Il Pastore Transumante Breeding
Differenti colori di pastori della sila
About 10 years have passed since our kennel, "IL PASTORE TRANSUMANTE," specialized and dedicated to the selection and study of Italian livestock guarding and protection dogs, decided to focus decisively and with foresight on the breeding and promotion of the Sila Sheepdog.
A long journey along the axis of livestock selection: aptitude selection and functional morphology.
I remember the fervent youthful passion that flowed abundantly through my veins, when, infected by the equally intense fervor of my fellow animal expert, Dr. Isabella Biafora, and Attorney Matteo Florio, the contemporary "fathers" of the breed, I courted them vigorously to acquire the first specimens of high livestock value.
The rest is history. The Sila Sheepdog has exponentially increased its numerical presence in Italy (we are talking about subjects included in the ENCI program of BREED ADMITTED TO THE RSA (supplemental open register)) and has expanded its range in Europe, Asia, and America, where it is enjoying ever-increasing success.
Sila Sheepdog Kennel - Il Pastore Transumante
Our kennel has exported Sila Sheepdogs to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, France, Spain, Serbia, Russia, Ukraine, Japan, the United States, Mexico, and Uruguay.
Our kennel is currently the largest professional selection center for the Sila Sheepdog in the world. However, we must not forget that the largest group of subjects has traditionally resided on the highlands of Calabria for millennia.
We have seven non-related stallions who are the founders of our bloodlines.
Today, the Sila Shepherds from our breeding kennel are prized for their courage and protective instincts against predators such as wolves and wild boars, as well as their ability to work in a pack and form an effective livestock protection group.
They are known to quickly form strong bonds with their human family members whether acquired for property guarding or simply for companionship.
The Sila Shepherd as a Companion Dog
They demonstrate exceptional sensitivity when interacting with children or other animals, traits that make them ideal companions despite their large size. Furthermore, Sila Shepherds tend to be extremely reliable when it comes to tasks involving the care and protection of lambs; a skill developed through generations of selective breeding that helps make them valuable on ranches, farms, and in general on farms raising sheep or goats.
Whether you're looking for a fiercely loyal guardian or a trusted friend and companion, the Sila Shepherd could be an excellent choice for any family looking to add an intelligent and devoted four-legged friend to their pack. With all these qualities combined in a package brimming with personality, it's no wonder the Sila remains one of Italy's most beloved herding breeds today!
Contact us by phone for more information or to schedule an appointment to see our Sila dogs up close.
Italian livestock guarding breeds
A project born to defend biodiversity
The mission of the Pastore Transumante is clear: to preserve and promote Italian livestock guarding dog breeds, essential tools for ensuring the survival of pastoralism in areas where the presence of large predators has returned to a significant level.
Livestock guarding dogs represent an ancient yet extremely relevant solution for promoting the coexistence of human activities and wildlife. Their work reduces conflicts with wolves without resorting to invasive interventions on ecosystems.
Protecting these dogs therefore means protecting not only a thousand-year-old tradition, but also the ecological balance and the survival of rural economies.
Protecting a rare breed: the Sila Shepherd
One of the most important goals of our breeding program is the conservation and promotion of the Sila Shepherd Dog, a breed that is still little-known but of extraordinary historical and genetic value.
Originally from the Sila plateau in Calabria, this dog has accompanied transhumant shepherds for centuries in their seasonal migrations between the mountains and the plains. Bred exclusively for work, the Sila Shepherd stands out for its robustness, endurance, and great ability to work collaboratively within a pack.
Its prevalence is currently extremely limited, and for this very reason, its protection is a priority. Preserving its characteristics means safeguarding a unique genetic heritage, the fruit of centuries of natural and cultural selection.
This breed plays a central role in our breeding program: we work to consolidate its morphological characteristics, character traits, and functional aptitudes, always keeping real-world livestock work as a benchmark.