Dogo Sardesco

The Dogo Sardesco is a Sardinian cattle-gripping molosser, kept for handling half-wild stock on the island.

History

It worked cattle and boar in the Sardinian interior, holding animals during handling in the same way the Iberian and Brazilian catch dogs did. It has also been used in illegal dog fighting on the island, which has shaped part of the population and is worth stating rather than eliding. It is recognised regionally in Italy rather than internationally.

Temperament

The breed is known for being determined, territorial and closely bonded to its handler, with the low tolerance for strange dogs that its history implies.

Care and training

It needs space, secure boundaries, thorough socialising and an experienced owner. The short coat is easy.

Health

Known concerns are those of large molossers: hip dysplasia and bloat. These are patterns for the type rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.