Breed History:

The Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai, also known as the Lessinia and Lagorai Shepherd, is a traditional herding breed originating from the Lessinia Highlands and the Lagorai mountain range in northeastern Italy. For centuries, shepherds used these agile and intelligent dogs to herd and manage sheep and cattle across the steep alpine pastures of the regions of Veneto and Trentino.

The breed evolved naturally through practical selection for endurance, intelligence, agility, and livestock-handling ability rather than appearance. As modern farming practices reduced the need for traditional herding dogs, the breed's population declined significantly. Conservation efforts by Italian breed enthusiasts have helped preserve this rare native breed and its historic working abilities.

Today, the Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai remains a valued working dog and an important part of Italy's pastoral heritage.

Gender	Height	Weight
Male	50–60 cm	20–30 kg
Female	48–58 cm	18–28 kg

Size: Medium

Life Expectancy: 12–15 years

Breed Appearance:

The Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai is a balanced, athletic, and agile herding dog.

The breed commonly features:

• Moderately broad head

• Medium-length muzzle

• Almond-shaped, expressive eyes

• Semi-erect or folded ears

• Lean, muscular body

• Long, bushy tail carried naturally

Its coat is medium-length, dense, and weather-resistant with a well-developed undercoat.

Common coat colours include:

• Black

• Black and tan

• Brown

• Fawn

• Grey

• Brindle

• Black and white

Some individuals may display white markings on the chest, feet, or tail tip.

The breed's rugged coat provides protection from harsh alpine weather.

Breed Type – Herding Dog:

The Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai is an intelligent, energetic, and highly capable working breed.

It is known for being:

• Loyal and devoted

• Highly intelligent

• Alert and watchful

• Energetic and hardworking

• Gentle with its family

The breed develops strong bonds with its owner and retains excellent natural herding instincts.

Its adaptability makes it an effective livestock-working dog in challenging mountain terrain.

Training:

The Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai is highly trainable and eager to work.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation

• Positive reinforcement methods

• Obedience training

• Herding exercises

• Mental enrichment activities

The breed excels in:

• Herding

• Agility

• Obedience

• Farm work

• Canine sports

Regular mental challenges help keep this intelligent breed engaged.

Health & Care:

The Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai is generally healthy and hardy but may occasionally be prone to:

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

• Eye disorders

• Joint injuries associated with strenuous activity

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, and maintaining a healthy body weight help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai is best suited to active households.

Ideal environments include:

• Farms and ranches

• Rural homes

• Houses with secure yards

• Active outdoor families

Apartment living is generally not recommended unless extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation are provided.

The breed thrives when given meaningful work and close interaction with its family.

Exercise:

The Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai has high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Long daily walks or runs

• Herding work

• Hiking

• Agility training

• Interactive games and mental challenges

Both physical exercise and mental stimulation are essential for maintaining balanced behaviour.

Grooming:

The coat requires moderate maintenance.

• Brushing 2–3 times weekly

• More frequent brushing during seasonal shedding

• Occasional bathing as needed

• Routine ear cleaning and nail trimming

• Regular dental care

The breed sheds moderately throughout the year and more heavily during seasonal coat changes.

Advantages:

• Highly intelligent and trainable

• Excellent herding abilities

• Loyal and devoted companion

• Agile and hardy working dog

• Adaptable to challenging environments

• Generally healthy and long-lived

Disadvantages:

• High exercise and mental stimulation requirements

• Can become destructive if under-stimulated

• Strong herding instincts may lead to chasing or nipping behaviour

• Requires consistent training and engagement

• Moderate seasonal shedding

• Rare and difficult to find outside Italy

• Not ideal for sedentary households or apartment living