The Levriero Sardo is an ancient dog breed that originated in Sardinia, Italy, dating back to the 12th century. This breed was bred to hunt small game.
They are known for their incredible speed, with some reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. This makes them well-suited for their original purpose.
The Levriero Sardo is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build, typically weighing between 40-60 pounds. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
Their intelligence and energy level make them a great companion for active owners who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
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History and Origin
The Levriero Sardo, also known as the Sardinian Greyhound, has a rich history that spans thousands of years.
This ancient breed has its roots in the island of Sardinia, Italy, where it was used for hunting small game like rabbits and hares.
The Levriero Sardo was highly valued for its speed and agility, traits that made it a prized companion among the nobility of Sardinia.
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The breed's exact origins are unclear, but it's believed to have been developed from a mix of different breeds, including the Saluki, the Greyhound, and the Sloughi.
The Levriero Sardo was also influenced by the Phoenician and Roman cultures, who brought their own hunting dogs to Sardinia.
During the Middle Ages, the Levriero Sardo was a highly sought-after breed among the nobility, who used it for hunting and as a status symbol.
The breed was also used by farmers and shepherds to protect their livestock from predators.
In 1928, the first breed standard was established, and the Levriero Sardo was officially recognized by the Italian Kennel Club.
Today, the breed is recognized by several international kennel clubs, including the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and the United Kennel Club.
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Physical Characteristics
The Levriero Sardo's fur is typically short and smooth, with a glossy appearance. It's a joy to touch, feeling soft to the touch and lying close to the body of the dog.
The most common colours for the Levriero Sardo's fur are black, fawn, and brindle, with some dogs also having white markings on their chest, feet, or face. The fur is not typically thick or dense, but it provides adequate protection from the elements.
Males typically stand between 55-62 cm at the shoulder, while females stand between 50-58 cm. They weigh between 20-30 kg, with males being slightly larger than females.
Size and Breed
The Levriero Sardo is a medium-sized breed, with males typically standing between 55-62 cm at the shoulder and females standing between 50-58 cm.
They weigh between 20-30 kg, with males being slightly larger than females.
This breed has a lean and muscular build, making them agile and athletic.
Their head is long and narrow, with a pointed snout that's perfect for their hunting background.
Large and triangular ears are a distinctive feature of the Levriero Sardo.
Their dark and almond-shaped eyes are both beautiful and functional, helping them track prey.
The Levriero Sardo has a short and smooth coat that comes in a variety of colours, including black, fawn, and brindle.
Fur Characteristics
The Levriero Sardo's fur is typically short and smooth, with a glossy appearance.
The texture of the fur is soft to the touch, lying close to the body of the dog.
The most common colours for the Levriero Sardo's fur are black, fawn, and brindle.
Some dogs may also have white markings on their chest, feet, or face.
The fur is not typically thick or dense, but it provides adequate protection from the elements.
The Levriero Sardo's fur is an important aspect of the breed's appearance, and it is often a distinguishing feature.
The fur is soft and silky to the touch, giving it a pleasant feel.
Temperament and Care
The Levriero Sardo is a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
They are very intelligent and quick learners, responding well to positive reinforcement training methods.
However, they can be stubborn at times and may require a firm hand to keep them in line.
Levriero Sardo dogs are very social and enjoy spending time with their owners and other dogs, making them a great choice for active owners who want a loyal companion.
They are also highly trainable and can be taught to perform a variety of tasks, including obedience, agility, and even hunting.
Cani e Lèpuri
The Levriero Sardo is a highly energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need regular walks, runs, and playtime to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Their playful nature makes them a great choice for families with children, who will love playing with them. They're built for speed and agility, making them perfect for chasing after toys or playing games with their owners.
To keep your Levriero Sardo happy and healthy, you'll need to provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and play. This could be as simple as a game of fetch or a run around the park.
Temperament and Trainability
The Levriero Sardo is a breed of dog known for its high energy and lively temperament.
They are very active and require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. This breed is also very intelligent and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks.
Levriero Sardo dogs are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. However, they can be stubborn at times and may require a firm hand to keep them in line.
They are highly trainable and can be taught to perform a variety of tasks, including obedience, agility, and even hunting. This breed is also very adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments.
Levriero Sardo dogs are very social and enjoy spending time with their owners and other dogs. They are a great choice for an active owner who is willing to put in the time and effort to train and exercise their dog.
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Pet Suitability for Children
The Levriero Sardo is a highly energetic and active breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
They are intelligent and loyal dogs that can make great companions for children who are able to keep up with their high energy levels.
Their strong prey drive means they may not be suitable for families with small pets, but with proper socialization and training, they can coexist with other animals.
Levriero Sardo dogs require a healthy diet and regular veterinary care to maintain their overall health.
They are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and heart problems, so owners need to monitor their health closely and seek veterinary care as needed.
A balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is essential for their health and wellbeing.
Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet.
Levriero Sardo dogs can be a great addition to an active family with older children who are able to provide them with the exercise and attention they need.
With the right care and attention, they can be a wonderful companion for children.
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Openness to Strangers
The Levriero Sardo is a breed that is highly sociable and loves to interact with people, making them an ideal companion for families with children.
They are known to be very affectionate and enjoy being around people, which makes them a popular choice for households looking for a loyal and loving pet.
Levriero Sardo is not known to be aggressive towards strangers and are often very welcoming to new people they meet.
This breed is highly adaptable and can easily adjust to new environments and people, making them a great fit for families who like to travel or move around frequently.
Their intelligence and quick learning abilities make them an ideal choice for households looking for a trainable pet.
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Sources
- Levriero Sardo Dog Breed Information, Puppies & Breeders (justusdogs.com.au)
- Levriero Sardo -- Earthpedia animal (earth.com)
- Curiosità. I “Cani 'e Lepuri” o “Cani Curridori”: il Levriero ... (vistanet.it)
- Cani 'e lèpuri: l'agile Levriero sardo. (agenziastampaitalia.it)
- Censimento del levriero sardo: questi i risultati preliminari (lacanas.it)
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