A brief history of evolution of the Bergamasco
The Bergamasco Sheepdog comes from Italy's alpine areas but
its history of evolution can be traced back thousands of years
from dogs of the mountainous regions of the Zagros mountains
(now shared between modern day Iran and Iraq).
During these ancient times the dogs found there were known
as "Canis Iupus Ianiger" - translated as a wolf
with a long, very thick coat.
As these dogs were domesticated with man they found themselves
moving with their human masters settling in new mountain areas
from Asia Minor to Europe. Investigations show that along
the route stretching from the Caucasus to the Pyrenees a variety
of breeds stabilised and all now show the following characteristics
from a common ancestor:
These characteristics became apparent and were maintained
due to the animals adapting to their climate in their chosen
geographical locations.
When the dog's masters changed from a nomadic existence to
a more permanently settled existence and remained seperated
from other groups further evolution continued on an isolated
basis caused by climatic conditions, habits of the local populations
and other environmental factors.
As each breed assumed its own identity not only did this
caused further differences from its distant ancestor it also
caused differences from local groups.
The Bergamsco's ancestors arrived in Italy approximately
4000 B.C, in the wake of migratory populations moving out
over the plains of Europe skirting the flanks of the Alps
settling in various regions. |
