Breed Standard
A breed standard for dogs is a written description of the ideal physical and behavioral characteristics of a particular dog breed. It is a set of guidelines and specifications that breeders, judges, and enthusiasts use to evaluate and assess the quality of individual dogs within the breed.
Breed standards typically include information on a breed's size, weight, coat type and color, head shape, ear and eye shape and placement, tail shape and carriage, and overall conformation. They may also include information on a breed's temperament, health issues, and any specific behavioral or working characteristics that are desired.
Breed standards are developed and maintained by breed clubs, kennel clubs, and other organisations that are dedicated to promoting and preserving purebred dog breeds. They are used as a reference point for breeding decisions, conformation shows, and other events that showcase the best examples of a particular breed.
It's important to note that breed standards are not intended to be a strict set of rules, but rather a general guideline. There is always some variation within a breed, and judges must use their discretion to determine the best example of the breed based on the standards. Additionally, breed standards should never be used to discriminate against mixed-breed or non-standard dogs. Below is the breed standard of the Bergamasco fro the Kennel Club website.
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For the FCI Breed standard click here. For the AKC breed standard click here.
General appearance
Medium-sized sheepdog of ancient origin. Powerfully constructed, square in profile, heavily coated
Characteristics
Vigilant guard with strong protective instinct. Tight skin. Unusual and distinctive coat.
Temperament
Intelligent, cautious, patient. Good companion/guard.
Head and skull
Skull and muzzle of equal length. Tight skin with no wrinkle. Broad skull, slightly convex between high set ears, but rounded forehead. Width of skull no more than half length of head from occiput to nostril. Top of skull and top of muzzle parallel in profile. Prominent occiput. Definite stop with marked median furrow. Fairly deep truncated muzzle tapers slightly towards nose, but never pointed with rather flat foreface and strong under jaw. Well-pigmented, tight lips just cover front of jaw.
Eyes
Oval, large, dark chestnut colour preferred, but depends on colour of coat. Soft, serene but attentive expression. Tight fitting black eye rims with long lashes.
Ears
Set high, top two-thirds semi-drooping. Ear lifts from base when attracted. Triangular shape, wide base tapers into neckline. Slightly rounded tips. Covered with soft, slightly wavy hair forming fringes at tips.
Mouth
Well-split lips, with inner corner directly below vertical line from outer corner of eye. Scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Medium length, strong, well arched, no dewlap. Densely coated. Joins back in gentle slope to high set withers.
Forequarters
Straight when seen from front and side. Well-angulated shoulder with good lay back, and length and angulation of upper arm. Elbows set under body. Straight forelegs, with strong bone and muscle. Short pasterns.
Body
Depth is half height at withers, which are well defined. Length from point of shoulder to point of buttocks equal to height at withers. Brisket reaches to elbow. Broad back. Well-sprung ribs. Straight topline. Sloping croup.
Hindquarters
Long, wide, well-muscled upper thigh, good turn of stifle, fairly high set hocks. Straight when viewed from rear.
Feet
Oval with well-closed and arched toes. Strong, well-pigmented nails. Hard pads of dark colour.
Tail
Strong at root, tapering towards tip. Reaches hock easily, but preferably no longer. Slightly curved towards tip at rest, carried flag-like when animated.
Gait/Movement
Free, long steps. Extended trot is desirable. Capable of maintaining free gallop.
Coat
Abundant and long. Harsh texture on front of body, softer on head and limbs. Short, dense undercoat obscures skin. Tends to form into strands or loose mats from topline of body (not cords). Greasy to the touch.
Colour
Solid grey, or with patches of all shades of grey through to black. White patches allowed providing no more than one fifth of coat. Black, Isabella and light fawn allowed.
Size
Height: dogs: 58-62 cms (23-24½ ins); bitches: 54-58 cms (21-23 ins). Weight: dogs: 32-38 kgs (70-84 lbs); bitches: 26-32 kgs (56-70 lbs).