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Pastoral

Cane Paratore

A walker's guide to the Cane Paratore: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Medium, 18 to 30 kgHigh energyItalian droverVery rareCattle dogWorking type
Exercise a day90 min plus
Energy4 of 5
Walk styleDriving, pushy, energetic
With other dogsBossy with some

Overview

The Cane Paratore, or Cane Toccatore, is the traditional cattle-driving dog of Abruzzo and neighbouring parts of central and southern Italy. Where the big white Maremma guards the flock, the Paratore moves it, nipping at heels and pushing cattle along drove roads. It is a medium, rugged dog with a short to medium coat in many colours, barely known outside the shepherding communities that still use it.

Drovers are a different animal from gathering sheepdogs. They push rather than circle, they are bold with large animals and they are not shy about using their teeth on a reluctant hoof. Expect a confident, tireless dog with little patience for dawdling.

Exercise and walking needs

Ninety minutes a day of brisk exercise suits an adult, with running where it is safe. These dogs were bred to cover long drove roads at a trot and need more than a stroll.

Give the dog something to push against: a tug toy, a ball to chase and bring back, or a set of tasks on the walk. Purpose matters more than distance.

Daily minimum90 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeWith good recall

On the walk

  • Heel nipping: The drover instinct shows up as nips at the heels of running dogs, bikes and people. Keep the dog close when anything moves fast and interrupt before it starts.
  • Recall: Decent in a dog that respects you, but drovers are independent-minded. Prove it on a long line first.
  • Other dogs: Bossy with some, especially dogs that run. Pair with calm, steady companions or walk alone.
  • Weather: Hardy in cold and rain. Watch for heat on summer afternoons and carry water.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Avoid cycle paths and running routes until you know how the dog reacts to speed.
  2. Keep the walk purposeful with a few tasks and a steady pace.
  3. Stay on lead around livestock; this dog will try to move any cattle it meets.
  4. Look at the pads after long walks on rough tracks.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Has the dog worked cattle, and does it nip at heels when things run?
  • How does it get on with other dogs, especially fast or small ones?
  • Which commands does it know, and what does the owner use to stop a chase?
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