Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai
Also called Cane da pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai, Pastore del Lagorai, Pastore della Lessinia, Pastore della Val d'Adige
From Italy, in the Alps of the Triveneto area in the north-east, named after the Lessinia plateau and the Lagorai range.12
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
semi-long double coat
A medium-sized, wolf-like herding dog, a little longer than it is tall, built for agility, speed and stamina. The semi-long coat can be slightly wavy, with coarser hairs along the back, a light mane and a dense undercoat. Ears are usually upright or semi-upright.123
Personality what they are like
Lively, curious and easy-going at home, this shepherd dog switches to a sharp, determined working mode around livestock. It pays close attention to its handler, gets along naturally with people and other animals, and quietly keeps watch when needed.123
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A true working dog with high exercise needs, bred to keep going for long days in the mountains.13
Home where they are happiest
Best suited to an active rural life with space and a job to do; the breed is at home outdoors in harsh alpine weather.13
Company who they like around
Bred to work closely with a shepherd and alongside other animals, so it does best with plenty of contact and purposeful activity.23
The story where it all began
This herding dog grew out of the old, widespread European herding type and was shaped over centuries of seasonal transhumance in the Venetian and Trentino Alps, where wool production was important. It was kept for its working ability rather than looks, and shepherds still use it today. A breed society formed around 2016-2017 to protect it and seek official recognition.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
A single dog can comfortably handle a flock or herd of more than 100 animals.2
- 2
It herds sheep, goats, cattle and even horses.2
- 3
Dogs of this type appear in Mario Rigoni Stern's 1978 novel 'Storia di Tönle'.2
- 4
It is thought to be related to the same old European herding stock that also gave rise to the German Shepherd and the Berger Picard.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Major kennel clubs (FCI, ENCI standard)
- Not recognised as a breed by any major kennel club.1
- ENCI
- Entered in ENCI's open supplementary register (RSA) for native breeds at risk of disappearing; the Società Italiana Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai (SIPaLL) is working toward official breed status.2
How many Several thousand dogs still working with shepherds (2017)2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, recognition, colours, temperament, history
- Rivista di Agraria (2017): Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai rivistadiagraria.orgused for coat, colours, work, history, population, ENCI register, fun facts
- Milouchouchou: Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai milouchouchou.comused for build, colours, temperament, hardiness
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.