Breeding suitability guide — Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
For breeders: which tests, which thresholds, which mating rules apply
1. Core standard for parents
Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Klub für Ungarische Hirtenhunde e.V. (KfUH) for breeding approval — they must be on file for every breeding animal. The others are part of the recommended health standard and should be on file as well.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Passing result | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elbow Dysplasia (ED) | X-ray | ED 0–1 | Polygenic | — |
| Hip dysplasia (HD) Club standard | X-ray | HD A–C | Polygenic | Klub für Ungarische Hirtenhunde e.V. (KfUH) |
| Merle coat pattern (M) | — | clear or carrier | Autosomal dominant | — |
2. Mating rules
When one parent has a borderline result, the other parent must meet specific criteria.
Elbow Dysplasia (ED)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Merle coat pattern (M)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
3. Recommended additional tests
Sensible additions for line planning.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Passing result | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eye conditions (ophthalmological eye exam) (ECVO) | Eye examination | clear | Complex | — |
| Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) | DNA test | clear or carrier | Autosomal recessive | Curated by HonestDog |
4. HonestDog verification
- Upload a legible certificate (PDF or photo) per test in the breeder dashboard
- Certificate must show date, examining vet, and FCI/VDH logo
- Certificates older than 36 months are flagged as stale
- We extract the results from each upload using AI and check them for consistency with the dog's profile — the profile tile then shows 'verified'