Biella Shepherd or Shepherd of Oropa: The Rustic

The Biellese Shepherd, also known as the Oropa Dog, has relatively recent origins; suffice it to say that it was only in 2016 that it became one of the 16 Italian dog breeds recognised by the Italian National Dog Breeding Association. This breed originates from Biella, in Piedmont, Italy. It is also called the Oropa Shepherd Dog because Oropa is nearby and is a very famous place due to its sanctuary, which is often visited at the end of fascinating and long pilgrimages by pilgrims who come here from all over.

It is a direct descendant of the ancient Alpine Shepherd Dog, which is the progenitor of all European sheepdog breeds. Its main job is therefore to herd cattle and sheep during their seasonal migration from the plains to the mountains. They have been highly valued by shepherds and herders as excellent guardians of animals in huts and on farms.

However, with the gradual decline in pastoral activity, the breed has been threatened with extinction. A recovery and promotion project is currently underway, promoted by a local association (“Amici cane d'Oropa”), which also includes representatives of breeders' associations and veterinarians from the local health authority, with the patronage of the Province of Biella.

The operational protocol for the project was drawn up by Luigi Guidobono Cavalchini and Stefano Marelli of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Milan.

Characteristics of the Biellese Shepherd or Oropa Shepherd dog breed

The Biellese Shepherd has a good temperament, is well-balanced, always alert but not aggressive, because it is not impulsive and knows when to stop. It is always a sheepdog, but today, with the number of shepherds in decline, it has proved to be an excellent guard dog and utility dog, suitable for a wide variety of tasks and very easy to train.

It has always been accustomed to being with humans, whom it helps and supports, but it is also a dog that knows its place, as it knows it must defend its owner and the flock, so it is able to make itself heard and react courageously, without ever becoming dangerous to humans. In fact, its intelligence, moderation and patience are its distinguishing features.

We have said that it can also make an excellent companion dog, but it needs to have outdoor space to accommodate it, as it is used to herding. As a working dog, it also needs a lot of exercise, which is why it is not suitable for elderly or sedentary people.

The Biellese Shepherd was not born for apartment life; it is a working dog that has an instinctive need to roam its territory and therefore be outdoors. A house with a garden would certainly be ideal, but it is important to remember that this is not enough for a dog like this. It needs plenty of exercise and to keep busy, but above all it needs to feel useful to its owner.

Thanks to its good-natured and reliable character, it has no problem socialising with humans, but less so with other dogs due to its strong territorial nature. It is a loyal companion to its owner and family, but is not very prone to displays of affection.

It becomes very attached, but always remains somewhat reserved and shy, with a tendency to be independent and enjoy spending time alone, characteristics that are genetic, descending from the ancient Alpine sheepdogs that have always been accustomed to a solitary life in the mountains.

Training a Biellese Shepherd requires a certain amount of commitment and a lot of patience. Due to its propensity for independence, it will be necessary to establish a relationship based on mutual trust right from the start, after which you can begin the training process. It is an intelligent and responsive dog that quickly memorises commands, but can often be a little stubborn.

Appearance of the Biellese Shepherd or Oropa Shepherd dog breed

The Biellese Shepherd is a medium-sized dog; at the withers, it varies in height from 45 to 60 centimetres and generally weighs between 20 and 35 kilograms. It is a mesomorphic dog, harmoniously proportioned, with strong, lean muscles. It is athletic and has remarkable stamina, which makes it suitable for working in mountainous terrain such as that of its area of origin.

There is a difference in height and weight between dogs that work exclusively with sheep and those that work with cattle, which makes them taller, more robust and heavier than the former. There is no well-defined standard as it is not recognised by any federation, but some characteristics can be indicated.

The muzzle is truncated with a black nose, triangular ears, expressive, round eyes, generally brown in colour, although sometimes specimens with one or both eyes blue can be found. The neck is straight, muscular and free of dewlap. The tail is thick and sturdy at the root, carried in a sickle shape when at rest, but high and mobile when in action. However, many dogs are born brachiuri, i.e. with their tails docked.

The coat is medium length; the colour is generally grey, sometimes with tan markings, or even tricoloured and grey spotted, and also black, fawn or carbon fawn. In general, we can say that it has a rustic and almost wild appearance, but combines elegance and power.

Care and health of the Biellese Shepherd or Oropa Shepherd dog breed

The Biellese Shepherd is a hardy and robust dog that does not suffer from any particular health problems, but like all dogs that work outdoors and get a lot of exercise in harsh environments, it can suffer from hip dysplasia or joint problems. It is a fairly long-lived dog, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

The lifestyle of this breed means that it needs to be brushed regularly to keep its coat in excellent condition and to check for parasites. If it gets all the exercise it needs, it does not suffer from obesity.