“We encourage everyone to learn more about the Bergamasco breed standard as owners and companions of this beautiful breed you are all the ambassadors of our dogs.”
The BSCA Standard Committee has been working on the modification of the Bergamasco Breed Standard for quite some time, as we have noted in our membership emails. We have two main objectives: First, to offer more clarity to the original standard, and second, we have made accommodations for puppies so they may compete in the show ring without being penalized or even disqualified for simply being a puppy. Several versions have gone back-n-forth with mentors from the AKC to reflect their guidance as well as the required AKC order and proper vocabulary.
You may review the Proposed Revised Bergamasco Standard in one or both of the links below.
1. Redlined Table Comparison Format: The link presents the standards in a table "redlined" format with the original standard in the first column and the proposed standard in the second column.
2. AKC Gazette Published for Public Comments: In accordance with the Guidelines for Breed Standard Revisions, this is being published to receive any comments prior to the balloting of the club membership. any comments may be forwarded directly to Mari-Beth O’Neill, VP Sport Services, MBO@akc.org
What Is the Purpose of Breed Standards?
The purpose of a standard is to be a guide for breeders and judges. As such, it is important to keep in mind those features that make the breed unique, those qualities the breed must possess to do the job for which it was created. A standard should emphasize what is important in the breed. Conversely, those qualities that are of little or no importance are mentioned only in passing or not at all. In a sense, everything in a standard should relate form to function. It is the job of the Parent Club to preserve and protect these elements in the purebred dog. The standard is not something that is changed to fit the fancy of the times or the current show trends.
We encourage everyone to learn more about the Bergamasco breed standard as owners and companions of this beautiful breed you are all the ambassadors of our dogs. We are very excited about this! We will be hosting a Zoom seminar to discuss these changes. We will not shy away from controversial topics such as: Why is our standard different from the FCI? What is the ENCI or UK standard? The Zoom seminar will be a forum for us to answer questions, hear comments, etc. as your input and support are very much appreciated. We will post the Zoom information as soon as it is available.
In the meantime, please feel free to reach out with any questions. bscamerica@gmail.com or the standard committee chair Jgonzalez_bass@hotmail.com
We are looking forward to discussing these standards with our Bergamasco community
Kind regards,
F. Jane Gonzalez-Bass
BSCA Secretary
BSCA Standard Committee Chair