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| Cane Paratore | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Origin | Italy |
| Breed status | Not recognised as abreed by any majorkennel club. |
| Dog (domestic dog) | |
TheCane Paratore is abreed ofherding dog fromItaly. The breed primarily exists in its traditional role inAbruzzo, its historical region of origin, having not gained popularity from outside dog fanciers.[1][2]
The nameCane Paratore, sometimes called theCane 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]
In 2018 a genetic study found that, just prior to 1859, a broadly distributed European herding dog had given rise to theGerman Shepherd Dog, the FrenchBerger Picard, and the five Italian herding breeds: theBergamasco Shepherd, Cane Paratore,Lupino del Gigante,Pastore d'Oropa, and thePastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai.[1][4]
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.
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.
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]