A meeting point, where people can find information, study and share experiences

Farm

A multifunctional farm engaged in a variety of activities all serving a common goal: the protection of nature and biodiversity. The farmhouse, the B&B with its extensive library of books on nature and dogs, and a modern Wolf System barn stand in an area of more than three hectares of woods and grazing land. A meeting point for anyone with an interest in guardian dogs, a place where people can find information, study, share experiences.

  • Ciuta Sheep
    We breed and select Ciuta Sheep, the smallest sheep in the Alps, a hardy ancient breed from the Valtellina and Alto Lario regions.
  • LGD Training Centre
    An innovative project set up to study and promote guardian dogs as a means of reducing conflict between livestock farmers and large carnivores.
  • Wolf System Barn
    A modern structure designed to allow dogs and livestock to live in close contact with one another right from birth.
  • Farmhouse
    With an extensive library of books on nature and dogs and a room for meetings or training courses.
  • B&B
    Three fully-equipped rooms in a wonderful natural setting.

 

 

Ciuta Sheep Selection Centre

In Romansch, “Ciuta” means “small sheep”; this Italian breed raised mainly for meat is considered to be at serious risk of extinction. Today, stock numbers are slowing increasing again thanks to the conservation project launched by Pro Patrimonio Montano (an organisation that works for the preservation of biodiversity in alpine areas), in which Ca’ del Cuco has decided to take part.
Ciuta sheep are a small breed. Rams weigh 30-45 kg and ewes 30-35 kg and their height at the withers is between 40 and 50 cm. They are light of bone, the head has a straight profile and the ears are medium sized and carried horizontally. Rams have well-developed spiral horns, ewes have thinner or no horns. The fleece is usually yellowish-white and semi-open, but may also range from white to black, and the wool is rather coarse. Ciuta sheep have a wary disposition, which explains why sheepdog enthusiasts have recently come to appreciate this breed. Hardy and frugal, the Ciuta graze on mountain pastures at altitudes of up to 2,700 metres above sea level, in particularly harsh, steep environments.

Ca’ del Cuco is part of La Terra dei Pastori, a brand focused on the preservation and promotion of the agro-pastoral italian traditions, mainly arable production, the rearing of sheep, goat & cattle and sheepdog breeding, with the aim of preserving italian native animal breeds and local vegetable varieties.

  • LGD Training Centre

    Livestock guardian dog
    Basic course

    The course follows a novel approach to provide the basis for understanding, breeding, training and handling guardian dogs. The instructor, Silvia Dalmasso, is a specialist in veterinary behavioural medicine who has been studying and working with guardian dogs for almost twenty years. She has developed a breeding and training method that is not based exclusively on the functional quality of the relationship, but also respects the animal and its specific needs.

    Download the course details

Valter has chosen Almo Nature Holistic kibbles to give his big dogs all the energy they need to do their job. This food is an excellent maintenance diet, it is good value for money and is produced in a sustainable manner by a company whose ethical goals he shares.

Almo Nature dog and cat food is made from natural ingredients and the company invests all of its profits in solidarity projects for cats and dogs and biodiversity, through the Fondazione Capellino. One project in particular, called, Farmers&Predators, is committed to reducing conflict between natural predators and livestock farmers by supporting and promoting their decision to respect the natural balance of biodiversity without using guns. To find out more about their solidarity projects, we suggest you visit the almonature.com website or Almo Nature's Facebook page.

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