Hothell, the CVS (villocentesi) is done at 12 weeks whereas the amnio is done much later, 16 - 20 weeks I think. I was only offered one because of being over 35, here in Milan anyway you don't get offered anything other than the nuchal scan and/or the blood tests unless there's a reason for heightened risk, also because it is an invasive procedure and does carry a risk of miscarriage.
Mummymic, you listed everything so eloquently, especially the bit about the black bogies. I'd started to list all the good points like you did but my DD pressed back so I couldn't be bothered to write it all out again. I know what you mean about Bergamaschi, all the ones I knew had really loud voices, must have been all that hollering from one mountain to another.