Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America

In the Show Ring

Due to the Bergamasco’s build, their center of gravity is low and the feet move close to the ground to be most efficient in up and down hill terrains, while preserving resistance and efficiency. Because of its unique angulation of the fore and hind quarters, the Bergamasco’s movement is very different than other herding breeds who tend to focus more on speed on flat terrain, with a longer extension of the limbs and higher footing off the ground. The Bergmasco’s gait is more focused on resistance, strength and low gravity with foot closer to the ground. The movement can be slower than other herding dogs and they can break into leaps if speed or inclination changes.

The Bergamasco’s characteristic gait is not always correctly evaluated in the show ring. As a result, handlers with little experience with this breed may show their dogs “strung up in the lead”, forcing them to raise their heads too high and to produce a high stepping gait. While more dramatic, this gait is completely unnatural for the Bergamasco Sheepdog. It is important that the Bergamasco’s neck not be too long and that the head not be carried high during movement. A longer pelvis and shoulder blade with a steeper angulation create a more powerful gait, close to the ground with a shorter stride. Better suited for up and down hill climbing while spending less energy.

In addition, the Bergamasco always works behind the shepherd to watch any hand gesture. Therefore, the correct presentation of a Bergamasco in movement should be with loose lead, a regular and calm speed, feet close to the ground, with the dog side by side or slightly behind the handler, both at the breed or group level. The only gait acceptable in the show ring is a sustained trot!

Because the coat can hide flaws or give the appearance of a flaw that is not there, it is important for a thorough exam by the judge. For example, the topline may not appear straight because of variability in the coat. Alternatively, the coat may give the appearance of a straight topline in a dog with a flawed topline. True evaluation in the ring should be done during the exam and all parts of the dog should be felt for correctness.

Topline should be straight while trotting. A roaching topline during movement is due to faulty structure and should not be awarded in the ring!

The Bergamasco should always look natural and rustic, the dog should never look excessively groomed. The Bergamasco should be in a clean, well maintained coat but NEVER brushed out on the body. On the head, the hair is less harsh and falls over the eyes. The top of head is most often free of flocking and may be brushed to maintain the smooth goat hair. The face may be brushed out to keep a sanitary dog but small flocks are permitted on the sides of the muzzle and under the chin. The neck and chest should be flocked. Any deliberate stripping or excessive brushing of the coat surrounding the head, neck and face is not to AKC standard and should be penalized.