Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is an ancient Italian herding breed that developed in the Alpine region of Lombardy, particularly around the city of Bergamo. For centuries, these dogs were used by shepherds to manage flocks of sheep and goats in harsh mountainous climates. The breed evolved naturally through strict selection for endurance, stable temperament, independence, and the ability to work long distances without constant human direction. Its thick, corded coat served as protection against cold, moisture, and predators. Systematic breeding began in the 20th century, yet the breed has retained its traditional working type and natural herding instincts. Today, the Bergamasco is valued for its intelligence, balance, and reliability.
General Appearance
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is a strong, harmoniously built medium-sized dog with substantial bone, well-developed musculature, and a long, dense coat that forms characteristic cords or mats. The outline is slightly elongated, the body solid and balanced, creating an impression of reliability and strength. The head is proportional, with a calm, attentive expression. The limbs are sturdy and straight, adapted for long hours of work in mountainous terrain. Movements are steady, even, and confident. The coat is a defining breed feature, offering protection in severe climates and emphasizing its unique, traditional type. Overall, the Bergamasco conveys equilibrium, functionality, and natural working energy.
Important Proportions
The breed’s proportions highlight its stability and ability to function in demanding mountain environments. Height at withers corresponds closely to body length, forming a slightly rectangular outline. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, ensuring adequate lung capacity for prolonged work. The head is balanced, with a muzzle slightly shorter than the skull. The limbs are proportionate, with well-defined but not exaggerated angulation, ensuring stable, smooth movement. The topline is straight and strong, with a powerful loin. Although the corded coat can visually obscure the outline, the body structure must remain solid and functional. All proportions must support the breed’s working purpose.
Temperament and Character
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is calm, steady, and dependable, shaped by centuries of herding work. It is attentive, intelligent, and capable of independent decision-making, essential for mountain herding. The breed forms strong bonds with its owner and flock, displaying patience and gentleness toward livestock. Aggression is not typical, though the dog is vigilant with strangers and willing to defend its charges. It possesses strong work ethic, endurance, and readiness for prolonged physical and mental tasks. Proper upbringing reveals natural confidence, stability, and excellent trainability, making the breed a reliable working partner.
Head
The head is large but well-proportioned, with a broad skull and well-defined muzzle. The skull is slightly convex and wide between the ears. The forehead is moderately long; the stop is gentle but evident. The muzzle is strong and straight, slightly shorter than the skull, with balanced lines. Lips are tight and non-pendulous. The nose is large and black with complete pigmentation. Jaws are strong, with a scissor bite. The head should express calmness, confidence, and intelligence—key traits of a herding dog. Neither coarseness nor refinement is desirable; the head must show balanced strength.
Foreface
The foreface features a straight nasal bridge, a strong muzzle broad at the base and narrowing naturally toward the nose without appearing pointed. Lips are tight, dry, and well-fitted, forming a clean outline without folds. The nose is always black with full pigmentation. The jaws are powerful yet not coarse, enabling secure handling of livestock. The chin is moderate and maintains a correct profile. The foreface should convey steadiness, focus, and working capability. All elements must be functional and harmonious, without exaggeration.
Eyes
The eyes are medium-sized, oval-shaped, and set fairly wide apart, giving a calm, gentle, and attentive expression. The color is dark, ranging from hazel to dark brown, always harmonizing with the coat. Light eyes are undesirable, as they disrupt typical expression. Eyelids are tight and well-pigmented, providing clarity and definition to the gaze. The expression should combine kindness, concentration, and inner confidence—hallmarks of the breed. Eyes must not be overly large, protruding, round, or insufficiently pigmented, as such traits detract from type.
Ears
The ears are medium-sized, triangular, with a broad base, set high and wide, hanging naturally alongside the head. Their length is proportional, neither too long nor too small. The leather is firm; the coat is shorter than on the body but remains dense and protective. The ears are mobile and responsive, enhancing attentiveness and focus. Erect ears, overly low set ears, or excessively long or thin ears are incorrect. Proper ears reinforce the breed’s calm, balanced, and working expression.
Neck
The neck is powerful, muscular, and of medium length, blending smoothly into the withers. It must be strong enough to support long periods of herding work while remaining flexible and free-moving. The topline of the neck is slightly arched, emphasizing strength and harmonious structure. The skin is tight, with no dewlap. A neck that is too short, long, thin, or overly heavy disrupts balance. The correct neck provides stability, ease of movement, and highlights the breed’s steady temperament and working nature.
Body
The body is strong, solid, and slightly elongated, reflecting the endurance needed for mountain herding. The topline is straight and firm; the withers are marked but not sharp. The back is strong, level, and muscular; the loin is short and wide, providing support and stability. The croup is slightly sloping and broad, allowing powerful thrust and sure footing. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with well-sprung ribs providing lung capacity. The abdomen is moderately tucked up. The coat may obscure contours, but the underlying structure must be robust and balanced. The body expresses strength, stamina, and functional working design.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, set level with or slightly below the topline, forming a natural continuation of the silhouette. At rest it hangs down with a slight curve; in motion it rises modestly but must not curl vertically or form a ring. It is well covered with thick coat, often forming cords or mats that enhance the breed’s characteristic appearance. Incorrect features include naturally short tails, high carriage, or rigid shapes. The correct tail complements balance and underscores the breed’s stable, work-oriented nature.
Forequarters
The forequarters are strong, straight, and well-boned, with developed musculature. Shoulder blades are long, oblique, and closely fitted to the body, enabling ample reach. The upper arm forms a correct angle with the shoulder, supporting elastic, free movement. Elbows are close-fitting and directed rearward. Forearms are straight and strong. Pasterns are short, slightly sloping, and resilient, supporting work on uneven terrain. Forequarters must ensure steadiness, endurance, and smooth motion. Weak joints, narrow stance, or rigidity are faults.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are powerful, broad, and well-muscled, providing stability and strong propulsion. Thighs are long and muscular without coarseness. The lower thigh is of moderate length and forms a correct stifle angle. Hocks are low-set, well-defined, and strong, allowing confident movement over rocky ground. The stance is parallel without narrowing or spreading. Feet are large, oval, with thick pads. Straight angles, weak musculature, or narrow stance reduce working ability and are faults.
Gait and Movement
Movement is natural, confident, and elastic, with smooth extension and marked stability. At the trot the dog shows balanced, coordinated action with strong but soft drive and a long, steady stride adapted to mountain travel. The topline remains stable, without sway or dip. The gallop is collected and efficient. Stiffness, short steps, crossing, lateral movement, or signs of discomfort are incorrect. Proper movement reflects the breed’s functional capacity for prolonged work.
Coat
The coat is a defining feature. It is long, dense, and slightly harsh, with a thick undercoat. As the dog matures, the hair forms mats or cords across the body and limbs, creating natural protection against cold, moisture, and physical impact. The coat must be dense, not soft or silky; insufficient undercoat is a serious fault. Hair on the head is shorter but still thick. Coat structure must be uniform and not impede movement. Incorrect coat texture, excessive softness, or failure to form cords in adulthood are faults.
Permitted Colours
Colours range from solid to mixed shades. The most typical are all variations of grey, from light to coal-dark, as well as fawn, reddish, black, and mixed tones. Irregular shading is acceptable due to the coat’s corded nature. White markings are permitted in moderation, chiefly on chest and feet, but must not dominate. Bright, artificial-looking colours or patterns foreign to the breed are unacceptable. Colour must harmonize with the natural working appearance.
Size
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is a medium but sturdy herding breed. Males average around 60 cm at the withers; females around 56 cm, with reasonable variation allowed if proportions and working type are preserved. Weight must correspond to structure, neither heavy nor light. Balance between mass and height is essential. Any extremes toward heaviness or weakness are undesirable. Size must support endurance, strength, and functional working design.
Faults
Faults include deviations that impair function or disrupt breed type: weak bone, narrow chest, insufficient musculature, straight or weak angulation, reducing stability and movement amplitude. Undesirable traits include light, protruding, or round eyes, poor pigment, erect ears, overly soft coat, or lack of undercoat. Sparse undercoat, failure to form cords, or irregular coat texture are faults. Faults in gait—short step, stiffness, crossing—greatly reduce evaluation. Faults must be judged on their impact on working ability.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include serious deviations affecting type or function: marked aggression or shyness, total depigmentation of nose or eyelids, blue eyes, structural skull or jaw abnormalities, incorrect bite, coat lacking breed-specific structure (smooth, silky, or without undercoat), natural tail defects, failure to develop cords in adulthood, severe orthopedic issues, lameness, or extreme movement defects. Any deviation that compromises working ability or breed identity warrants disqualification.
Important Notes
Judges must consider the breed’s historical role as a mountain herding dog. Coat characteristics—structure, density, and cord formation—are functional, not ornamental. Young dogs may take several years to develop mature coat texture, so transitional phases must be evaluated carefully. Mental stability is essential: dogs must be confident, calm, attentive, without excessive excitability or timidity. Extreme types disrupting balance or working ability are unacceptable.
Conclusion
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is a unique working breed combining strength, intelligence, endurance, and natural herding independence. Its structure reflects functionality: strong body, solid limbs, and a distinctive protective coat. The breed must maintain a balanced temperament, confidence, and high trainability. Breeding should preserve coat structure, stable character, harmonious proportions, and working energy. The Bergamasco remains a living heritage of Alpine pastoral culture and requires thoughtful preservation.
