Fonni's Dog
Description
Ever heard of a dog that’s both a mountain guardian and a herding expert? Fonni's Dog, also called the Sardinian Shepherd Dog, hails from the rugged Fonni mountains in Sardinia, Italy. These dogs weigh between 60 and 70 pounds, sporting a long, rough double coat that comes in colors like grey, black, brindle, brown, and white, often with brindle markings. They’re built tough for outdoor work, with a strong protective streak and a sharp mind. Why settle for a typical pet when you can have a dog with centuries of history? Fonni's Dogs were even part of the Italian campaign in Libya in 1912, trained to detect hidden weapons and protect camps. They’re alert and wary of strangers but deeply loyal to their families. Their independent nature means they need a confident owner who’s ready to guide them patiently, especially since they can be a bit stubborn at times.
Grooming
Fonni's Dog has a long, rough double coat that needs regular care to stay healthy and looking its best. Their shedding is low because dead hair tends to hold in the coat, so weekly carding is essential to remove loose hairs and prevent matting. A light slicker brush can be used gently to smooth the coat without damaging its texture. Every 8 to 12 weeks, handstripping is recommended to maintain the coat’s unique texture and vibrant color, especially to keep those brindle markings sharp and defined. Since their coat doesn’t change much seasonally, consistent grooming year-round is key. Pay special attention to areas where dirt can collect, like behind the ears and under the legs, especially if your dog spends lots of time outdoors. - Weekly carding to remove dead hair - Gentle slicker brushing for smoothing - Handstrip every 8–12 weeks to preserve texture - Check ears and paws for debris - Bathe only when necessary to avoid stripping oils Pro tip: Use a rubber curry comb before carding to loosen dirt and stimulate the skin, making grooming easier and more effective.
Learn the Rough routine:
→ Complete Rough Grooming Guide
Walking
Fonni's Dog needs about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions. Why two? Because breaking up exercise helps manage their high activity and keeps them mentally sharp. Morning walks can be brisk and focused on physical exercise, while evening strolls might include some sniffing and exploring to satisfy their curious nature. A typical routine could be a 50-minute brisk walk or jog in the morning to burn off energy, followed by a 50-minute mixed walk in the evening with some training or scent games. This breed thrives on varied walks that challenge both body and mind. Don’t just walk; engage. Fonni's Dogs love to use their noses and brains, so adding scent trails or obedience drills during walks can make a big difference. They’re not fans of long periods of inactivity, so keeping walks stimulating helps prevent boredom and excessive barking.
Boarding
When boarding a Fonni's Dog, a crate size of 42 to 48 inches is ideal to give them enough room to stretch and turn comfortably. These dogs are playful but cautious, so staff should introduce new people slowly and stick to a predictable daily routine to keep stress low. They enjoy two active play sessions daily, which can include fetch or tug, paired with scent or brain games to keep their minds engaged. Because of their guarding instincts, enrichment that mimics problem-solving or tracking is especially beneficial. Staff should note that Fonni's Dogs can be wary of strangers initially but warm up with gentle, consistent interaction. Quiet time after play helps them recharge. Providing a secure, calm environment with familiar scents will help them settle quickly during their stay.