Italy is home to a remarkable assortment of majestic Italian dog breeds. Some of them are considered rare while others have a noble ancestry that goes back centuries. The most well-known Italian dogs include the Maltese, the Italian Greyhound, and the Cane Corso.
If you’re like us, then when you think of Italy you think of the three P’s: pasta, pizza, and pups!
From the royal Italian dog breeds to the hardest working Italian dog breeds, here is a list of our top twelve favorite dogs from Italy!
Contents
- Bolognese
- Italian Greyhound
- Cane Corso
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Maltese
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Bergamasco
- Maremma
- Spinone Italiano
- Volpino Italiano
- Cirneco dell’Etna
- Bracco Italiano
1. The Bolognese
Italian Origin And History
The Bolognese is named after a city in Northern Italy called Bologna. They’re an ancient Italian breed with noble roots tying them to the Italian nobility.
You can trace the Bolognese’s existence back as far as the 17th century where they can be seen depicted in early tapestry work.
Royalty used this breed primarily as a companion dog due to their small size and adorable appearance.
Bolognese Appearance
The Bolognese is a small toy breed in the Bichon family. They have a white coat that is fluffy and slightly curled.
As they do not shed, this sometimes makes them a tolerable companion for allergy sufferers (but read our article about hypoallergenic dogs to find out why this can’t be guaranteed!).
Bolognese Personality And Temperament
They love attention and make a wonderful companion dog. People say this breed develops a very strong bond with their family members.
This is a very active and social Italian breed that gets along well with other dogs of all shapes and sizes.
And you should know that the Bolognese acts puppy-like up to old age, which is a plus for active families.
Health Issues And Lifespan
The Bolognese is a relatively healthy Italian dog breed. But because they are a bichon-type dog, prospective owners should watch for issues such as chronic allergies, ear infections, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patella, epilepsy, heart disease, urinary stones, pancreatitis, and diabetes.
They have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
Where You’ll Find Them Now
People still value the Bolognese a companion pet today, but they are an uncommon breed.
They are loveable and highly adored by those who have had the privilege of owning them.
Bolognese Fun Facts
- People believe this Italian dog breed’s closest relative is the Maltese, who is also small and white and an Italian native
- They have a single coat, unlike most breeds, which have a double coat
- The Bolognese is believed to date back in the Mediterranean region for 200 years
2. Italian Greyhound
Italian Origin And History
This Italian Greyhound, also known as the miniature Greyhound, belongs to the sighthound family. People believe they originated in early Greece and Turkey more than 2,000 years ago!
Although the Italian Greyhound was used for hunting purposes, royalty coveted them as a companion dog. They were a favorite breed of Italians during the 16th century.
And they were in such high demand that overzealous breeders began attempting to make them smaller by breeding them with other dogs. Unfortunately, this practice caused major deformities and health issues in the breed that lead to their near extinction!
Luckily, a small group of breeders was able to come together and bring the Italian Greyhound back to their normal, healthy standard.
Italian Greyhound Appearance
The Italian Greyhound has a short, shiny coat that does shed occasionally.
And they are the smallest of the sighthounds. As mentioned above, breeders selectively bred them on purpose.
Because they are extremely small and fragile, they are not recommended for households with smaller children. They must be handled with care.
Italian Greyhound Personality And Temperament
The Italian Greyhound enjoys running. They are quick, dexterous, and athletic. For this reason, you need to give them daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Because of the Italian Greyhound’s sighthound genetics, they have a very high predator drive. You should know that they take-off at lightning speed to chase after small animals, such as rabbits and squirrels.
Health Issues and Lifespan
Health concerns most commonly reported in the breed are epilepsy, Legg-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, von Willebrand’s disease, progressive retinal atrophy, color dilution alopecia, leg breaks, cataracts, vitreous degeneration, liver shunts, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, periodontal disease, and hypothyroidism.
The Italian Greyhound has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Where You’ll Find Them Now
If they’re not chasing something, they’ll be right by their owner’s side.
The Italian Greyhound is small and agile and makes a great companion dog, as they thoroughly enjoy people!
Italian Greyhound Fun Facts
- You may know these speedy Italian dogs by other names such as The Italian, “IG,” or Iggy for short
- They’re receptive to the tone of your voice and these intelligent and perceptive dogs can tell how you feel from the tone of your voice
- Italian Greyhounds are great jumpers, able to jump several feet, therefore, a fence at least four-feet high is recommended to keep them in your yard
3. Cane Corso
Italian Origin And History
You may know this card-carrying breed of large Italian dog as the Italian Mastiff dog. They are a renowned guard dog.
People could originally find this breed on rural farms where their primary job was to guard property, livestock, and their family members.
The Cane Corso became uncommon around the twentieth century as life on farms began to change and their services were no longer required. Fortunately, a group of Cane Corso fans was able to recover the breed and rescue it from near extinction.
Cane Corso Appearance
As mentioned above, the Cane Corso is a part of the Mastiff family. This is a very large Italian Mastiff dog, with males weighing as much as 110 pounds!
Although they are muscularly built, they are less bulky than most other mastiff breeds.
Naturally, the Cane Corso has floppy ears like those of a Labrador.
They have shorter hair that lays down flat and sheds seasonally. Some owners clip the breed’s ears, but it’s considered to be an outdated practice.
Cane Corso Personality And Temperament
The Cane Corso is intelligent and eager to please. They are a reserved, calm, and a rather quiet Italian dog breed. This all makes them easy to train.
But you need to remember that because this dog was bred for guarding, they can be naturally possessive, territorial, and dominant. And they may also be wary of strangers.
Still, this intelligent breed does well with families as long as their training and socializing are implemented early on.
Where You’ll Find Them Now
The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Cane Corso in 2010. And their popularity has been increasing in the United States. They currently sit at 40 out of 192 on the AKC’s 2019 list of most popular dog breeds.
People primarily see them as a companion dog. And they make a wonderful pet, as long as you utilize early socialization and proper obedience training.
Health Issues And Lifespan
Like all large breeds, they can be prone to hip dysplasia. The breed is also vulnerable to eyelid entropion or ectropion, demodectic mange, and bloat.
The Cane Corso has an average lifespan of 9 to12 years.
Cane Corso Fun Facts
- They’re related to the Neapolitan Mastiff, another breed of Italian Mastiff dog
- The Cane Corso used to go by the Roman name, Canis Pugnax
- The Romans used these dogs against large animals, like lions, in arena-games
4. Lagotto Romagnolo
Italian Origin And History
People know this Italian water dog as the Romagna Water Dog or the Water Dog of Romagna. This medium Italian dog breed dates back to medieval times.
This is a working dog who people bred mostly for water retrieving. But people also utilized them for their keen nose to seek out truffles on a variety of rough terrain.
It ‘s also believed that the modern water retrieving dogs descended from this particular Italian water dog breed.
Lagotto Romagnolo Appearance
The Lagotto Romagnolo can be small to medium in size and has a varied appearance.
They have floppy ears, large eyes, and a thick coat that is excellent for protecting them in cold water. As an Italian Water Dog, this protection form the cold serves them very well.
Their coat can be curly or flat and is low or non-shedding.
Lagotto Romagnolo Personality And Temperament
They’re intelligent dogs that are easy to train. And people also know them to be an attentive, loyal companion who is affectionate and playful.
However, they can be wary of strangers, so early socialization is key.
Where You’ll Find Them Now
The Lagotto Romagnolo shows well but people mostly have them as a family companion.
Like most dogs with a working background, this pup still has bundles of energy and fits in best with families who can provide around two hours of exercise a day.
You’ll also find them gracing the main image for this article with their photogenic good looks!
Lagotto Romagnolo Health Issues and Lifespan
They have very few health problems but can be prone to hip dysplasia and juvenile epilepsy.
The Lagotto Romagnolo has a lifespan of 15 to 17 years.
Lagotto Romagnolo Fun Facts
- These former truffle hunters love to dig, so some owners even give their pups a sandbox to dig in
- There are Etruscan artifacts that show a dog resembling a Lagotto Romagnolo that date the dogs back to somewhere between the 8th and 2nd century B.C.
- In the Italian Romagna dialect, Lagotto Romagnolo means “water dog”
5. Maltese
Italians Origin And History
The Maltese are an ancient breed, specifically bred for their small size. But they can’t claim pure Italian blood. Their ancestry includes dogs from Switzerland and across the Central Mediterranean Area, including Italy, and of course, their namesake, the island of Malta.
Interestingly, many believe this dog was once used for rodent control. But that was before its appearance and companionship became coveted by noblewomen.
Maltese Appearance
The Maltese are a small white dog with a silky coat that can grow out very long if properly brushed and maintained. Their coat can sometimes be curly or wavy, especially if left short.
Maltese Personality And Temperament
People bred the Maltese primarily as a companion dog. So, they tend to be excellent with families and stay lively and playful even as they grow old.
This is a dog who loves to be with its people all the time! Therefore, they love their human family members and will offer up a lot of affection.
With that being said, the Maltese can suffer separation anxiety. So, be mindful of this when leaving them alone for long periods.
Where You’ll Find Them Now
These days, the elegant Maltese is a famous companion dog who also excels in show.
They do excellent with families and are adaptable to apartment life due to their small size. However, because they are a toy breed, we recommend families with older children who are respectful of the Maltese’s size.
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Maltese are more prone than average to white shaker dog syndrome that’s a serious neurological disease. They can also be predisposed to deafness, hypoglycemia, collapsing trachea, pyloric stenosis, and liver shunt.
They are a relatively healthy dog with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Maltese Fun Facts
- Despite being such small Italian dogs, they are excellent jumpers
- They have gone through several name changes over the years: Maltese Lion Dog, the Melitaie Dog, the Maltese Terrier, and the Spaniel Gentle
- They sunburn easily because their white coat and fair skin are prone to sunburn just like humans
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
Italian Origin And History
This large Italian dog breed is closely related to the Cane Corso. And they are another guard dog of the Mastiff type.
Like many Italian dog breeds, this is an ancient dog people know best for defending its family and property. They were extremely popular in Italy but were nearly lost as a breed during World War ll.
Neopolitan Mastiff Appearance
The Neopolitan Mastiff is a big and powerful dog, renowned for its daunting appearance and large head. They have loose skin with a short-haired, shiny coat.
This massive Italian dog breed can weigh as much as 150 pounds, so a potential owner should prepare for a lot of dog and a lot of drool! They have loose jowls and they salivate when excited or after drinking.
Neopolitan Mastiff Personality And Temperament
Although this Italian dog breed may be fierce in appearance, they will only bark if provoked. They are obedient, dominant, and very protective.
They are intelligent and are fast learners. Although, they can have a stubborn streak.
Despite their large size, the Neapolitan Mastiff is not very active unless they have to chase off an intruder, of course.
Where You’ll Find Them Now
People primarily have the Neapolitan Mastiff as a pet today. But you should know that because of their guarding history and instincts, early socialization and obedience training is a must for this Italian breed.
You should socialize them while they are young, especially if you have children.
Neapolitan Mastiff Health Issues and Lifespan
This Italian dog breed has an extremely high pain tolerance. So, they benefit from regular veterinary checks to identify problems they might not be letting on about.
This Italian mastiff breed is prone to some specific health issues including cherry eye, hip dysplasia, ectropion, entropion, elbow dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy, bloat, and skin infections between their skin fold called pyoderma.
Like most large breeds, the Neapolitan Mastiff has a shorter lifespan averaging 7 to 9 years.
Neapolitan Mastiff Fun Facts
- They were once used in bear, bull, and jaguar baiting in Roman arenas
- The police and army often use this dog for their services in Italy
- This breed is banned in the country of Singapore
7. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Italian Origin And History
The Bergamasco Shepherd is a true Italian dog breed. It hails from the Italian Alps near Bergamo, and people originally bred them as a herding dog.
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They were best at watching over cattle and sheep. And people say these dogs could be released with the livestock and trusted to bring them back again without any human supervision.
Bergamasco Sheepdog Appearance
This Italian herding breed has a unique coat that naturally develops thick mats. This distinctive look has helped to protect them from the environment and predators.
Their felting is normal and natural, so you’ll need a specialist groomer who knows how to work with them.
Bergamasco Sheepdog Personality And Temperament
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are intelligent dogs who are alert, observant, and patient. Thanks to these qualities, they have a good reputation with children too.
Where You’ll Find Them Now
People now show this Italian dog breed and still often use them to herd sheep.
They are truly a mountain dog and enjoy being outside. Because of this, they do best with families who also like to be outdoors and who have time to “work” them using lots of games and training.
Health Issues and Lifespan
They have a few known health issues, including hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems.
The Bergamasco Shepherd has an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years.
Bergamasco Shepherd Fun Facts
- People have dated this Italian dog breed back about 2000 years and believed they originated in Persia
- Their unique coat develops into dreadlocks in adult dogs while the fur of the puppies does not
- Their shaggy hair falls over their eyes but still allows them to see fine. It protects their eyes from the sun and the glare off of the snow
8. Maremma Sheepdog
Italian Origins And History
People bred this large Italian dog to guard livestock in the Abruzzo and Maremma region of Tuscany and Lazio. True to their name, farmers used them to guard sheep against wolves.
Maremma Sheepdog Appearance
This is a very large Italian dog breed with a muscular build and a thick white coat that is typically solid white and rough to the touch.
And the Maremma Sheepdog can weigh as much as 100 pounds.
Maremma Sheepdog Personality And Temperament
This breed is incredibly loyal and has a dignified persona. Consequently, they do become very attached to their family members and can make a wonderful family pet.
This Italian sheepdog can be aloof with strangers, but early socialization can help with this.
They are also very intelligent, making training a breeze.
Where You’ll Find Them Now
This Italian sheepdog is still very popular in Italy. People use it as a herding dog, especially in Abruzzo.
They are among the rare Italian dog breeds in America. But there is a lively breeding community, especially among livestock farmers.
So far, this dog’s work ethic is keeping them firmly where the action is!
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Maremma Sheepdog can be prone to hip dysplasia, achondroplasia, and slipped patellas.
They have an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years.
Maremma Sheepdog Fun Facts
- People believe the breed to be over 2000 years old
- The Santa Maria church in Florence depicts a Maremma in a 13th-century painting
- They are related to the French Pyrennes Sheepdog and the Hungarian Kuvasz
9. Spinone Italiano
Italian Origins And History
You can trace the Spinone, an ancient Italian dog breed, as far back as 500 BC in the Piedmont region of Italy.
More recently, breeders bred the Spinone Italiano to be a versatile gun dog. And they were one of the first gun dogs in existence.
Spinone Italiano Appearance
This Italian dog breed is medium to large. And they have a wiry coat that lies close to their body.
Spinone lovers save the most compliments for their eyes, which they describe as “human” in their expressiveness.
Spinone Italiano Personality And Temperament
This is an easy-going Italian dog breed that enjoys both people and other dogs. People know them to have a calm, loving, and loyal disposition. And they also do very well with children, as they are extremely patient and rarely aggressive.
Where You’ll Find Them Now
People still use the Spinone Italiano for the same reasons they were originally bred. They are known as the most famous hunting dog in Italy!
They also make an excellent family dog.
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Spinone Italiano can be prone to ataxia and hip dysplasia.
They have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
Spinone Italiano Fun Facts
- People consider them to be very versatile hunting dogs as they can be both pointer and retriever
- The Ducal Palace in Italy has renaissance frescoes depicting this breed of dog
- They used to be called Bracco Spinoso, which translates into, “prickly pointer.” It is thought that this name was associated with their coat
10. Volpino Italiano
Italian Origins And History
The Volpino Italiano is a Spitz-type Italian dog breed. People say they have existed as far back as 4,000 BC.
This dog is small in size, but they are courageous. People originally used them as a guard dog, alerting the larger dogs of trouble.
This small Italian dog breed was also a companion dog, adored for centuries by Italian noblewomen.
Volpino Appearance
This is a small Italian dog breed with a long, thick white coat and foxlike features.
People don’t know the Volpino Italiano in America at all, which means they’re more likely to be mistaken for an oversized Pomeranian.
Their snowy white coat needs quite a lot of grooming to keep it immaculate. But luckily, you shouldn’t get much of a fight from these happy lapdogs whenever one-to-one attention is involved.
Spinone Italiano Personality And Temperament
They are good-natured, intelligent, affectionate, playful, and active.
These dogs are also very vocal and enjoy using their voice. This is probably due to their guard dog roots.
Where You’ll Find Them Now
People consider the Volpino Italiano a rare Italian dog breed these days, but they have been making a comeback since the 1980s.
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Volpino Italiano is predisposed to two health issues: primary lens luxation, patellar luxation.
They have an average lifespan of 14 to 16 years.
Volpino Italiano Fun Facts
- They also go by a few other names: Cane de Quirinale, Florentine Spitz, and Italian Spitz
- People believe that the painter Michelangelo may have had one of these dogs as a pet
- The breed was disappearing in 1965, however, efforts made in the mid-1980s revived the Volpino Italiano
11. Cirneco dell’Etna
Italian Origins And History
While it’s likely this breed may have originated in Cyrene (now Libya), people believe that the Cirneco dell’Etna existed in Sicily dating back 3000 years.
This breed is rough and rugged and was used in the Mt. Etna region to hunt game birds and rabbits. People knew these dogs stalked their prey silently and were able to sneak up on birds.
The Cirneco dell’Etna nearly went extinct in the 1930s. It was the work of Dr. Maurizio Migneco that saved this Italian dog breed over a twenty-six-year effort. The Italian Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1939.
Cirneco dell’Etna Appearance
Cirneco dell’Etnas have a narrow head and a long muzzle. Their eyes are expressive and they have distinctive, tall, pointy ears.
They are smaller hounds that only weigh, on average, between 22 and 26 pounds. And they stand at an average height of 17 to 20 inches.
Their short coats range in color from tan to chestnut brown. And they are also quite easy to maintain with just a weekly brushing.
Cirneco dell’Etna Personality And Temperament
They’re swift, intelligent, and hardworking dogs. So, they require lots of exercise.
On the other hand, they are gentle and affectionate too. Therefore, they love to be with people.
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Plus, dog owners consider them easier to train than most hounds.
Where You’ll Find Them Now
Dog owners are keeping this Italian dog breed more and more for conformation showing along with being pets.
The UK Kennel Club officially recognized them in 2006, and finally the American Kennel Club in 2015.
Health Issues And Life Span
Due to their speed, agility, and need for exercise, this breed can suffer musculoskeletal injuries and toe injuries. They are also prone to mange, skin allergies, and because of their lean build, anesthesia sensitivity.
But overall, this is a hardy and healthy Italian dog breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Cirneco dell’Etna Fun Facts
- They are both excellent jumpers and diggers. Therefore, you will be challenged to keep them in a fenced yard. If they don’t jump over the fence they may just burrow under it!
- People originally knew them as just Cirneco. Italians added the “dell’Etna” part in the 1930s, and it refers to the mountain region where they were used
- This is believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds. Some coins show the image of a Cirneco dog dating to the 5th and 2nd centuries B.C.
12. Bracco Italiano
Italian Origins And History
The Bracco Italiano may be one of the oldest pointer breeds in Europe. Their exact origins are unknown. However, these dogs date back to about the 4th century B.C.
People believe they are a mix between the Segugio Italiano and the Asiatic Mastiff. And there are two variations of the Bracco breed.
One originates from the Piedmont region, which is lighter in color. The other variety comes from the Lombardy region, is of a sturdier build, and has a darker brown coloring.
The Italian nobility often used these dogs for hunting during the renaissance.
Bracco Italiano Appearance
These are athletic dogs with deep chests, angular heads, and long ears.
They have a short, dense coat that requires a moderate amount of maintenance. Their coat can come in white, white and chestnut, or white and orange.
They range in average sizes from 50 to 90 pounds and 21 to 17 inches tall.
Bracco Italiano Personality And Temperament
This Italian dog breed are powerful and determined hunters. However, away from the hunt, they are calm and gentle dogs.
People know them for being patient with children and loyal to their owners. These dogs love being in the company of their family and will generally be found lying quietly nearby.
Where You’ll Find Them Now
While they make excellent hunting dogs, their affectionate nature also makes them equally good family pets.
Health Issues And Life Expectancy
The Bracco Italiano has several hereditary health conditions that it is prone to: hip and elbow dysplasia, kidney disorders, cataracts, entropion, ectropion, and bloat.
However, people consider them a relatively healthy dog with an average life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.
Bracco Italiano Fun Facts
- Frescos and tapestries dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries BC depict the Bracco Italiano dog
- The Medici family bred Bracco Italianos during the renaissance
- People also call them Italian Pointer dogs
Finding An Italian Dog Breed Puppy
Finding an Italian dog breed from a reputable source is of the utmost importance. As always, we recommend doing plenty of research before you decide where you get your Italian dog.
We’ve tried to give you an idea of the health problems most commonly diagnosed in our favorite Italian dog breeds. A good breeder will be happy to talk candidly about them with you, including any family history of health problems and what screening tests they have undertaken.
If you are looking to get yourself an Italian dog from a breeder, you should be ready to spend anywhere from $500 to over $1,000 depending on the type of breed and breeder.
Adopting Italian Dog Breeds
Although shelters carry all types of breeds, you’ll find that certain Italian dog breeds are harder to find. It will depend on what dogs are available at the time you are looking.
Many shelters do incur adoption fees, but they are often a fraction of what most breeders charge. You should prepare to pay adoption fees of anywhere from $50 to $200.
Another benefit of adopting from a shelter is that shelters usually cover the initial vet fees, ensuring your Italian dog breed is adaptable and ready for his forever home!
Is An Italian Dog Right For You?
If you think one of the Italian dog breeds on this list would be perfect for your household, then congratulations!
Italian dog breeds include some of the smartest working breeds, steadfast guarding dogs, and most devoted companion pups. Whatever kind of lifestyle you want to enjoy together, Italy has a great dog for you.
Some, like the Maltese, already have an international reputation as popular pets. But you’re bound to get lots of interesting questions when you go out with an Italian dog breed because others are much less common outside Italy and their neighboring countries.
Remember, there are no shortcuts to finding a healthy, well-raised pup. So, it might take a little patience to bring home one of the less common Italian dog breeds on our list.
But we think any one of them would be worth the wait!
More Posts You May Like
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Do you have one of our favorite Italian dog breeds? Which one is it?
Is there another Italian dog breed you’d add to the list?
Join in our conversation using the comments box!
References And Further Reading
- Acumen, L. (2011). The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, Second Edition.
- American Kennel Club. (Accessed 2019). “Bracco Italiano.”
- American Kennel Club. (Accessed 2019). “Cirneco dell’Etna.”
- Howell, T. J., et al. (2015). “Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior.” Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports.
- Irion, D. N., et al. (2003). “Analysis of Genetic Variation in 28 Dog Breed Populations With 100 Microsatellite Markers.” Journal of Heredity.
- Sutter, N. B., and Ostrander, E. A. (2004). “Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System.” Nature Reviews Genetics.
- Talenti, A., et al. (2018). “Studies of Modern Italian Dog Populations Reveal Multiple Patterns for Domestic Breed Evolution.” Ecology and Evolution.
- Tyrone, C., et al. (2008). “Canine Behavioral Genetics: Pointing Out the Phenotypes and Herding up the Genes.” National Human Genome Research Institute
- Vetstreet. (Accessed 2019). “Bracco Italiano.”
- Vetstreet. (Accessed 2019). “Cirneco dell’Etna.”
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