The Sicilian Mastiff (AKA the Cane di Mannara) is an ancient Italian breed known by Italian farmers simply as “shepherd’s dog”. This dignified breed has existed alongside farmers and shepherds seemingly forever, and was tasked with working in mountainous regions to guard both sheep and goat herds. Possessing an independent nature and ability to make decisions on the fly, this is a constant guardian that will do whatever it takes to protect his charges. The breed has been featured in art from at least as far back as the 1800’s, although is most certainly even older than that – likely at least a thousand years! Together with the Cirneco dell’ Etna, they are the oldest of the Italian breeds. At one point rescued from the brink of extinction, this molosser remains very rare and is not officially recognized by the FCI or any major kennel club, and although the Italian Kennel Club has admitted it into their provisional records it does not yet have full recognition.
Sicilian Mastiffs are incredibly clever and learn easily. They can be naturally obedient, calm and are easy house pets in the sense that they aren’t overly demanding. Their temperament is described as balanced although they are definitely guard dogs which can show aggression when challenged, and as such should only be owned by those experienced with molosser breeds! Bred to have an “iron character”, they need structure and rules from day one!
It should come at no surprise that Sicilian Mastiffs are extremely wary of strangers. This does not mean that they are needlessly aggressive towards them, only that they are suspicious and guarded until they decide the person is not a threat. Towards their own families they are gentle and particularly observant of those who might need extra protection, such as children, the elderly or even smaller pets! There is a range of temperament in the breed in terms of how much affection is shown to the family but they take their guarding jobs very seriously.
Sicilian Mastiffs are large in size and need homes which have adequate property in which to run. They are absolutely not a dog which can be kept in a kennel full-time or other similar small living situation. This is a dog which was bred to protect flocks on a large property and are best suited to lives which can fulfill this role – living on a farm as a Livestock Guardian Dog is the ideal circumstance. Created as working dogs, they are not be happy without a full-time job.
Like many “old world” working dogs, the Sicilian Mastiff was a bred with a certain degree of “those that survive will live to pass on their genes”. That means that while there may be a bit of variation in appearance, overall he is said to be resistant to disease, parasites as well as to temperature fluctuations. Note that resistant does not mean immune! Although the breed is very hardy, they still need regular veterinary care and common-sense housing like any other dog!
The Sicilian Mastiff is a dog of great substance, and with a rustic appearance. His eyes are small and positioned very forward on the head. The ears are high set and small, carried in either the hanging or rose position. Although the topline is straight, it rises slightly towards the rump. The breed may possess double dewclaws on the back feet. The coat is a distinguishing feature of the breed, being semi-medium long in length and forming either large curls or a slighter wave. It should be very hard to the touch. The color can be either black, cream, mahogany, light liver, gray, or brindle and all colors can be solid or come in combination with white markings. Small tan or brindle markings may also appear which will expand and lighten into a light ivory as the dog gets older!
Photo by Nicosora02