Pet Wiki

Spino degli Iblei

Also called Sicilian Shepherd Dog, Pastore Siciliano

A strong, calm guardian that protects firmly without needless aggression.

SizeLarge
Height55 to 70 cm (22 to 28 in)males 60 to 70 cm, females 55 to 65 cm1
CoatLong, rough coat
OriginItaly, south-eastern Sicily, mainly the province of Ragusa at the foot of the Iblei mountains.1
Rare breedShort profile
brave, steady flock guardian
obedient and docile with its people
adapts well to family life
1

Personality what they are like

A strong, calm guardian that protects firmly without needless aggression. With its own family it is obedient and gentle, and it settles well into home life.1

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, rough coat

Long hair of at least 10 cm all over the body and legs, with shaggy eyebrows, a beard and a moustache that give the face a bushy look. A strong, well-balanced guardian build.1

Colourswhitewhite with black patcheswhite with fawn patches1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Spino degli Iblei. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • 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 working guardian used to patrolling flocks outdoors, so it needs space and regular daily walks.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The long, rough coat and facial furnishings benefit from regular brushing to keep them tidy.1

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to rural homes or properties with room to roam and something to watch over.1

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its family and flock; Italian sources mention growing use in pet therapy and activities with children.1

The story where it all began

The Spino is seen as the local form of Sicily's old pastoral guardian dog, shaped by the many peoples and dogs that passed through the island. Nineteenth-century Sicilian paintings already show dogs of this type. Local breeders gained Italian national recognition in 2015.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    A black Spino appears in the 1884 painting 'In Sicilia' by Pasquale Libertini.1

  2. 2

    Francesco Lojacono's 1889 painting 'La benedizione del bestiame', showing dogs of this type, is held at the Musée Condé in France.1

  3. 3

    White must always show on the feet, chest, head and tail tip, and an all-white dog is also allowed.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Spino degli Iblei' was chosen in 1991 by cynologists to indicate the breed's geographic origin in the Hyblaean Mountains (Monti Iblei) of southeastern Sicily, with 'degli Iblei' (of the Iblei) chosen over 'Ibleo' to more strongly convey a sense of native and identity-based belonging to the area.2

Name ideas for your new friend

RagusaIbleoNeroOmbraRocciaFidoBiancaFulmineCampoStellaPietraCielo

A day in the life told by a Spino degli Iblei

My day begins before sunrise. I step into the cool morning air and circle the property, my rough coat brushing against the dewy grass. I sit at the gate, watching the road, a calm sentinel. My family greets me with kind words, and I lean into their hands, gentle as a lamb. After a long walk through the fields, I patrol the edges again, then find a shady spot to rest. In the evening, I lie at my human's feet, content. I am strong and steady, and my home is safe.

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

Recognised by the official bits

ENCI
Recognised by the Italian kennel club on 19 November 2015 in its supplementary register of recognised breeds (RSR). Not recognised by the FCI.3
Club del Pastore Siciliano
The breed association recognised by ENCI to look after the breed.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

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

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 Spino degli Iblei, and at what times?

Feed your Spino at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Consistent times help their digestion, but the exact schedule can vary based on your routine. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should a Spino degli Iblei eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.5

How often should I bathe a Spino degli Iblei?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Spino gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Spino degli Iblei need brushing?

Brush your Spino's long, rough coat weekly to keep it tidy and prevent tangles. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every 7 days. This also helps remove loose hair and keeps their beard and moustache looking neat.16 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Spino degli Iblei's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Spino degli Iblei need?

This working guardian needs daily walks and space to roam, ideally in a rural home. Pet Wiki's plan recommends daily exercise and play. They are calm indoors but thrive with a job or regular activity.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Spino degli Iblei's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. For floppy ears, dry them gently after baths or swimming. Never push anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Spino degli Iblei live?

Lifespan varies by individual, but senior years usually start around age 7. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can support a long life. For specific numbers, ask your vet or a good breeder. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Spino degli Iblei good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed bonds closely with its family and is gentle with children, especially when raised with them. They are calm guardians and can get along with other pets if properly socialized. Always supervise interactions.1

Can a Spino degli Iblei be left alone?

They form strong bonds with their family and flock, so they prefer company and may not do well left alone for long periods. If you must leave them, provide a secure space and plenty of enrichment. For specific advice, ask a good breeder.1

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 (Italian): Spino degli Iblei it.wikipedia.orgused for origin, size, coat, colours, temperament, history, fun facts
  2. rivistadiagraria.org rivistadiagraria.org
  3. ENCI list of breeds admitted to the RSR enci.itused for recognition
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ENCI breed page: Spino degli Iblei enci.itused for reference only (page not reachable at research time)

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