Alp Angel Bergamascos began from a desire to live with dogs that are thoughtful, connected, and purposeful. Over time, that evolved into a commitment to preservation breeding — not as a label, but as a responsibility.
For us, this means approaching the breed with humility, curiosity, and respect for its history, while remaining honest about the work required to support its future.
Our Story
I have been involved with the Bergamasco Sheepdog since 2005. My introduction to the breed began with a single image in a rare dog encyclopedia, at a time when I was living on a farm in Nova Scotia, Canada, with goats and sheep. The Bergamasco’s history, purpose, and distinctive presence immediately resonated with me—and I knew I wanted to learn more.
Our first Bergamasco, Lothario, was imported from the United States, followed a year later by our foundation female, Mezza, imported from England. From the beginning, my interest in the breed extended well beyond ownership. I immersed myself in the Bergamasco’s history, structure, and temperament, and became actively involved with the Bergamasco Sheepdog Club of America (BSCA). Over the years, I served as President of the BSCA for ten years, working closely with fellow breeders and club members to support the breed through an important period of growth and development.
In July 2007, Mezza and Lothario produced the first Bergamasco litter born in Nova Scotia. Shortly thereafter, I returned to the United States and continued working alongside others to expand awareness and education for this rare breed. That collaborative work—including ongoing outreach and judge education—helped support the long, careful process toward AKC recognition, which was achieved in 2015.
I’ve also enjoyed working with my dogs beyond the conformation ring, including agility and herding. For me, performance is not separate from type—it’s part of it. The Bergamasco is a working breed, and I believe structure, temperament, and conditioning should support real function, not just presentation. I’m grateful to have produced puppies who have gone on to earn herding titles, which reinforces what I value most: a dog that can do the job it was bred to do.
Alongside my breed involvement, I have been exhibiting dogs for more than two decades and I am an AKC Open judge. I’ve also had the privilege of judging national specialty events for other breeds. I remain an active member of several all-breed clubs as well as Bergamasco organizations, and I value the perspective and community that come from being involved across the sport.
Education has always been central to my approach. I have presented judge seminars on the Bergamasco in both the United States and Canada, and I continue to mentor and support those who are learning the breed—because informed, consistent evaluation is essential to preserving correct type, sound structure, and the steady temperament the Bergamasco is meant to have.
I am also the founder of the Bergamasco Shepherd Association of Canada and have been involved in the ongoing work toward Canadian Kennel Club recognition. The breed currently remains in the Miscellaneous Class in Canada and is still under consideration for full breed status, and I’m committed to helping move that process forward thoughtfully and responsibly.
Living with Bergamascos has shaped how I think about dogs and the responsibilities that come with preserving a rare breed. They are intelligent, perceptive, and deeply connected to their people, and they require respect and understanding that go far beyond surface appearance. Alp Angel Bergamascos grew from that relationship—not as a commercial endeavor, but as a long-term commitment to the breed and its future.
