Bergamasco Sheepdogs are a rare breed, but they have still made their mark in the show ring. These intelligent and loyal dogs have a unique appearance with their long, matted coats, and their impressive performance in the show ring has helped to showcase their distinctive qualities. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Bergamasco Sheepdog in the show ring, exploring their performance, achievements, and what makes them stand out from the crowd.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs in the Show Ring: A Brief History
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is an ancient breed with a history that can be traced back to the Middle Ages in the Italian Alps. These dogs were originally bred to herd sheep and protect them from predators. They were valued for their intelligence, loyalty, and their ability to work in harsh and challenging environments.
In the early 20th century, the Bergamasco Sheepdog’s population declined, and the breed was in danger of extinction. However, thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders and enthusiasts, the Bergamasco Sheepdog population was revived, and they began to appear in dog shows in Italy in the 1960s.
Since then, Bergamasco Sheepdogs have gained recognition in other countries, including the United States, where they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2015. Today, Bergamasco Sheepdogs can be found in dog shows around the world, showcasing their unique appearance, temperament, and abilities.
Appearance
One of the most distinctive features of the Bergamasco Sheepdog is its long, matted coat. This coat is made up of three types of hair: the undercoat, which is soft and woolly, the goat hair, which is long and rough, and the topcoat, which is made up of matted felted hair. This coat not only gives the Bergamasco Sheepdog its distinctive appearance but also provides insulation and protection from the elements.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog, with a strong, muscular build. They have a broad head, a square muzzle, and dark, almond-shaped eyes. Their ears are medium-sized and triangular, and they hang down alongside their head.
In the show ring, Bergamasco Sheepdogs are judged on their adherence to the breed standard, which outlines the ideal appearance for the breed. The breed standard for the Bergamasco Sheepdog emphasizes their rustic appearance, with an emphasis on their unique coat and strong, muscular build.
Performance
While Bergamasco Sheepdogs were originally bred as herding dogs, they have also excelled in other areas, including obedience, agility, and rallying. Their intelligence and willingness to learn to make them great candidates for performance events, and many Bergamasco Sheepdogs have achieved impressive results in these areas.
In the obedience ring, Bergamasco Sheepdogs have demonstrated their ability to follow commands and perform complex routines. They have also excelled in agility, a sport that involves navigating a course of obstacles as quickly and accurately as possible.
In rally, a sport that combines elements of obedience and agility, Bergamasco Sheepdogs have also made their mark. Rally involves completing a course of exercises that test the dog’s obedience and agility, such as sitting, staying, and weaving through poles.
Achievements
While the Bergamasco Sheepdog may be a relatively rare breed, they have still managed to achieve notable success in the show ring. In 2016, a Bergamasco Sheepdog named Maksim became the first of his breed to earn the AKC Champion title. Maksim also earned a spot in the AKC National Championship that same year.
Another notable Bergamasco Sheepdog is GCH Oropa’s Quiet Storm, who has achieved multiple Best of Breed wins
and placements in group and specialty shows. In 2019, Quiet Storm was the top-ranked Bergamasco Sheepdog in the AKC’s breed standings, and he was also the top-winning Bergamasco Sheepdog in the AKC’s Owner-Handled Series that year.
In addition to their successes in the AKC, Bergamasco Sheepdogs have also achieved success in other organizations, such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA). In 2019, a Bergamasco Sheepdog named Siena became the first of her breed to earn the UKC Champion title, and she also earned a Best in Show win at a UKC event.
Overall, Bergamasco Sheepdogs may be a rare breed, but their achievements in the show ring demonstrate their abilities and unique qualities. Their performance in obedience, agility, rally, and other events highlights their intelligence, trainability, and athleticism, while their appearance in the show ring showcases their distinctive coat and muscular build.
Preparing for the Show Ring
If you are interested in showing your Bergamasco Sheepdog, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to start training and socializing your dog at a young age. This will help them become comfortable with new people, dogs, and environments, which is important in the show ring.
In addition to socialization, you will also need to train your Bergamasco Sheepdog in obedience and other performance events. This will not only help them perform well in the show ring but also provide mental stimulation and exercise.
When it comes to grooming, the Bergamasco Sheepdog’s unique coat requires special attention. The coat should be brushed regularly to prevent matting, and it may also need to be trimmed or shaped for the show ring. Some owners choose to use professional groomers to help maintain their dog’s coats.
It is also important to make sure your Bergamasco Sheepdog is in good physical health before entering them in shows. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet and exercise regimen can help keep your dog in top condition.
Entering Shows
Once you feel that your Bergamasco Sheepdog is ready for the show ring, it is time to start entering shows. There are many different types of shows available, including conformation, obedience, agility, and rally.
Conformation shows are the most traditional type of dog show and involve judging the dog’s adherence to the breed standard. In these shows, the Bergamasco Sheepdog’s unique coat and muscular build will be evaluated, along with their movement and overall appearance.
Obedience, agility, and rally events focus on the dog’s performance in specific tasks and exercises. These events may involve completing a course of obstacles, performing specific obedience commands, or following a rally course of commands and obstacles.
Preparing for a show requires time, effort, and dedication, but the rewards can be great. Not only can shows provide an opportunity to showcase your Bergamasco Sheepdog’s abilities and unique qualities, but they can also be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog.
Conclusion
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a rare breed with a rich history and unique qualities. Their distinctive coat, muscular build, and intelligence make them stand out in the show ring, and their achievements in performance events demonstrate their abilities and trainability.
If you are interested in showing your Bergamasco Sheepdog, it is important to start training and socializing them at a young age. Regular grooming and veterinary check-ups can also help keep them in top condition for shows.
Overall, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is a fascinating breed that has made a mark in the show ring.
