Dogo Sardo – The History And Traits Of The Breed

The Dogo Sardo is a large working dog breed that originated in Italy. With a history dating back over 3000 years in Sardinia, it has been utilized in battles and Italian colonial wars. Believed to have descended from English Celtic dogs or Mesopotamian war dogs, the Dogo Sardo faced the threat of extinction in recent decades but has been experiencing a resurgence in popularity in mainland Italy.

This breed stands at a height of 55-65 cm and weighs between 35-45 kg, with a short, thick coat that comes in various colors. It is characterized by a square-shaped head, long muzzle, and intense eyes, with the option of natural or cropped ears.

However, the Dogo Sardo is primarily known for its fierce and aggressive temperament, as it was originally bred for guard duties, herding, and hunting. While highly protective and loyal to its family, caution is advised for families with young children under 10 or first-time dog owners.

Key Takeaways

  • Dogo Sardo has a history dating back over 3000 years in Sardinia and has been used in battles and Italian colonial wars.
  • The breed is believed to have descended from English Celtic dogs or Mesopotamian war dogs and faced the threat of extinction in recent decades.
  • Dogo Sardo is a large working dog breed with a square-shaped head, long muzzle, and intense eyes.
  • The breed is known for its fierce and protective temperament, making them well-suited for roles as guard, herding, and hunting dogs.

History and Origin

The Dogo Sardo breed has a speculated history dating back over 3000 years in Sardinia and has been used in battles and Italian colonial wars. It is believed that the breed may have originated from English Celtic dogs or Mesopotamian war dogs.

The Dogo Sardo is closely connected to two other breeds, the Fonnese Pastore and Dogo Sardo. It is interesting to note that the breed was almost extinct two decades ago but has been gaining popularity in mainland Italy.

The Dogo Sardo is a large dog, with a height ranging from 55-65 cm (22-26 inches) and a weight of 35-45 kg (77-100 lbs). It has a short, thick coat that comes in various colors including red, grey, fawn, brown, black, brindle, and combinations. The breed is known for its square-shaped head, long muzzle, intense eyes, and either natural or cropped ears. It has a moderately long and arched neck, sloping shoulders, and well-developed jaws.

The Dogo Sardo is bred as a guard dog, herding dog, and hunting dog and therefore has a fierce and aggressive temperament. It is highly protective and loyal to its family. However, due to its temperament, it is not recommended for families with young children under 10 or for apartment living or first-time dog owners.

The average lifespan of a Dogo Sardo is 10-12 years.

Dogo Sardo
Dogo Sardo

Size and Lifespan

Originating from Italy, the Dogo Sardo breed typically has a height ranging from 55 to 65 cm (22-26 inches) and weighs between 35 to 45 kg (77-100 lbs). They have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. The Dogo Sardo is a large working dog breed with a square-shaped head, long muzzle, and intense eyes. They have a short, thick coat that comes in various colors including red, grey, fawn, brown, black, brindle, and combinations. This breed has a moderately long and arched neck, sloping shoulders, and well-developed jaws. They are known for their fierce and aggressive temperament, as they were bred for guarding, herding, and hunting. They are highly protective and loyal to their family. However, due to their temperament, they are not recommended for families with young children under 10 or for first-time dog owners. They also require a spacious environment and are not suitable for apartment living.

Coat Color and Appearance

 

Coat color and appearance in the Dogo Sardo breed varies, with options including red, grey, fawn, brown, black, brindle, and combinations of these colors.

The Dogo Sardo has a short, thick coat that contributes to its overall appearance.

This breed has a square-shaped head with a long muzzle and intense eyes.

The ears can be natural or cropped, depending on the preference of the owner.

The Dogo Sardo also has a moderately long and arched neck, sloping shoulders, and well-developed jaws.

These physical features give the breed a strong and muscular appearance.

It is important to note that the coat color and appearance of a Dogo Sardo can vary from dog to dog, making each individual unique.

Overall, the Dogo Sardo is a visually striking breed with a strong and powerful presence.

Temperament and Characteristics

One notable aspect of the Dogo Sardo is its fierce and protective temperament, making it well-suited for roles as a guard, herding, and hunting dog. This breed was specifically bred for these purposes, and their temperament reflects their history and purpose. Dogo Sardos are highly protective and loyal to their families, which makes them excellent guard dogs. They are known for their fearlessness and will not hesitate to defend their loved ones if they sense any threat. However, due to their strong protective instincts, they may not be suitable for families with young children under 10, as they can be too intense for them to handle. Additionally, their temperament may not be suitable for apartment living or first-time dog owners, as they require experienced handlers who can provide proper training and socialization.

Trait Description
Protective Dogo Sardos are highly protective of their families and will not hesitate to defend them if needed.
Loyal They are known for their unwavering loyalty towards their owners, making them dedicated companions.
Fearless This breed is fearless and will show great courage when faced with any potential threat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a Dogo Sardo puppy?

The average cost of a Dogo Sardo puppy can vary depending on various factors such as the breeder, location, lineage, and quality of the puppy. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for a Dogo Sardo puppy. However, it is important to note that this is just an estimate and prices can range higher or lower.

Additionally, it is recommended to purchase a Dogo Sardo puppy from a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of the dogs.

Are Dogo Sardos prone to any specific health issues?

Dogo Sardos are not prone to any specific health issues. However, like all dog breeds, they may be susceptible to certain common health problems such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat.

Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help maintain their overall health. It is important for potential owners to be aware of these potential health concerns and ensure they provide the necessary care and attention to keep their Dogo Sardo healthy throughout its lifespan.

How much exercise does a Dogo Sardo require?

The Dogo Sardo requires a significant amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Being a working dog breed, they have high energy levels and need regular physical activity to release their pent-up energy.

A daily exercise routine of at least 1-2 hours is recommended, which can include activities like long walks, jogging, playing fetch, or participating in dog sports.

Mental stimulation through training and interactive toys is also important for their overall well-being.

Are Dogo Sardos good with other pets?

Dogo Sardos generally have a fierce and aggressive temperament, as they were bred to be guard dogs, herding dogs, and hunting dogs. While they are highly protective and loyal to their family, they may not be good with other pets.

It is recommended to introduce them to other animals at a young age and provide proper socialization and training. However, due to their strong prey drive, it is advisable to supervise interactions with smaller animals.

Can Dogo Sardos be trained to perform specific tasks or jobs?

Dogo Sardos can be trained to perform specific tasks or jobs due to their working dog background. They were originally bred as guard dogs, herding dogs, and hunting dogs. Their fierce and aggressive temperament makes them well-suited for these roles.

However, it is important to note that they are not recommended for families with young children under 10 and apartment living. They require experienced owners who can handle their strong-willed nature.

 

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