The Cane Paratore is a breed of herding dog from Italy. The breed primarily exists in its traditional role in Abruzzo, its historical region of origin, having not gained popularity from outside dog fanciers.[1][2]
History and Origins
The name Cane Paratore, sometimes called the Cane Toccatore, comes from an Italian dialect where "Paratore" translates to "to stand in front" or "to touch." The meaning is rooted from the breed's integral role of aiding in farming practices as a herding dog by moving livestock through less aggressive methods, such as light touches or standing in the path of livestock.[3]
Genetics and Ancestry
In 2018 a genetic study found that, just prior to 1859, a broadly distributed European herding dog had given rise to the German Shepherd Dog, the French Berger Picard, and the five Italian herding breeds: the Bergamasco Shepherd, Cane Paratore, Lupino del Gigante, Pastore d'Oropa, and the Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai.[1][4] The Cane Paratore is identified as one of five Italian herding breeds descending from a common 19th-century European herding dog ancestor, also linked to the German Shepherd and the Berger Picard. The study found the Cane Paratore to be one of the few Italian breeds sharing a genetic lineage with the German Shepherd, showing the breed's connection to a widely recognized herding heritage.[3]
Physical Characteristics
The Cane Paratore is a robust, medium-sized breed; adult dogs typically weigh 8–10 kg and have shoulder lengths of 30–35 cm.[5] Morphologically, it has a wolf-like appearance. It has a wide head, erect or semi-erect ears, and thick coat—which can be agouti, sable, grey brindle, leopard (merle), black, or tan with a black mask. Although short and semi-long coats are popular, the breed's coat length can vary.[3] The Cane Paratore is a swiftly maturing, defensive species that frequently exhibits remarkable levels of adaptability and endurance in a variety of settings.
Health and Diet
Historically, Cane Paratore dogs have been fed a simple diet based on shepherds’ meals, including bran, whey, stale bread, and meal leftovers.[3] Although generally healthy, they are prone to conditions such as osteodystrophy, spinocerebellar ataxia, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.[5] Local anecdotal evidence suggests they have a strong immune system, potentially inherited from their wolf ancestry.
Conservation and Current Status
Today, the Cane Paratore is a rare breed that is largely unknown outside of Italy. Efforts are being made in Italy to conserve its bloodlines, particularly as its numbers have declined due to changes in farming techniques. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) does not recognize the breed, but it is being maintained by enthusiasts in Abruzzo and nearby areas. The Cane Paratore's small gene pool has apparently resulted in occasional natural crossbreeding with wild wolves, which local conservationists consider as a way to preserve genetic diversity.[3]
