Sardinian Shepherd Dog
Also called Pastore fonnesu, Cani sardu antigu, Cane de acapiu, Cani fonnesu antigu
From Italy, from rural inner Sardinia.1
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
rough double coat
Usually a rough, coarse outer coat over a woolly undercoat, shorter on the head and hindquarters, with longer furnishings around the eyes and muzzle. About one in seven dogs has a short coat instead.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A traditional working breed used for herding, catching and guarding livestock, so it needs an active life with a job to do.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The rough double coat benefits from regular brushing, with a little extra attention to the facial furnishings.1
Home where they are happiest
Suited to rural life with space and livestock work.1
The story where it all began
An old Sardinian landrace, with images of the type going back at least to the mid-1800s. The modern breeding population was founded from around 170 dogs gathered in the rural interior of the island, giving it a broad genetic base.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Alianza Canina Latina
- Recognised by the Alianza Canina Latina.1
- FCI
- Not recognised by the FCI.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Sardinian Shepherd Dog. 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 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Sardinian Shepherd Dog, and at what times?
Feed your Sardinian Shepherd Dog at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Follow the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes and timing.2
What should a Sardinian Shepherd Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always check with your vet for a complete diet plan.3
How often should I bathe a Sardinian Shepherd Dog?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 70 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty, but avoid over-bathing to protect their double coat.4 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Sardinian Shepherd Dog need brushing?
Brush your Sardinian Shepherd every few days, and daily during heavy shedding. Their rough double coat needs regular care, especially the facial furnishings.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Sardinian Shepherd Dog's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to keep your dog comfortable.4 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Sardinian Shepherd Dog need?
This active working breed needs daily exercise and a job to do. Aim for at least an hour of activity each day, such as walks, play, or herding tasks.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Sardinian Shepherd Dog's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible, at least a few times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without inserting anything into the ear canal.4 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Sardinian Shepherd Dog live?
Lifespan varies, but many medium-sized dogs live 10 to 14 years. For more specific information, ask your breeder or vet.
Is a Sardinian Shepherd Dog good with children and other pets?
As a traditional herding and guarding breed, they can be loyal and protective with proper socialisation. Ask your breeder about their temperament with children and other pets.
Can a Sardinian Shepherd Dog be left alone?
This working breed thrives with companionship and a job, so they may not like being left alone for long. Provide enrichment and consider a dog walker if needed.
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.
- Wikipedia: Sardinian Shepherd Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (secondary)
- 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.