Potential pet parents often look to adopt dogs of specific breeds. Families with young children frequently opt for Golden Retrievers or Labradors, where those who want a more sedentary pooch go for Basset Hounds or Bulldogs.
Then there are breeds that most people didn’t know existed. Lupin the Lagorai Shepherd is from an ancestral line seldom heard of, though she resembles a popular working dog.
The Instagram post from @lupin.the.lagorai introduced the beautiful fur baby and explained her background.
“This is Lupin,” the onscreen text read. “She’s a Lagorai Shepherd, an ancient Italian herding breed, still rare today.”
The video featured the very distinctive dog running through fields and snuggling with her mom. Lupin apparently possesses the unique breed’s wonderful characteristics which were listed in the video, including “determined, loyal, and full of character”.
“Independent, intelligent, and always ready for adventure,” the story shared of Lupin. “But also stubborn enough to keep me on my toes every single day.”
The extremely rare breed boasts a speckled black and white coat with markings similar to a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd. The Lagorai Shepherd’s pointed ears and narrow face give them an almost wolf-like appearance. The striking combination of features results in a very eye-catching canine.
Where Is the Lagorai Shepherd From?
The Lagorai Shepherd is an ancient herding breed which is native to the mountain region of Triveneto in Italy. The breed is so rare that it wasn’t noted by any major kennel club until 2020, when the Italian Kennel Club finally gave it recognition. They are expert herders and true working dogs, where they thrive when given specific tasks.
Lagorai Shepherds are found almost exclusively in northeastern Italy. The very athletic breed usually stands between 19 and 23 inches at adulthood and needs consistent exercise. Their beautiful coats come in rich colors of merle, fawn, brown and black, often sporting a gray base with black and white spots.
Related: Rare Poodle-Pomeranian Mix Looks Like a Plushie Teddy Bear
Despite their lush and dense fur, the Lagorai Shepherd requires just regular brushing rather than professional grooming. This breed is typically healthy and enjoys a long lifespan, sometimes up to 15 years.
Lupin is definitely a wonderful representative of this special breed.
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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Oct 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
