Are you considering getting a new furry friend and are interested in the Dogo Sardesco breed? If so, you may be in for a treat. The Dogo Sardesco, also known as the Sardinian Shepherd Dog, is a large and powerful breed that originated in Sardinia, Italy. They were originally bred to be working dogs, used for herding and guarding livestock. However, in recent years they have become popular as family pets due to their loyal and protective nature. Before deciding to bring a Dogo Sardesco into your home, it is important to learn more about the breed and their unique characteristics.
Breed Category: Working
Country of Origin: Italy
Average Size:60-68 cm (at the shoulder)
Average Weight:35-45 kg
Average Life Span: 10-12 years
Grooming Requirements: Moderate
Exercise Requirements:High
History and Origin
The Dogo Sardesco, also known as the Sardinian Shepherd Dog, is a breed of dog that originated in the island of Sardinia, Italy. The breed is believed to have been developed by the ancient Nuragic civilization, which inhabited Sardinia from the 18th to the 2nd century BC. The Dogo Sardesco was primarily used as a working dog, tasked with guarding and herding livestock, as well as protecting its owner’s property.
The breed’s physical characteristics are similar to those of other Molosser-type dogs, such as the Mastiff and the Bulldog. The Dogo Sardesco is a large, muscular dog, with a broad head and a powerful jaw. Its coat is short and dense, and can be found in a variety of colors, including black, fawn, and brindle. The breed is known for its loyalty and protective nature, and is often used as a guard dog.
The Dogo Sardesco’s history is closely tied to the history of Sardinia itself. The island has been inhabited by various civilizations throughout history, including the Phoenicians, the Romans, and the Byzantines. Each of these civilizations left their mark on Sardinia, and it is likely that they also influenced the development of the Dogo Sardesco. The breed’s name, “Sardesco,” is derived from the name of the island, and is a testament to the breed’s close association with Sardinia.
Despite its long history, the Dogo Sardesco was not recognized as a distinct breed until the 20th century. In 1958, a group of breeders formed the Sardinian Kennel Club, with the goal of promoting and preserving the breed. The club established a breed standard, which outlined the physical and temperamental characteristics of the Dogo Sardesco. Today, the breed is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), and is gaining popularity in other parts of the world.
The Dogo Sardesco’s working heritage is still evident in the breed today. While it is primarily kept as a companion animal, it is also used for a variety of working roles, including search and rescue, police work, and as a therapy dog. The breed’s protective nature makes it an excellent guard dog, and it is
Size and Breed Category
The Dogo Sardesco is a large breed of dog that originated in Sardinia, Italy. They are classified as a molosser breed, which means they are a type of dog that is muscular and powerful. The Dogo Sardesco is a robust and sturdy dog that can weigh up to 45-50 kg and stand up to 68-78 cm tall at the shoulder. They have a broad head with a strong jaw and a short, dense coat that comes in various shades of fawn, brindle, and black. The breed is known for its impressive physical strength and endurance, making them ideal for tasks such as hunting, guarding, and herding.
The Dogo Sardesco is a working breed that is highly intelligent and loyal to its family. They are known for their courage and tenacity, which makes them excellent watchdogs and protectors. The breed is also known for its high energy levels and requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Due to their size and strength, the Dogo Sardesco is not recommended for inexperienced dog owners or families with young children. They require a firm and consistent hand in training and socialization to ensure they become well-behaved and obedient companions.
Fur Length and Colour
The Fur Length and Colour of the Dogo Sardesco is an important aspect of its appearance. This breed has a short and dense coat that is smooth to the touch. The fur is not too long, but it is not too short either. It is just the right length to provide protection from the elements without being too heavy or cumbersome. The fur is also very easy to maintain, requiring only occasional brushing to keep it looking neat and tidy. The colour of the fur is typically a solid shade of fawn or brindle, with some dogs having white markings on their chest and feet. Overall, the fur of the Dogo Sardesco is a defining characteristic of the breed, and it adds to their overall appeal and charm.
The colour and texture of the fur of the Dogo Sardesco is an important factor in determining the breed’s overall appearance. The fur is typically a solid shade of fawn or brindle, with some dogs having white markings on their chest and feet. The colour of the fur is very important, as it helps to distinguish the breed from other similar breeds. The texture of the fur is also important, as it provides protection from the elements and helps to keep the dog warm in colder weather. The fur of the Dogo Sardesco is a defining characteristic of the breed, and it is one of the reasons why they are so popular with dog lovers around the world.
Termperament and Trainability
The Dogo Sardesco is a breed of dog that is known for its strong temperament and high trainability. They are a highly intelligent breed that is capable of learning a wide range of commands and tricks. However, they can also be quite stubborn at times, which can make training them a bit of a challenge. It is important to establish yourself as the pack leader early on in their training to ensure that they respect your authority and are willing to follow your commands. With patience and consistency, the Dogo Sardesco can be trained to be a loyal and obedient companion.
In terms of temperament, the Dogo Sardesco is known for being a very protective breed. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and will do whatever it takes to protect them from harm. This can make them excellent guard dogs, but it also means that they need to be socialized from a young age to ensure that they are comfortable around strangers and other animals. They are also a very active breed that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Regular walks, runs, and playtime are essential for keeping them physically and mentally stimulated. Overall, the Dogo Sardesco is a highly trainable breed that requires a firm but gentle hand to bring out their best qualities.
Known Health Conditions
The Dogo Sardesco is a breed of dog that is known to be prone to certain health conditions. One of the most common health issues that affect this breed is hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain and discomfort for the dog. It can also cause arthritis and mobility issues later in life. To prevent hip dysplasia, it is important to ensure that the dog’s parents have been screened for the condition before breeding. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also help to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia in the Dogo Sardesco.
Another health condition that is common in the Dogo Sardesco is bloat. This is a serious condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood flow to the organs. Bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention. To reduce the risk of bloat, it is important to feed the Dogo Sardesco smaller, more frequent meals rather than one large meal per day. It is also important to avoid exercise immediately after eating and to ensure that the dog does not drink large amounts of water at once.
Openness to Strangers
The Dogo Sardesco is a powerful and muscular breed of dog that originates from the island of Sardinia. They are known for their loyalty and protective nature towards their owners, but they can also be quite reserved and cautious around strangers. However, with proper socialization and training, they can become more open and friendly towards unfamiliar people. It is important to note that they are not naturally aggressive towards strangers, but rather they are naturally suspicious and wary of new people and situations. With patience and positive reinforcement, they can learn to trust and accept new people into their lives.
Despite their initial wariness towards strangers, the Dogo Sardesco can be a very affectionate and loving companion to those they trust. They are known to be very loyal and protective of their family, and will go to great lengths to defend them if necessary. They are also very intelligent and trainable, making them a great choice for experienced dog owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to properly socialize and train them. Overall, the Dogo Sardesco is a unique and fascinating breed of dog that requires a lot of love, patience, and understanding to truly thrive.
Playfulness Level
The Dogo Sardesco is a highly energetic and playful breed of dog. They are known for their love of play and their ability to keep their owners entertained for hours on end. Whether it’s playing fetch, chasing after a ball, or simply running around in the backyard, these dogs are always up for a good time. They are also very social animals and enjoy spending time with their owners and other dogs. This makes them a great choice for families with children or other pets.
Despite their playful nature, the Dogo Sardesco is also a very intelligent breed of dog. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. This means that they can be trained to perform a wide range of tricks and commands, making them a great choice for owners who enjoy teaching their dogs new things. Additionally, their high energy levels make them great exercise partners, as they are always up for a good run or game of fetch. Overall, the Dogo Sardesco is a fun-loving and intelligent breed of dog that is sure to bring joy and entertainment to any household.
Suitability as a Pet for Children
The Dogo Sardesco is a muscular and powerful dog that requires an experienced owner who can provide them with plenty of exercise and training. They are loyal and protective of their family, making them a good choice for families with children who are able to handle their size and strength. However, due to their strong prey drive and protective nature, they may not be suitable for homes with small pets or young children who may unintentionally provoke them. It is important to socialize them from a young age and provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent any potential behavioral issues.
Exercise Needs
Dogo Sardesco, also known as Sardinian Shepherd Dog, is a muscular and powerful breed that requires a significant amount of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. These dogs were originally bred to work on farms and herd livestock, which means they have a high energy level and need plenty of physical activity to stay happy and healthy. A daily exercise routine that includes long walks, runs, and playtime is essential for this breed. They also enjoy activities such as hiking, swimming, and agility training, which can help them burn off excess energy and stay mentally stimulated.
In addition to physical exercise, Dogo Sardesco also requires mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. These dogs are intelligent and quick learners, which means they need mental challenges to keep their minds engaged. Activities such as obedience training, puzzle games, and interactive toys can help provide mental stimulation and prevent boredom. It’s also important to provide socialization opportunities for this breed, as they can become territorial and aggressive if not properly socialized. Overall, a combination of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization is essential for the health and happiness of the Dogo Sardesco.
Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family
Dogo Sardesco, also known as Sardinian Shepherd Dog, has a strong prey drive and territorial nature. This can make them less tolerant of other pets, especially smaller animals like cats and rabbits. However, with proper socialization and training, some Dogo Sardescos can learn to coexist peacefully with other pets in the household. It is important to supervise their interactions and provide them with enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and aggression.
Housing Requirements
The Dogo Sardesco is a muscular and powerful breed that requires a spacious and secure living environment. With an average height of 24-27 inches and weight of 88-110 pounds, this breed needs a home with plenty of room to move around and exercise. A large, fenced yard is ideal for the Dogo Sardesco to run and play, but it is important to ensure that the fence is high enough to prevent them from jumping over and escaping. Additionally, this breed is known for their protective nature, so it is important to provide a secure and safe environment to prevent any potential threats or dangers.
In terms of indoor housing, the Dogo Sardesco requires a comfortable and spacious area to rest and relax. A large dog bed or crate is recommended to provide a comfortable sleeping area, and it is important to ensure that the area is kept clean and free of any potential hazards. This breed is known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners, so it is important to provide them with plenty of attention and socialization to prevent any potential behavioral issues. Overall, the Dogo Sardesco requires a secure and spacious living environment both indoors and outdoors to ensure their physical and emotional well-being.
Summary
The Dogo Sardesco is a pet that requires an experienced owner who can provide them with the necessary training and socialization. They are a high-energy breed that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior. Due to their strong prey drive, they may not be suitable for homes with small pets. Additionally, their protective nature may make them wary of strangers, so early socialization is crucial. Overall, the Dogo Sardesco can make a loyal and loving companion for the right owner.
Dogo Sardesco Dog FAQS
Dogo Sardescos are intelligent and eager to please, but can be stubborn at times. Consistent and positive training methods are recommended.
Yes, Dogo Sardescos are known for their affectionate and protective nature towards children. However, proper socialization and training are necessary.
Yes, Dogo Sardescos are prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and deafness. Regular vet check-ups and proper breeding practices can help prevent these issues.
Yes, Dogo Sardescos are natural guard dogs and are known for their protective instincts. However, proper training and socialization are necessary to prevent aggression towards strangers.
Yes, Dogo Sardescos shed moderately throughout the year, and heavily during shedding season. Regular grooming can help manage shedding.
Dogo Sardescos are high-energy dogs and require at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily, including walks, runs, and playtime.
Dogo Sardescos only need to be bathed every 2-3 months, or as needed. Over-bathing can strip their coat of natural oils.
A male Dogo Sardesco can grow up to 68-70 cm in height, while females can reach 60-65 cm.
The average weight of a male Dogo Sardesco is 45-50 kg, while females weigh around 40-45 kg.
The average lifespan of a Dogo Sardesco is 10-12 years.