Pet Wiki

Sardinian Shepherd Dog

Also called Pastore fonnesu, Cani sardu antigu, Cane de acapiu, Cani fonnesu antigu

SizeLarge
Weight25 to 40 kg (55 to 88 lb)males 29 to 40 kg, females 25 to 32 kg1
Height52 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in)males 56 to 60 cm, females 52 to 56 cm1
CoatRough double coat
OriginItaly, from rural inner Sardinia.1
Rare breedShort profile
versatile working dog
hardy island landrace
distinctive expressive face
1

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

Coloursblackashhoneybrindlegreybrownwhite1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sardinian Shepherd Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

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

  1. 1

    Its forward-set amber eyes are said to give it a monkey-like expression.1

  2. 2

    Around 30% of these dogs are born with a natural bobtail.1

  3. 3

    It is an all-round farm dog, used to herd, catch and guard livestock.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Sardinian Shepherd Dog is also known as the Fonni's Dog or Cane Fonnese, named after the city of Fonni in Sardinia, the region where the breed originated and has been historically concentrated.2

Name ideas for your new friend

FonniNuoroMaddalenaBiancoGineproCostaMirtoZafferanoRocciaStellaPastoreIsola

A day in the life told by a Sardinian Shepherd Dog

I wake to the sound of bells. The flock is stirring. I nip at a stray ewe's heel, guiding her back. The sun climbs over the granite peaks, and I climb too, my rough coat catching thorns. I check every crevice, no fox today. At midday, I lie on a hot rock, panting, watching the sheep graze. My human whistles, and I trot down, my tail wagging. We share the shade of a cork oak. In the evening, I circle the pen three times before settling. The stars come out. I am the last guard, and I do not sleep.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Alianza Canina Latina
Recognised by the Alianza Canina Latina.1
FCI
Not recognised by the FCI.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

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.3

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.4

How often should I bathe a Sardinian Shepherd Dog?

Pet Wiki'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.5 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki 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.5 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki 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.5 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Sardinian Shepherd Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (secondary)
  2. air.unimi.it air.unimi.it
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.