Spino Degli Iblei Dog Breed
Height at withers
Male: 60 - 70 cm
Female: 55 - 65 cm
Weight
Male: 40 - 50 kg
Female: 35 - 45 kg
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Breed Type
Purebred
The ancient Sicilian Sheepdog, Spino degli Iblei (also known as Hyblaean Spino), is found in the Iblei Mountains of southeastern Sicily. Sicilian sheepherders traditionally used it to guard their flocks against predators.
The breed was recognized officially by the Italian National Kennel Club on November 19, 2015. It is registered under breed number 906. The standard of the Sicilian Shepherd Club was developed by Judge GianniVullo, who is the only ENCI-recognized body that protects the breed.
Breed Overview
| Other Names | Spino degli Iblei, Sicilian Shepherd Dog, Hyblaean Spino |
| Size | Medium |
| Group | Herding Group |
| Origin | Sicily, Italy |
| Work/Role | Guardian dog, Herding, Companion |
| Breed Recognition | Recognized by ENCI (Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana) |
| Temperament | Adaptable, Loyal, Intelligent, and Protective |
| Coat Type | Wiry and thick |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Health Issues | Hip dysplasia, Eye Problems |
| Barking Level | Moderate |
| Shedding Level | Moderate |
| Good with | Children, families, and other pets |
History and Origins of Spino degli Iblei Dog Breed
Spino degli Iblei, or robust and sturdy, is a dog breed that originated in southeastern Sicily. It was bred to protect goats and sheep from wolves. This ancient breed of shepherd protected goats and sheep from predators such as wolves. These dogs thrived in mountainous terrain.
They become loyal, affectionate and loving family pets as they grow older and stop guarding livestock. Intelligent, adaptable and easily adaptable to domestic and herding situations, they are well-suited to both. Recent efforts to preserve rare Italian breeding have focused on protecting Spino Degli Iblei’s unique traits and standards.
Key Characteristics
The Spino degli Iblei is an adaptable, loyal, intelligent dog breed. Explore more their key characteristics of temperament, energy level, and trainability.
Temperament
An adaptable, loyal, intelligent, and protective temperament is in Spino degli Iblei dogs. They are loyal to their family and play the role of guardian, making them excellent companions as well as capable watchdogs.
Energy Level
The Spino degli Iblei, like many intelligent shearing dogs exhibits a high level of energy and requires frequent mental and physical stimulation.
Trainability
This breed is excellent at training and responds well to consistent guidance. They are adaptable and versatile working dogs because of their independence and willingness to learn.
Physical Appearance
The Spino degli Iblei has a broad, cone-shaped head, strong jaws, and expressive eyes. Its muscular body, straight limbs, and saber-shaped tail enhance agility. The abundant, semi-long coat varies in color from white, black, or fawn with markings.
Height and Weight
This dog breed size is medium to large and here are male and female weight and height details.
Weight: Male (40-50 kg), Female (35-45 kg)
Hight at wither: Male (60-70 cm), Female (55-65 cm)
Coat Type & Colors
The coat of this breed is distinctive, and the hair on its body is at least 10cm long. The limbs have uniformly long hair, while the head has unique features such as thick eyebrows, beards and mustaches.
White with patches of black or tawny is the most common color, but white must appear on all parts of the body, including the head, feet, chest and tail. Also seen are solid whites and variations in which black changes to gray, fawn or tawn.
Behavioral Traits
The Spino degli Iblei is a protective, confident and courageous dog. It is also a guardian with innate instincts for defense and protection. It thrives in extreme conditions, with its exceptional hardiness and resistance to disease. So, this has been shaped over years of natural selection. It displays a deep loyalty towards its owner and displays social and adaptable behaviors under its guidance.
It is a breed that has a natural affinity with children. This breed adopts a submissive and gentle demeanor. The breed’s nurturing instincts are also shown in its behavior towards lambs. So, this emphasizes the caring and adaptable nature of this breed. Early socialization is crucial to developing the ability to adapt to new situations and interact with strangers positively.
Care Requirements
The Spino degli Iblei needs proper care that includes regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and consistent grooming. Meeting these needs makes them a happy and loyal companion.
Exercise Needs
The Spino degli Iblei is an active and energetic breed that requires regular exercise. These herding dogs require exercise on average 60-70 minutes per day. It can be possible through daily walks, play sessions, and interactive activities.
Grooming needs
Spino degli Iblei’s wiry coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its condition. Their grooming tips include:
- Brushing: Brush your wiry hair coat weekly to maintain its health.
- Bathing: Only when needed to maintain the natural oils of their coat.
- Other: Regular dental and ear care is essential for good health.
Diet
A balanced diet rich in quality protein and essential nutrients to maintain an active lifestyle for it. Lean meats, fish, and vegetables provide good nutrition. Avoid foods with fillers, unnatural additives, and extreme grains to reduce the risk of allergies and digestive issues.
Health and Lifespan
You can ensure your Spino degli Iblei leads a healthy life with a balanced diet, regular vet check-ups, and consistent exercise.
Common Health Issues
Spino degli Iblei is a healthy Italian breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, though they may be prone to certain health problems.
- Hip Dysplasia: A common condition in their genetics where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, leading to arthritis or lameness.
- Eye Conditions: Regular eye examinations are crucial for this breed to detect and address any potential issues early and maintain optimal vision.
Life Expectancy
A Spino degli Iblei lives for 12-14 years. As ancient Shepherd dogs, they were resilient and hardy.
Final Thoughts
The Spino degli Iblei is a breed of intelligent working dogs and family-protective dogs. These dogs are excellent companions and working dogs.
These working dogs are ideal for active individuals and families who live in semi-rural or rural settings. They can adapt from Mediterranean animal practices into modern family life.
Spino degli Iblei is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the preservation of rare Italian breeds to own a piece of history. By adopting this breed, you can help preserve Iblean farming traditions.