Genetic characterisation of the Cane da Pastore della Sila an Italian guardian dog breed

The Cane da Pastore della Sila (SILA) is a traditional livestock guardian dog originating from the Sila plateau in Calabria. Historically selected for functional traits, the breed played a central role in protecting livestock from predators under extensive pastoral management. Despite population declines in the twentieth century, conservation efforts have led to a demographic recovery and the establishment of the Club Italiano Pastore della Sila, with registration in the ENCI Registro Supplementare Aperto. Here, we provide a genome-wide characterisation of the SILA using high-density SNP genotyping of 31 individuals (SILA_B) and comparative analyses with a previously studied cohort (SILA_A) and 25 livestock guardian breeds. Observed and expected heterozygosity were similar (Hₒ = 0.340; Hₑ = 0.337), indicating substantial genetic variability. Runs of homozygosity (ROH) revealed short segments, suggesting historical rather than recent inbreeding. Genome-wide iHS analyses identified candidate regions under recent selection, encompassing genes associated with behaviour, skeletal development, pigmentation, and cellular processes. All analyses revealed a genetically cohesive SILA core alongside individuals showing affinities with other Italian breeds, while highlighting that SILA_B forms a distinct cluster relative to other European guardian breeds. Pairwise FST values confirmed low differentiation between SILA populations and modest divergence from other Italian LGDs, supporting the breed’s genomic identity. The findings indicate that the SILA retains high genetic diversity and a recognisable genomic identity shaped by functional selection. This work provides a genomic framework for conservation and breed management, emphasising the importance of preserving diversity while guiding structured breeding to maintain breed-specific functional traits.