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
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai, and at what times?
Adult dogs do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed twice daily, and it's best to follow the food label and your vet's advice for exact amounts.4 Furry Diary plan
What should a Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these well away.5
How often should I bathe a Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath about every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their natural coat oils.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai need brushing?
Brush every three days, and daily during heavy shedding seasons to manage loose fur. Their semi-long double coat benefits from regular brushing to prevent mats and keep it healthy. Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai need?
This working breed has high exercise needs and thrives with daily walks and play. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily activity, and they are best suited to an active rural life with space to move.13 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using only dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai live?
Lifespan varies, but senior years usually start around age 8. For specific longevity, ask your vet or a good breeder. Furry Diary plan
Is a Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are lively, curious, and easy-going at home, getting along naturally with people and other animals. They are bred to work closely with a shepherd and alongside other animals, so they do best with plenty of contact.123
Can a Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai be left alone?
This breed does best with plenty of contact and purposeful activity, so they may struggle with long periods alone. For specific guidance, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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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 support@furrydiary.app 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
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.