Cane Lupino del Gigante
The Cane Lupino del Gigante, also known as Cane da Pastore dell'Appennino Reggiano o Cane Luvin, is a local variant of Cane Toccatore which has been used by shepherds on the Apennine Mountains near Reggio Emilia. Gigante refers to a mountain present in the area where the dogs live. The decline of sheep raising in the area led to a decline in the numbers of the breed which is now reduced to about 200 specimens.
The Lupino resembles a small wolf since breeding with wild wolves has been known to occur. The dog only weighs 20 to 30 kilograms (44 to 66 lb) in most cases and only a few specimens are bigger than that. It is a very docile dogs which can be used to drive sheep or to guard property. The Italian Kennel Club does not recognize the breed.
External links
- "Il Cane Lupino del Gigante su razzeitaliane.it" (in Italian). Retrieved 12 July 2011.
- "Cristian Ielli "Associazione di Volontariato Lupino del Gigante" (in Italian). Retrieved 15 July 2011.
- "Cristian Ielli "Lupino del Gigante"" (in Italian). Retrieved 15 July 2011.