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Official Standard of the Bergamasco Sheepdog General Appearance: The Bergamasco, with origins dating back almost 2,000 years, is a true heritage breed, which developed unique characteristics without man-made aesthetics. The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog of rustic appearance with an abundant coat covering all parts of the body. Strong, sound and brave, the Bergamasco is above all very intelligent, calm and even-tempered. The distinctive flocks (flat woolly strands of felted hair) that cover their bodies protect them from the elements, as well as making them appear larger, with a foreboding appearance warning most predators to stay away. Bergamascos are mountain sheepdogs that are slightly longer than tall. Their unique skeletal structure makes them well- equipped for working in rough terrain. Correct, efficient movement is essential. Owing to the steeper shoulder and pelvis angles, they have a free, low-reaching, extended elastic trot with both front and rear feet remaining close to the ground. Having no need for speed, their gait is a steady, slow trot that can be maintained for long periods without tiring. There is a fair amount of variation both with respect to size and coat. The variations discussed in detail below are not considered undesirable as they do not affect the working ability of the dog. The ideal Bergamasco at any stage in coat development is a well-balanced dog with a rustic appearance. The ideal height ranges from 21 to 25 inches. Size, Proportion, Substance: The Bergamasco is ideally suited to move and guard sheep on the alpine rocky slopes and pastures with a body slightly longer than tall. Built for strength and resistance, the Bergamasco has a lean, athletic build on sturdy (but not heavy) bones with a well- developed chest, relatively short necks with firm, limber muscles. This framework is well- muscled, without being thick or bulky. The length of body measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks is 5 to 6 percent longer than the height measured at the withers. (Height-to- length ratio approximately 10:10.5 to 11.) Measured at the withers, the ideal dog stands 23½ inches and the ideal bitch stands 22 inches. However, there is a fair amount of variation in the breed with respect to height, and taller females or shorter males are acceptable as long as they are between 21 and 25 inches tall. Males weigh between 70 and 84 pounds. Females weigh between 57 and 71 pounds. Disqualification – Height under 21 inches. Any height over 25 inches must be considered a fault. The minimum height requirement of 21 inches shall not apply to dogs or bitches under twelve months of age. Head: The head is large, roughly proportionate to the size of the dog. The skull and muzzle are of equal length, (parallel to one another) and joined at a pronounced stop. The hair on the head may either be flocked or not. In either case, the typical disheveled appearance is natural and rustic. Eyes - The eyes are large, oval, and set just slightly obliquely. Eye color is chestnut, with the darkness of the color varying from hazel to dark brown. The eye rims are tight-fitting and black pigmented; eyelashes are particularly long so that they can lift the hair falling from the forehead over the eyes. The expression is attentive and calm. Disqualifications – Any lack of pigmentation of the eye rims; one (or two) full blue eye(s). Ears - The ears are soft and thin and hang down on either side of the face. The ears are set high. At its widest point, the ear is from 2½ to 3 inches wide. Ear length does not exceed half the length of the head, and shorter is preferred. The top two-thirds of the ear is triangular, with slightly rounded tips. When the dog is alert, the ears prick up at the base, with the top two-thirds semi-drooping. Viewed from the side, the ears appear to be an extension of the curve of the back of the neck. The ears may either be
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