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Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai
Herding breed from Lessinia and Lagorai regions, Triveneto, Northern Italy
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai
The Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai is a medium-sized herding breed from the Lessinia and Lagorai regions of Triveneto, Northern Italy. It has a semi-long coat that can be merle or any color or combination. Described as rustic with a wolfish appearance and agile build, it was developed for herding livestock in mountainous areas. Temperament traits include being intelligent, energetic, loyal, alert, and work-focused, though individual dogs vary. Its recognition status varies by registry; the breed was nearly extinct and recovery efforts began in the 1990s, with FCI granting provisional recognition in 2018. Estimated adult weight is 23–33 kg, height 48–58 cm, and lifespan 12–15 years. Energy level is high (5/5), trainability is high (4/5), grooming needs are moderate (3/5), shedding is moderate (3/5). It is generally suitable with children (4/5) but moderate with other dogs (3/5) and less suited to apartment living (2/5).
Quick facts
Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHerding
OriginLessinia and Lagorai regions, Triveneto, Northern Italy
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight23–33 kilogram
Female weight23–33 kilogram
Male height48–58 centimetre
Female height48–58 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai is an ancient sheepdog breed from northeastern Italy, specifically the Lessinia and Lagorai mountain regions. It was used for centuries by shepherds for herding and transhumance, reflecting its development as a working dog in rugged terrain. The breed nearly faced extinction, but formal recovery efforts began in the 1990s, leading to its preservation. According to available sources, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) granted provisional recognition in 2018, though recognition status varies by registry. The breed's history is tied to its origins in the Triveneto area of Northern Italy, where it was valued for its endurance and herding abilities.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
23–33 kilogramAdult weight48–58 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesSemi-longCoat colorsMerle, Any colour or combinationRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentenergeticloyalalertwork-focused
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
Similar breeds
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Related comparisons
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Growth chart
Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight23–33 kilogramAdult female weight23–33 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of the Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai?
It is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight is 23–33 kg for both males and females, and estimated adult height is 48–58 cm. The estimated lifespan is 12–15 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of this breed?
Commonly described temperaments include intelligent, energetic, loyal, alert, and work-focused. However, individual dogs may differ. It was developed as a herding dog, so many individuals may have strong working instincts.
How much exercise does it need?
Its energy score is 5 out of 5, indicating high energy needs. It likely requires substantial daily exercise, especially given its herding background. Owners should be prepared for an active dog.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming score is 3 out of 5 (moderate). It has a semi-long coat that may need regular brushing. Shedding score is also 3 out of 5 (moderate), so some shedding is expected.
Is this breed suitable for families with children or other pets?
Child suitability is rated 4 out of 5, suggesting it is generally good with children, but supervision is always recommended. Dog compatibility is 3 out of 5 (moderate), so introductions with other dogs should be managed carefully.
Can it live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 2 out of 5, indicating it is less suited for apartment living due to its energy level and size. A home with space to move is likely more appropriate.
Where does the breed originate from?
It originates from the Lessinia and Lagorai regions in Triveneto, Northern Italy. It is an ancient sheepdog breed used for herding and transhumance in mountainous areas.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.