Sardinian Shepherd Dog
Also known as: (Pastore) fonnesu Cani sardu antigu Cane de acapiu Cani fonnesu antigu 'Ane de 'onne
The Sardinian Shepherd Dog originates from Sardinia, Italy. The Sardinian Shepherd Dog comes from Sardinia (Italy), typically weighs Males, and has a long double coat with furnishings coat. Individual Sardinian Shepherd Dogs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Sardinia (Italy)
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- long double coat with furnishings
- Colour
- black, ash or honey, with or without brindle markings
- Other names
- (Pastore) fonnesu Cani sardu antigu Cane de acapiu Cani fonnesu antigu 'Ane de 'onne
About the Sardinian Shepherd Dog
The Sardinian Shepherd Dog originates from Sardinia, Italy. Males weigh around 30-40 kg and stand 50-60 cm tall.
Overview
The Sardinian Shepherd Dog or Fonni ''s Dog ( Sardinian : cane fonnesu or cani sardu antigu ; Italian : pastore fonnese ) is an ancient landrace breed of Sardinian dog used as a herding , catching , and livestock guardian dog . Although there are depictions dating back to at least the mid-19th century, it is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale . It has gained a recognition of the Alianza Canina Latina . The breed , which is indigenous to the island, was founded with approximately 170 specimens gathered from rural parts of inner Sardinia. The breed is, therefore, a landrace . Because of the large number of founders and the breed''s genetic variability, the breed should enjoy relative freedom from genetic inbreeding. Most of the dog breeds are derived by a very small number of founders (for example, nine dogs were used as founders of the Siberian Husky ) and therefore inbreeding tends to be high, resulting in a high incidence of illness due to gene mutations.
Appearance
The dog has a rough coat, which can be grey, black, brindle, brown or white. Height at the withers is about 56 to 60 cm for males, while females are a couple of centimeters shorter. A typical characteristic of the breed is the fiery expression of the eyes, whose position, unlike other dog breeds, is totally frontal, giving the dog a unique "monkey-like" appearance. Variability observed between individuals is likely due to the lack of selective pressures. There are, however, consistently strong commonalities across dogs from different locations, including characteristics such as amber eye color and the characteristic "monkey face". The coat , irrespective of color, has a typical coarse outer layer , as well as a woolly and dense undercoat . The hair on the head and hindquarters is typically short, while the face has longer furnishings around the eyes and a beard-like length around the muzzle and chin. Male dogs have a longer and thicker coat around the neck forming a mane. Approximately 15% of individuals are short-coated, and this is generally selected against in favor of the long-coated variety. Approximately 30% of individuals have a natural bobtail .
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Sardinian Shepherd Dog?
The Sardinian Shepherd Dog is an ancient landrace breed with a sturdy build, typically weighing between 40-60 kg and standing 50-60 cm tall. They have a medium-length coat that is often rough and straight, with a variety of colors including fawn, brindle, and black. Their head is broad and wedge-shaped, with a well-defined stop and a black nose.
Is the Sardinian Shepherd Dog a good family dog?
As a working breed, the Sardinian Shepherd Dog requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They can be protective of their family and territory, making them suitable for families with older children who can understand and respect their needs. However, they may not be the best fit for very young children or families with small pets.
What health problems do Sardinian Shepherd Dogs have?
Limited information is available on the specific health issues affecting the Sardinian Shepherd Dog. However, as a herding breed, they may be prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.
How much does a Sardinian Shepherd Dog puppy cost?
The cost of a Sardinian Shepherd Dog puppy can vary depending on factors such as location and breeder reputation. As a rare breed, prices may be higher than those for more common breeds. On average, you can expect to pay between €500-€1,500 for a puppy, although this may not include additional costs such as spaying/neutering and vaccinations.
Where do Sardinian Shepherd Dogs come from?
The Sardinian Shepherd Dog comes from Sardinia (Italy). The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Sardinian Shepherd Dog, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.