The Best Dog Breeds from Italy

Whenever you think of Italy, the first few images that come to your mind are of the scenes from Roman coliseums, the overflowing glasses of Tuscan wine, the canals of Venice, and the handmade pasta and pizzas. But this romantic country also has many dynamic, intriguing, and diverse dog breeds. It is well-known for them.

Experts say that the dog breeds from Italy are diverse in terms of the following qualities:

• size
• energy
• temperament

The mere appearance of these dog breeds underscores how diverse they can be.

11 Most Popular Italian Dog Breeds

1. Lagotto Romagnolo

Are you a fan of water sports, or do you like to spend time at the dog-friendly beach that happens to be the closest to your home? In that case, the water-loving and truffle-hunting Lagotto Romagnolo would be the right option for you.

After all, their name translates to lake dog from Romagna. Experts say that they love frolicking and playing in the surf.

In addition, they say these pups are generally affectionate, eager to please, and easy to train. They love to talk as well. However, they tend to be rather vocal, and if they get bored, they start digging.

They do need much grooming!

2. Bergamasco Sheepdog

Bergamasco Sheepdogs have a showstopping coat that would surely turn heads wherever you go. It protects them from predators and harsh weather. These muscular herding dogs are also great with other animals and kids. Of course, it helps that you do not have to do a lot to care for or maintain them.

Experts say that they love to work – they tend to be eager to please their human parents. They are patient and intelligent and make great family dogs in the truest sense of words. They tend to be protective too.

3. Bolognese 

Bolognese is a small companion breed, and they are supposed to be cousins of the following species:

• Maltese
• Bichon Frise
• Havanese
• Coton de Tulear
• Löwchen

They are affectionate and calm individuals and love to be around people in the truest sense of the word. They are also known as Bolos, and experts say they can love their human parents so much that they tend to suffer separation anxiety.

However, this does not mean they require constant mental stimulation that never yields. Some gentle playtime in the backyard and leash walk is good enough for them.

However, they tend to find excessive energy overwhelming, and you must monitor more emotional outbursts around them.

4. Bracco Italiano

Bracco Italiano is also known as Italian Pointing Dogs because of the following qualities of these large babies:

• toughness
• drive
• smartness
• ability to behave well

Experts say that if you give them the stimulation and exercise they need, these dogs can exhibit the following qualities:

• calmness
• love
• loyalty

Apart from being great family dogs, they tend to be meticulous and methodological hunters. They can form strong bonds with the members of their human family. If you give them mental stimulation and exercise, they would be great with kids too.

5. Cane Corso

If you look at the name Cane Corso, there is a lot that you can learn from that only. The rough translation of these Latin words in English is bodyguard-dog. Experts say that their lineage goes back a long time. They were there during Roman Empire.

The Cane Corso dog breed is trainable and intelligent, and its members are fearless protectors. They are athletic and muscular and capable of hunting wild boars too. Since they are naturally protective, they tend to be protective of their human parents.

If you train and socialize them properly, they can be gentle.

6. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are pups blessed with the following qualities:

• alertness
• playfulness
• strength
• athleticism

Experts say that they can run fast. They are graceful about it. They can take off like rockets as well. Apart from their grace that inspires and impressive speed, these babies are also known for how well they bond with their human family members.

They would not mind curling up in your lap as well! They are the perfect companion dogs, especially for people who live in cities.

7. Spinone Italiano 

Spinone Italiano is hunting dogs with an ancient lineage to boot! Experts say that they can be the following at the same time:

• patient
• docile
• stubborn

Their biggest strengths are their ability to retrieve – both in water and land – and their intelligence. They can endure and withstand all terrains. They have thick skins that enable them to work in cold water and under the brush. Apart from being avid swimmers, they are people pleasers in the real sense of the word.

8. Maremma Sheepdog 

Maremma Sheepdog can be described as yet another breed created to do the job they were intended to. This is guarding livestock and sheep. These majestic pups come from a line of age-old shepherd dogs used in the Abruzzes and Maremma regions of the country. United Kennel Club recognized the breed back in 2006. They are blessed with the following qualities:

• loyalty
• calmness
• bravery
• intelligence
• independence
• muscular bodies

They tend to exhibit the following qualities a lot with their human parents:

• friendliness
• devotion
• open affection

9. Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiffs have an illustrious and long history. In Ancient Rome, they acted as fierce gladiators and powerful defenders. They were developed primarily in southern Italy so that they could have the qualities that they are known for, such as the following:

• massive bodies
• loose skin
• wrinkles

Even now, they are competent guard dogs. However, in terms of personality, they have become friendlier towards families and kinder than earlier. Clean them properly so that their wrinkled skin does not get infected. Also, be ready to clean vast amounts of drool regularly.

10. Cirneco dell’Etna

Cirneco dell’Etna are slender and beautiful hound dogs that would love their human family and guard it as long as they are there. They are relatively bright as a breed but need training from an early age.

Experts say they are active and require around 20-30 minutes of exercise every day. They are so good at jumping that it is fantastic, and this is why if you plan on letting them loose in your yard, you should have a tall fence.  

11. Volpino Italiano 

In English, “Volpino” means little fox, and Volpino Italiano – clever small dogs, to the hilt – are indeed rather foxy. They are loved for their fluffy white coats and are related to German Spitz, with whom they share several traits.

It includes a playful streak that might get destructive if you do not keep them occupied. They are aggressive little beings. You need to play fetch or take them on walks regularly. They have puffy coats that would blow twice every year, and these shedders must brush several times every week too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the typical dog breed in Italy?

A: Cane Corso is supposed to be the most popular breed of Italian dog in the USA (United States of America). This is as per the registration statistics of AKC (American Kennel Club). Moreover, as a dog breed, they are blessed with the following attributes:

• size
• muscular bodies
• athleticism

Q: Name a big breed of dogs found in Italy.

A: Cane Corso would be the first name that would come to your mind in this particular regard. They are commonly used as both guard dogs and companion dogs. They can also be used for protecting livestock.

Q: Name a medium-sized dog breed from Italy.

A: Segugio Italiano is the first name that comes to mind when you ask this question. They were initially bred to be hunting dogs. They are known for their shiny, short coats that come in colors such as orange and white.

Q: What are the most popular dog breeds in Italy?

A: The following are the most popular members of the fraternity:

• Bergamasco Sheepdog
• Bolognese
• Bracco Italiano

Q: Is Italy a good country for dogs?

A: Yes, Italy is supposed to be one of the most pet-friendly countries in the world. Apart from dogs, cats are common pets here.

Conclusion

Italy is home to some of the most fantastic dog breeds in the world. Each species has unique personality, appearance, and characteristics, from the adorable Bolognese to the fearless Cane Corso.

Whether you are looking for a loyal companion, a guard dog, or a family pet, Italian dog breeds have something to offer everyone. So if you are considering getting a new furry friend, check out these great breeds from Italy, and you might find the perfect addition to your family.