A Legacy in the Ring

GCHS Alp Angel’s Faggia Dell’Albera CGC FDC

Faggia is one of those dogs who changed everything for us. She was a milestone in our breeding program, but more than that, she became an ambassador for the breed and a dog who helped show people what a Bergamasco could be. Her show career was extraordinary, but what has always mattered most to me is that her success was built on the things I care about in this breed: correct type, sound structure, functional movement, and a temperament that is steady and real.

Faggia became the top winning Bergamasco of all time. Her record includes the most Group placements, the most Westminster Kennel Club Best of Breed wins, and the most Best of Breed wins in the breed. Those achievements are something we are incredibly proud of, but they were never just about numbers. To us, they showed that a Bergamasco could be recognized in the ring while still looking and acting like a Bergamasco.

Faggia’s success was also the result of a true partnership with her handler, Amanda Shea. They were a team in every sense of the word. Amanda understood Faggia, respected her, and presented her with consistency, patience, and care. That kind of partnership matters. It was never just someone holding the leash. It was trust, timing, and a lot of miles together.

Westminster Kennel Club

Faggia won Best of Breed at Westminster Kennel Club in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Westminster was always special, not only because of the history of the show, but because it gave the Bergamasco a chance to be seen by a much wider audience. Faggia handled that attention in her usual way. She showed up, did her job, and made us proud.

Group Wins and Group Placements

Faggia earned AKC Herding Group wins and many Group placements during her career. We are grateful to the judges who recognized her and to everyone who supported her along the way. These wins meant a lot because they came in strong competition, often with people seeing a Bergamasco in that setting for the first time.

AKC National Championship

Faggia was Best of Breed at the AKC National Championship in Orlando in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. These were big moments for us and for the breed. Orlando is not a quiet little weekend show. It is a huge stage, and Faggia carried herself there with the same confidence and steadiness she had everywhere else.

Number One Bergamasco

Faggia was the number one ranked Bergamasco in the United States in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. She was also a Top 40 Herding Dog in 2019.

We are thankful to The Canine Chronicle and Showsight Magazine for the beautiful ads over the years. They captured a very special chapter in Faggia’s career and in our lives, and I still love looking back on them.

Memories From the Campaign

Some of the best memories from Faggia’s campaign are not only the wins. They are the friendships, the road trips, the early mornings, the nervous waiting, the laughter, the exhaustion, and the joy of sharing it all with people who loved showing her too. Being on the road with Faggia, Amanda, and later Amanda’s assistant Maddy Martin was one of the great experiences of my life.

Faggia gave us so much during those years. She represented our breeding program in a way I will always be grateful for, and she helped open doors for the breed in places where many people had never seen a Bergamasco before. She is still our same sweet, wonderful, opinionated Faggia, but her place in the history of this breed is something I will always be proud of.

Thank you to our friends, the judges, and everyone who supported us during her campaign. Thank you also to our veterinarian, Dr. Christine Scruggs, who has always been there for us. She helped bring Faggia into the world, and later helped bring Faggia’s three beautiful litters into the world during her show years.

Faggia’s Progeny

During her show career, Faggia whelped three Alp Angel litters: the I litter, the M litter, and the N litter. Those litters are part of her legacy too. Her influence did not end when she stepped out of the ring. It continues through her children, through the dogs that carry her behind them, and through what she has contributed to our breeding program.

Westminster Kennel Club Best of Breed 2018/2020/2021/2022

AKC Herding Group Wins

Faggia Herding Group Win Judge Michael Canalizo
Handler Amanda Shea — Faggia Herding Group Win Judge Michael Canalizo Handler Amanda Shea

Faggia Herding Group Win Judge Joy Brewster
Handler Amanda Shea — Faggia Herding Group Win Judge Joy Brewster Handler Amanda Shea

Herding Group Placements

These are many of the placements over Faggia’s career. We thank all the judges who have recognized and awarded her.

Two women standing outdoors beside a large dog on a table, with a group placing sign and a photo plaque, surrounded by greenery and trees.

A dog show award ceremony with two women and a large, shaggy dog. The woman on the left is holding a yellow ribbon, standing next to flowers. The woman on the right is holding a leash attached to the dog, which is on a platform. The background is a n

A woman showing a dog at a dog show, with a man holding a pink award ribbon, a sign with the event details, and flowers around the stage.

A woman showing a dog winning group placement at a dog show, with a judge holding a ribbon and a flower arrangement nearby.

A dog show award ceremony with two individuals dressed as historic American soldiers, a man in a grey suit, and a woman holding a dog on a podium. The background features American flags and a blue backdrop. The dog, a large long-haired breed, stands

Dog participating in a dog show, standing on a stage with a yellow decorative backdrop and pink flowers, with a judge and handler presenting it for judging.

A dog with long, shaggy fur on a trade show stage at a dog show, with a woman handling the dog and a man holding a ribbon. The background features a yellow banner with the words 'The March Madness Cluster.' The stage has decorative bushes and a sign

A woman in a purple and pink camouflage jacket is showing a large, long-haired dog on a winning podium at a dog show. The dog is a Bearded Collie with a shaggy gray and black coat. Another woman in a black and white patterned jacket is holding a cert

Three women standing with a dog that has long, thick, multi-colored fur, on a winner's platform. One woman on the left holds a white ribbon, the middle woman holds the dog’s leash, and the woman on the right stands with her hands behind her back. The

A woman in a red dress presenting a large dog with long, shaggy fur to a woman in a dark outfit at a dog show. The dog stands on a platform decorated with flowers. A sign indicates "Group Placing" at the Rockland County Kennel Club event, February 23

A dog show awards ceremony with two women and a large, long-haired dog on a platform, poinsettia plants, and a sign indicating group placement.

A woman and a man standing on a platform with a large, long-haired dog during an award ceremony at a dog show. The woman is holding the dog's collar, and the man is holding a ribbon. There are flowers on the platform and a sign indicating group place

A woman and a man stand on a stage with a large dog, likely a Briard, at a dog show. The woman holds the dog's leash and smiling, while the man holds a ribbon. The dog stands on a platform with a sign that reads 'Group Placing, Worcester County Kenne

A woman in a red jacket and a woman in a beige jacket with a patterned skirt pose with a large, long-haired dog that has a shaggy, multi-toned coat at a dog show. The woman in red is holding a ribbon and a certificate, and the dog is standing on a pl

A man in a tan suit and glasses holding a ribbon and certificate, a woman in a black dress handling a large, long-haired dog, and a sign indicating group placing at a dog show outdoors with tents and trees in the background.

A dog show at Souhegan Kennel Club, with a woman holding a dog on a podium, and another woman presenting a ribbon. The dog is a fluffy, large breed with long, shaggy, grey and black fur. Decorations include yellow and orange autumn flowers and a sign

Two women and a large fluffy dog on a podium with a blue background. One woman is holding a bouquet of flowers, and the other is holding the dog's leash. The dog has long, shaggy fur and is standing on the first-place platform. There is a sign indica

A man and a woman at a dog competition, holding ribbons and awards with a large, shaggy dog on a platform.

A woman in a beige suit holding a dog with long, thick, gray and black fur on a platform at a dog show, with an older woman and a floral arrangement nearby, and a sign indicating a group placement at the Wallkill Kennel Club event in February 2018.

Two women standing on a stage with a large dog, pink hydrangeas, and a sign that reads 'Group Placing'. The woman on the left wears a red blazer and holds a ribbon, while the woman on the right wears a blue jacket and is holding the dog's leash. A 'T

Dog show scene with a large, long-haired dog on a platform, a woman holding its leash, and a man holding a red ribbon award. Colorful balloons, toys, and a sign indicating group placement are visible in the scene.

A dog show award ceremony with three women, one holding a dog on a platform, and a sign indicating group placing at the Greater Lowell Kennel Club event on January 19, 2020.

A dog with long, shaggy fur stands on a platform at a dog show, surrounded by flowers. Two women and a man stand behind the dog; one woman holds a leash, the man holds a ribbon, and the woman wears a blue dress. A banner with the Great Barrington Ken

A woman and a man standing next to a large dog on a podium at a dog show. The woman is holding a ribbon and the man is holding a certificate. There is a flower arrangement and a sign indicating group placing from the Merrimack Valley Kennel Club.

A man and a woman stand next to a large, fluffy dog at a dog show. The man is smiling and holding a ribbon and a bag, while the woman is holding the dog's leash. The dog is covered in a shaggy, multicolored coat. There is a sign indicating the group

Dog show awards ceremony with a woman, man, and a large breed dog on a platform. The man is holding a ribbon, the woman is holding the dog's leash, and there are flower arrangements nearby.

A woman and a girl with a dog at a dog show, with the girl holding a ribbon. The dog, a large shaggy gray and black breed, stands on a blue display platform marked 'Green Mountain Dog Club,' in front of a sign that says 'Group Placing.' There are ten

A woman in yellow jacket and black hat holding a certificate stands next to a woman in black blazer holding a large, long-haired dog at a dog show. A sign on the floor reads 'Group Placing, Monticello, NY Kennel Club, Saturday, March 9, 2019, John As

Woman sitting on a wooden bench outdoors, smiling as a large, fluffy dog kisses her cheek. She holds a yellow ribbon award. Green trees and a wooden fence are in the background.

A woman and a shaggy dog standing in front of a sign that reads 'The National Dog Show presented by Purina' at an indoor event.

A woman in a blue tartan outfit kneeling with a large shaggy dog in an indoor space with a industrial door in the background.

A woman in a yellow and white dress holding yellow ribbons and a pet dog with long, curly, black, gray, and white fur inside a large indoor space.

A woman in a plaid dress smiling next to two shaggy dogs, one of which has a ribbon or award attached, at an indoor event or marketplace.

A woman kneeling next to a large, fluffy dog holding a red ribbon at the National Dog Show. The background features cutouts of people and dogs, and a banner reading 'The National Dog Show presented by Purina.' The floor is covered with orange and yel

A woman kneeling on the pavement holding two dog rosettes, one yellow and one red, flanked by two large dogs, one with long shaggy fur and the other a Doberman, with snow piles and a streetlamp in the background.

A woman smiling and holding the head of a large, long-haired dog with a red ribbon and gold medal on a white card in front of them, outdoors near a white wooden fence and green grass.

A woman kneels next to a large, shaggy dog with award ribbons in front of a black Ford van and a Westfield Bank storefront on a cloudy day.

Three women with two dogs, at a dog show, holding awards and ribbons, in an indoor exhibition hall.

A woman in a red dress kneeling on grass next to a large, fluffy black and gray dog at an outdoor event space with tents and a hill in the background.

Woman kneeling next to a large breed dog, holding a yellow ribbon, inside a spacious indoor area.

A woman in a plaid outfit kneels next to a large, fluffy dog with a badge hanging around its neck. The woman is smiling, and the dog is sitting with its tongue out. They are indoors, with black curtains in the background.

Woman with blonde hair in glasses, wearing a black polka dot top, bright yellow pleated skirt, and black shoes, blowing a kiss while holding a leash with a large, long-haired dog inside an industrial warehouse.

A woman kneeling next to a large, fluffy dog in front of a giant inflatable snowman at an indoor event, holding a certificate.

A woman in a black coat standing next to two large dogs, one of which has dreadlocks, inside an indoor facility with a blue curtain and industrial surroundings.

A woman kneeling on the floor holding a large, fluffy dog with long, dreadlock-like fur, in an indoor space that appears to be an event or competition hall.

A long-haired dog lying on pavement with a yellow ribbon award badge on its side at an outdoor event or competition.

A woman with blond hair holding a leash and a ribbon while standing with a long-haired dog in an indoor exhibition or competition space.

A woman kneeling on grass, hugging a large dog with a ribbon and certificate, at an outdoor event or competition, with trees and a fence in the background.

A woman kneeling next to a large, shaggy dog with a ribbon around its neck inside a spacious indoor dog show arena. The woman is smiling and the dog appears happy.

A woman kneeling and smiling next to a large, long-haired dog with a ribbon around its neck inside a warehouse or large room.

A pregnant woman kneels on grass next to a large, shaggy dog with a ribbon and award sign in front of it. The woman is smiling and holding the dog's head. The setting appears to be an outdoor event on a sunny day with other people and vehicles in the

A woman in a beige outfit with a white armband marked '75' presents a yellow ribboned award to a large dog with a long, shaggy, black and gray coat, on a grassy area with fallen autumn leaves and a chain-link fence in the background.

A woman kneeling on the grass, smiling, holding a ribbon and a certificate, next to a large, long-haired dog, with a red wooden fence in the background.

A woman kneeling on grass outdoors, holding a yellow ribbon and a certificate, posing next to a large, shaggy dog. There is a blue banner in the background with text indicating a dog show event.

A young woman in a black coat holding a yellow ribbon award and a leash with a large, shaggy dog at an indoor event space with a blue backdrop.

A woman showcasing a large, long-haired dog with a layered, dreadlock-like coat inside a spacious, industrial-style building.

A shaggy, long-haired dog sitting on a concrete floor wearing award ribbons around its neck, with a few people standing in the background.

A woman with blonde hair holding a fourth-place prize ribbon, hugging a large, long-haired dog with curly, black and gray fur in an indoor setting with colorful neon signs in the background.

A woman in a blue plaid dress kneeling next to a large, long-haired dog inside a garage. The woman is holding a bag and the dog is wearing a leash. The background includes a white wall, an industrial door, and some yellow safety posts.

A woman kneeling on grass, holding a ribbon, next to a shaggy, gray and black dog. The woman is wearing a polka dot jacket, colorful floral shorts, and a baseball cap, smiling at the camera.

A woman in a pink and purple patterned jacket and camouflage cap standing outdoors on grass, holding a large fluffy dog and a white ribbon award.

A woman with sunglasses kneels on grass, smiling, holding a certificate and a ribbon. In front of her are two large, shaggy dogs, one with black and white fur and the other with dark brown fur.

Young girl kneeling next to a large, fluffy dog at a dog show. The girl is holding a certificate and a rosette ribbon. The background shows people and other dogs behind a white fencing at an indoor event.

A woman and a young boy posing with two large shaggy dogs indoors in a spacious, industrial-style room with high ceilings. The woman is kneeling on the right side, smiling, while the boy, standing on the left, looks directly at the camera.

A dog with long, curly, gray and black fur stands on a platform at a dog show. A woman in a black blazer handles the dog, while an older man in a beige blazer holds a ribbon and paper. There are flowers, signs, and a backdrop with 'Purina Pro Plan' l

A dog with a long, shaggy gray coat is standing on a platform at a dog show. Two women are presenting the dog, one holding the dog's leash and the other holding a ribbon and looking at the dog. The background is blue, and the platform has signs and f

A woman kneeling next to a large, fluffy dog at an outdoor dog show, holding an award ribbon in her hand, with tents and other people visible in the background.

Orlando, Florida AKC National Championships Best of Breed winner 2017,2018,2019,2021

A woman with a dog on a leash standing on a red carpet at an indoor event or competition, with a large screen and other people in the background.

A woman in a blue dress and black flats handling a long-haired dog with a leash at a dog show. Several people wearing masks are in the background.

A woman kneeling on a blue carpet at a dog show, holding a large ribbon and standing next to a large, shaggy dog. There is a large purple banner hanging above that reads 'American Kennel Club' with the hashtag #ThisIsAKC.

Dog with long curly gray fur wearing a large orange and purple award ribbon, sitting on concrete floor inside an indoor event space.

Two women and a large shaggy dog at a dog show, with red curtains in the background. One woman is kneeling in a blue dress holding a ribbon, and the other is in casual attire.

A fluffy, long-haired dog walking confidently on a red carpet at a dog show, led by a woman. Audience members seated in the background are blurred.

A woman with long, blonde hair in a black outfit handling a large, shaggy dog with long, curly fur, in a dog show setting with green chairs and tents in the background.

Woman in red outfit showing a large, shaggy-haired dog in a dog show arena, with spectators and event officials in the background.

A woman walking a long-haired dog on a leash during a dog show. The woman is in a black outfit and the event is indoors with an audience in the background.

The Number One Ranked Bergamasco in the U.S.A

2018, 2019,2020,2021,2022

Top 40 Herding Dog 2019

Thank you to The Canine Chronicle and Showsight Magazine for all the beautiful ads over the years. We will always cherish them.

Poster announcing the start of 2022 for a dog breed show featuring a Bergamasco dog and a woman with the dog, with text highlighting the dog's achievements, owner, breeder, and presentation details.

Faggia #1 Ranked Bergamasco in the USA 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

A woman in a blue suit holding a leash with a Bergamasco Sheepdog. They are at a dog show, with a wooden backdrop and red doors behind them.

A woman in a blue suit walking a large Bergamasco sheepdog with a woolly, matted coat on a leash inside a modern building.

A poster for Alpar Bergamasco dog show featuring two photos of women with their Bergamasco dogs. The poster highlights achievements and awards.

A woman in a blue dress shows a dog during a dog show, with a presentation banner in the background. The banner features a smaller image of the event with people and a dog, and text celebrating awards and achievements in dog breeding.

Dog show award poster featuring a handler with a long-haired dog, celebrating Westminster Kennel Club, with a smaller inset photo of the dog winning at a dog show, both set in an indoor event space.

Flock of two Faggi dogs, a female and a male, at a dog show with a woman trainer. The female dog, Faggia, is on the right, and the male dog, Bulldogger, is on the left. The poster highlights Faggia's awards and achievements, including group wins and

Dog show award announcement featuring a large, shaggy dog named Faggia, with multiple images of the dog and handler, and text highlighting achievements such as Best of Breed and a Grand Championship in April 2018.

A promotional poster celebrating 15 years of ALP Angel Bergamascos. It features three Bergamasco dogs; one sitting on a dirt ground, another sitting on a wooden surface, and a large one in motion, with their characteristic matted, corded coats. There

A dog show scene with a person in a black jacket and patterned skirt walking a curly-coated dog on a leash in the ring, and a portrait of another long-haired dog in the lower left corner, with text highlighting the dog's achievements and breed detail

A dog with long, curly fur walking on a red carpet at a dog show. A woman in a black top is holding the dog's leash and walking beside it. In the background, there are blurred spectators and judges. The image includes text highlighting awards and det

Beautiful Memories

We are grateful for all the wonderful friends we have made through Faggia. Our memories over the last few years will be cherished forever. Being on the road campaigning with Faggia, Amanda and recently her assistant Maddy Martin has been one of the highlights of my life. So many good times shared. We owe gratitude to the top winning Bergamasco of all time, our sweet and wonderful Faggia. Thank you for being in our lives and for giving us the joy and privilege of being your family. We love you.

Thank you to our friends, judges and everyone who has supported us during her campaign. Thank you to our Vet Dr. Christine Scruggs who has always been there for us. Not only did she help bring Faggia into this world, she also brought Faggia’s three beautiful litters into this world during her show years.

Dog show awards ceremony with three people and three dogs on a stage, black curtain background, sign that reads 'Best in Show'.

A woman hugging a shaggy, large dog at an indoor event, with other people and a dog enclosure in the background.

Dog wearing a waterproof raincoat and rain boots standing on a wet brick patio outdoors.

A woman kneeling next to a large, shaggy dog inside a spacious indoor event hall.

A woman kneeling on grass next to a large, long-haired dog with a dapple gray coat, holding a purple and yellow rosette ribbon.

Two women with their dogs participating in a dog show, with audience members watching. One woman is handling a large, long-haired dog, and the other is with a smaller dog, on a green field with purple and yellow barriers.

A purple and yellow ribbon rosette, a yellow certificate for the Westminster Kennel Club best Bergamasco Sheepdog in the show 2018, and a small white box with the same event name.

Dog show competition with handlers and dogs, decorated with flowers, and audience in the background.

A woman in a black dress leads an Afghan Hound at a dog show, with people and dogs visible in the background.

A young boy with a shaved head holding a purple and yellow ribbon award and a black leash. A large, shaggy dog with gray and black fur sits in front of him. They are in an indoor event space with tables and people in the background.

A happy baby sitting in a stroller next to a large, fluffy dog with a dark coat and light-colored facial hair.

A woman kneeling with two large, shaggy, gray and black dogs at an indoor dog event. The woman is wearing a floral face mask, a black vest, and a blue long-sleeve shirt. Other people and dogs are visible in the background, along with crates, cones, a

Photograph of a large shaggy dog with long, wavy fur, sticking out its pink tongue, against a yellow and purple background.

A smiling woman in a yellow and white dress kneels on green grass, flanked by two dogs: a large, long-haired gray dog on her left and a fluffy black and tan dog on her right, in front of a stone castle-like building with an arched entrance and severa

A large, fluffy gray dog with a black nose and long fur sitting on the ground next to a young boy with short hair, wearing a blue outfit, sitting on steps and waving. In the background, there are additional children and adults on a porch, with a ceil

Woman in red jacket leaning and touching her forehead to the dog’s nose with eyes closed, in an indoor setting

Woman in a blue dress bending over a long-haired dog with dark and gray fur.

Two women sitting in a bus with a large dog between them, smiling at the camera. The bus window shows cars and pedestrians outside during rainy weather.

A woman walking on a rainy sidewalk holding an umbrella with a dog by her side during winter, with snow on the ground and parked vehicles along the street.

A dog with long, black and white fur resting its head on a person's shoe under a wooden table.

Dogs and handlers participating in a dog show in an indoor exhibition hall.

A woman and children posing outdoors with a horse and a dog, with a fenced area and trees in the background.

A woman holding a fluffy gray puppy at an indoor event with people and tables in the background.

A woman sitting on a folding chair in an indoor event hall, holding a large, fluffy black and gray dog on her lap. People are seated and walking in the background, some at tables and some with dogs.

A woman in a blue dress standing next to a large dog with long, fur-covered legs at a dog show, with flower arrangements and a yellow numbered sign in the background.

Dog show with a large Lhasa Apso dog being judged by a man, woman, and judge's assistant at a pet competition, decorated with yellow flowers.

A woman in a blue dress standing barefoot on a grassy lawn, holding a leash attached to a large, long-haired dog with dreadlocks outdoors in front of a white building with green doors.

A man in a black suit and blue tie walking a large fluffy dog in a grassy area at an outdoor event, with a striped green and white tent and seated spectators in the background.

A fluffy gray and black dog with a beard, walking on a leash in an indoor setting with people in the background.

A woman in an orange jacket and skirt walks a large dog with dreadlocks on a leash at an indoor event with an audience in the background.

A woman showing a blue and a red ribbon, standing next to a woman in a light blue suit handling a wire-haired dog, with a sign that reads 'Best of Winners, Major Win' at a dog show.

A young woman in a yellow coat hugging a large, happy dog with long fur at an indoor event, other people and dogs visible in the background.

A large, shaggy dog with a gray and black coat sitting on a sidewalk in a park with green grass and tall palm trees. Overcast sky in the background.

People walking their dogs in an outdoor event with tents and parking lot in the background.

A large dog with long, shaggy, gray and black fur lying on a table in an indoor setting that appears to be a pet event or pet store.

Group of people, children and adults, sitting and standing on a porch, with a dog sitting in the foreground, during an evening.

A woman with long blonde hair wearing a pastel-colored blazer and purple skirt walking her large, fluffy gray dog along a sidewalk outdoors in a garden with tropical plants and a modern building in the background.

A woman kneeling on grass next to a large, shaggy dog in a landscaped park with palm trees, colorful shrubs, and flower beds.

A woman crouching on stairs hugging a large dog, outdoors in front of a modern building.

A woman smiling and looking down at her large, long-haired dog sitting on an escalator. The woman is wearing a purple skirt and a blue top, and the dog has thick, curly shedding fur.

Faggia’s Progeny

During her show career Faggia whelped three beautiful Alp Angel litters: the I, M and N litters.

April 14, 2018
Blizzard Peak Savio x AKC GCHS Alp Angel's Faggia Dell'Albera
3 puppies — April 14, 2018 Blizzard Peak Savio x AKC GCHS Alp Angel's Faggia Dell'Albera 3 puppies

August 3, 2019
Corvo of Windy Hill x AKC GCHS Alp Angel's Faggia Dell'Albera
7 puppies — August 3, 2019 Corvo of Windy Hill x AKC GCHS Alp Angel's Faggia Dell'Albera 7 puppies

November 13, 2021
CH Ussaro Polskie Kudlacze CGC FDC x Alp Angel's Faggia
8 puppies — November 13, 2021 CH Ussaro Polskie Kudlacze CGC FDC x Alp Angel's Faggia 8 puppies

You will always be our Queen.