When you think of Italy, the first thing that pops into your mind is probably good pizzas, homemade pasta, gelato, amazing coffee, rich history, and beautiful ladies. Italy is crazy popular for various reasons. One of them is that it is a ground for breeding one of the most dynamic, cheerful, and highly affectionate iconic Italian dogs.
These dog breeds are unique in their own way, from working and hunting dogs to simply just companion dogs. Italian breeds widely range in colors, size, temperament, grooming needs, individual characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses.
A wide selection of dog breeds is available worldwide and the selection can be difficult. We decided to focus on certain Italian dog breeds and we evaluated and reviewed one of the most famous breeds in this country.
Italy is a country of origin of nearly 30 dogs, but we have compiled a list of the greatest Italian dog breeds in consultations with veterinarians.
Our Top Italian Dog Breeds:
#1. Bolognese
Could this name be any more Italian? No, we are not talking about the famous Italian dish. We talk about the small companion breed, part of the Bichon family group, and cousin with the famous Maltese breed.
The city of origin is Bologna, and these Italian dog breeds were named after the city. They are considered royalty companions, beloved by the nobility in the 11-th century, and after a few centuries, they almost faced extinction.
They are known for being strongly attached and devoted to the family, so they can easily experience separation anxiety. Bolognese dogs are calm, affectionate, friendly, and great with kids.
Their white fluffy coat and curls require early and regular grooming. Although, be sure that you won’t spend a fortune on grooming, because Bolognese is a small, square lap dog, and be sure that their cute black eyes will win your heart.
#2. Cane Corso
This athletic, large and muscular dog is also known as Italian Mastiff, an ancient breed that dates from the Roman Empire. Back in the time, Cane Corso served as a hunter dog and was used to protect families and farms, to hunt wild boar. During the 1970s, few enthusiasts helped to save this breed from extinction after World Wars l and ll.
The American Kennel Club was formed in 1988, when Cane Corso was firstly introduced in the United States.
Although they can show aggressive tendencies towards strangers, they are loyal, great with kids, attached, and very protective of their families. Therefore, it is essential to socialize them with other dogs and people from an early age.
Cane Corso is a huge dog that can weigh from 80 to 120 pounds and comes in a variety of colors, from black to blue and grey. They require socialization, exercise, and occasional brushing due to their light shedding.
#3. Spinone Italiano
Throughout history, they had different names, such as Italian Wirehaired Pointer, Italian Griffon, and Bracco Spinoso. This hunting breed originates from the Piedmont region, and it was very used in ancient times. In the modern-day, it is known for its retrieving both on land and in water.
They are friendly, gentle, loyal to the family, mild-mannered, and can form great bonds with kids. Although they look goofy, they are much stronger than you think, but they are unlikely to show aggression.
They come in solid white, white with orange, and white with brown markings colors. Their large body with bushy eyebrows makes them so adorable and one of the best Italian dog breeds.
#4. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds were bred around 2000 years ago and originate from the Mediterranean region(Turkey and Greece). After that, they were further developed in Italy as great companions for nobility. Like previously mentioned dogs, this miniature Greyhound was almost extinct after the World Wars. Luckily, these Italian dog breeds were successfully revived.
They are the smallest of the greyhound family, weigh less than 11 pounds, and maybe this is the reason why they are one of the fastest dogs. Because of their stubborn characteristic, moderate energy levels, and easygoing, you will need to put a lot of positive reinforcement in the training.
This is the perfect companion dog with small and elegant body. These lap dogs bond with humans very well. Although, sometimes they can be very shy among strangers and that is why socializing at an early age is very important.
Italian greyhounds have a smooth coat with grey, black, fawn, chocolate, or red color. Their small, elegant body with a pointy head and slender legs make them a very popular dog breed, especially for city dwellers.
#5. Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo originates from the Northeast region of Italy, from Romagna in the marshland of Ravenna, known as waterfowl retrievers. The actual translation from the local dialect means “water dog” or “duck dog” and they are the only breed of dogs that are specialized in truffle hunting.
This hunting dog is a tough working dog, easy to breed for training, perfect for families, great with kids, and well socialized within the puppyhood. They are considered clever, with high intelligence, good watchdogs, very fond of their owners, and calm. Their calmness, and not aggressive attitude make them bad guard dogs.
After getting this dog, grooming will become a huge part of your life. Lagotto Romagnolo is wooly with a curly and water-resistant double coat that requires regular grooming, especially after a couple of hours spent in the park or near water. Their color can vary from solid off-white, white with orange or brown patches, brown, brown roan, and brown or orange with white patches.
All in all, they are amazing working dogs. Oh, and be careful, if they get bored, they can become quite vocal and annoying.
#6. Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano originates from Northern Italy, one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, also known as the Italian Pointer. They were originally bred as hunters by the wealthy Medici and the Gonzaga. Like many European breeds, they were almost led to extinction. Luckily, a group of breed enthusiasts helped to revive them and grow their number.
They are loyal to the family, calm, well-behaved, enjoy human company, and get along with other pets and dogs. They require intensive exercise, stimulation, and positive reinforcement to get the most desired results during training. Long walks or swimming suits their character and temperament, and also they enjoy playing and huge attention from the surrounding.
If you are looking for a large and athletic dog, this Italian Pointer can offer you that. Bracco Italiano weighs from 55 to 90 pounds and their color may vary from solid white to white with orange or chestnut patches. Their long and hanging ears make them super cute and adorable. All in all, Bracco Italiano is a great hunter companion dog.
#7. Bergamasco Shephard
The Bergamasco Shephard is a large herding dog that originates from the Italian Alps, a mountainous region near Bergamo in Northern Italy. This Italian dog breed was close to extinction after World War ll because there was no need for shepherding dogs after the war. Fortunately, an Italian breeder helped with the process of reestablishing these Italian dog breeds.
They are great family dogs, guardians of the family, highly intelligent, and protective, but they are incredibly rare. Probably due to their grooming needs and requirements. They have thick hair that needs to be prevented from matting and knotting. During cold winter nights their unique, well-insulated coat keeps them from freezing.
Bergamasco Shepherd weighs from 57 to 84 pounds, they are heavy-boned and muscular. They form three unique coat textures that come in different shades of grey. The Bergamasco does not only contain dog hair, but also wool and goat hair.
#8. Maremma Sheepdog
The Maremma Sheepdog originates from Southern Italy, Abruzzo region(Maremma area of Tuscany and Lazio). Their job is to guard the sheep and the livestock as they are known as one of the best guardian dogs and the actual translation of the name is “the dog of the shepherd of the Maremma region”.
They are affectionate, sweet, and tend to be devoted to their families. Maremma Sheepdogs get easily bored and can manifest their negative behavior if they are not properly stimulated. Unlike other dog breeds, they are not needy and separation anxiety will hardly occur in this breed. Their toughness becomes from their job as safeguards from predators and wolves, and they are well suited to guard sheep in danger.
The average weight for this Italian dog breed is from 65 to 100 pounds due to their large and muscular body. They have long, rough, and thick white coat that makes them so recognizable. Despite their largeness, they are sneaky fast, making them very capable guard dogs for protecting the people and the territory.
#9. Cirneco dell’Etna
Cirneco dell’Etna originates from the Southern part of Italy, the Sicilian island, and was named after Europe’s highest active volcano. In the early 1930s, a veterinarian wrote about their extinction and after publishing the study, an Italian aristocrat decided to help in the process of reestablishing this breed.
They require a minimum of 30 minutes of intensive exercise per day due to their athletic and natural agility. It is believed that early socializing is crucial for them because if not, it can lead to very active and unpredictable behavior in front of other dogs. If these dogs get bored, they may try to get your attention by destroying the yard, digging holes, or eating the furniture.
Their pointy ears, elegant body, natural agility, and active behavior make them very wanted by households with an active lifestyle.
#10. Volpino Italiano
Volpino Italiano is a Spitz-dog type that originates from ancient times while being very famous among the Italian royalty. In the past, these Italian dog breeds were also used as companions for the ladies. It is also known as the Italian Pomeranian, because of its petite size, energy, and vocal abilities. Volpino Italiano was finally recognized in 1903 by the Italian Kennel Club.
This Italian dog breed is devoted to the family, energized, and friendly with other pets. Although, they can get vocal and annoying with a tendency to bark in front of strangers without the proper early training and positive reinforcement.
Volpino Italiano is a super small dog, from 9 to 12 pounds, with a straight and long coat, usually white. This popular Italian dog breed is quite rare, so if you are interested in owning one, educate yourself about their specific- breed characteristics, such as luxation, blindness, and eye pain.
#11. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient breed from the Roman Empire where it was used to fight in battles. Then, it was bred in Southern Italy with a massive body and saggy skin. They were aiming for a more family-friendly breed that works as a protector and guard dog.
Their temperament is gentle, they are good with kids, affectionate, and very kind. It is important to train them early and before they get too big. Owners usually train them with positive reinforcement, consistently, and firm in order to get the most desired results.
Their body is longer than their height, and their dense coat, wrinkled head and skin make it difficult to protect them from infections and other problems related to the skin. Neapolitan Mastiffs weigh from 110 to 150 pounds, and they are large and muscular.
Before you get this Mastiff-type dog, be aware that they are naturally drooling a lot, because of their large and jowly cheeks. If you can get over that, you will get unconditional love from this giant dog.
#12. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard originates from the Alps and it helped in rescuing monks and travelers in the dangerous and snowy mountains. In the period of three centuries, this rescue dog saved more than 200 hundred lives.
They enjoy the company of their owners, love playing with kids, and have a friendly and gentle temperament. These giant dogs are even friendly and not violent with complete strangers. Although their enormous size may scare you, they do not have any bad intentions and it is in their nature to help you in danger.
Saint Bernard does not require intensive training, although it is very important to train them by the time they get too big and hard to command.
FAQ
Conclusion
A study has shown that Italy has 14 internationally recognized dog breeds and years of breeding made different and unique phenotypes of dogs. No matter the country of origin, their size, or temperament, they are all amazing creatures that will bring joy and happiness to your home.
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