm in winter and cool in the summer due to good air circulation through the mats.

Besides weather protection, the mats serve as natural armour. They protect the dog against bites and scratches from potential predators like foxes or wolves while guarding livestock — a vital trait that has ensured the survival and effectiveness of the breed in dangerous situations.

Moreover, the dense flocking keeps biting insects at bay, reducing irritations and health risks associated with insect bites.

Caring for your Bergamasco’s coat

Bergamasco puppies are born with a soft, short coat that reveals the undercoat prominently. The distinctive flocking begins to develop around the first year of life, as the three hair types grow and felt together.

The first couple of years demand attentive grooming. The forming mats need to be regularly separated and teased into individual flocks to ensure the coat forms naturally without overly heavy mats pulling on the skin. This maintenance continues strongly until the dog reaches about two years of age when the flocks begin to grow naturally with their own weight.

Unlike many breeds, the Bergamasco’s coat continues to grow throughout its life, and by four to six years old, the flocking can approach the floor. However, once mature, the coat requires surprisingly little daily attention compared to other long-haired dogs.

Routine care involves:

• Weekly checks to split larger mats that might cause skin discomfort.
• A bath 1-3 times per year to keep the coat clean, taking care not to brush the coat when wet to protect the flocked structure.
• Regular checking behind ears, under legs, and other areas prone to thicker mats.

Proper grooming and coat care promote the health and comfort of the dog while preserving the iconic appearance that defines the breed.

Summary and next steps

The Bergamasco's unique flocked coat distinguishes this ancient herding breed. Its combination of three hair types creates felted flocks that provide exceptional protection from weather and predators, reflecting the dog’s working heritage. While initially demanding in grooming, the coat becomes easier to manage once mature but still benefits from routine checks and care for the comfort of the dog.

Prospective owners or enthusiasts should be prepared for the distinctive coat maintenance and commit to responsible pet ownership, ensuring this remarkable breed thrives in a loving home. To find a Bergamasco puppy or reputable breeders, it’s essential to seek well-informed sources and avoid impulse decisions for the best welfare of the dog.