Dogo Sardesco

Quite variable in appearance since it never had a defined breed standard, it is appreciated in Sardinia, but is practically unknown in the rest of Italy. In Sardinia, this dog is commonly called jagaru, sorgolìnu, trighinu, beltigadu, pastore gavoese, cani perdigatzu, alano di bonorva and cane Sardo antico, as well as the Dogo Sardesco or Dogo Sardo.

It is a very athletic molosser-type dog, agile, resistant, strong, and of great size. It is a working, intimidating-looking dog, with a coat usually reddish-brown, gold, gray, black or brindle with short to medium-sized hairs. The stature of males is 60 cm at the withers, but larger specimens are common.

The Dogo Sardesco has small differences between individual dogs in appearance, depending on the region of origin, due to consanguinity and isolation in some geographical areas; in the past, there has never been a technical selection of these dogs, favoring almost exclusively the strong temperament and remarkable physical stamina, as well as the aptitude for work. An official breed standard has never been set; however, it is much appreciated on the island.

The skin is well adherent to the muscles, the head is more or less molosser-like with a well-developed and muscular jaw, and muzzle slightly smaller than the length of the skull; this dog has a solid and imposing dentition, complete with a bite in scissors or tweezers, with large prey, and the third highly developed incisor upper tooth. The eyes are usually in various shades of amber or brown; a large number in Gavoi have a markedly yellow eye. The front legs are strong, the hindquarters moderately angulated and strong muscles. The chest is well-developed, and the average height varies from 56 to 68 cm at the withers. Modern specimens have a weight ranging from 30 to 45 kg.

The Dogo Sardesco is a native Sardinian dog in charge of various tasks, including the most common: the guarding of livestock and property, management of indomitable cattle, hunting of ungulates and, in the past, even as a war dog. There are several hypotheses about the origin of these animals. The Jesuit Cetti around the year 1700 described the Dogo Sardesco as a perfect blend between a Greyhound and a large dog, which gave him several perceptible peculiarities, while the Letter of Logu from the old state of Giudicato de Arborea describes it as a dog with strong temperament used for the guarding and defense of the owner.

• Dogo
• Sardinian Shepherd Dog