Madison Guthrie introduces our favorite Italian dog breeds, which started out living la dolce vita in beautiful Italy…
If you’re like us, then when you think of Italy, you think of the three P’s: Pasta, pizza, and pups!
That’s right!
Italy is home to a remarkable assortment of majestic dog breeds, some of which are considered rare while others have a noble ancestry that goes back centuries.
From the royal breeds to the hardest working breeds, here is a list of our top ten favorite dogs from Italy!
No 1: The Bolognese
Italian Origins
The Bolognese, named after a city in Northern Italy called Bologna, is an ancient Italian breed with noble roots tying him to Italian nobility.
Small and white, this breed’s closest relative is believed to be the Maltese, who is also an Italian native.
The Bolognese’s existence can be traced back as far as the 17th century, where he can be seen depicted in early tapestry work.
Small in size and quite frankly adorable, this breed was used primarily as a companion dog for royalty.
Bolognese Personality & Temperament
The Bolognese is a small toy breed in the Bichon family.
He has a white coat that is described as fluffy and slightly curled.
As he does not shed, this sometimes makes him an tolerable companion for allergy sufferers (but read our article about hypoallergenic dogs to find out why this can’t be guaranteed!)
He loves attention and makes a wonderful companion dog. In fact, this little guy is said to develop a very strong bond with his family members.
This is a very active and social small Italian breed who gets along well with other dogs of all shapes and sizes.
The Bolognese is known to act puppy-like all the way up to old age, which is a plus for active families.
Mostly Found Today…
Living the life of riley as a cherished friend.
Although this is an uncommon breed today, the Bolognese is valued mostly as a companion pet.
He is loveable and highly adored by those who have had the privilege of owning him.
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Bolognese has a lifespan of 12-14 years.
He is a relatively healthy breed, but because he is of the bichon-type, prospective owners should watch for issues such as chronic allergies, ear infections, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy, and luxating patella, epilepsy, heart disease, urinary stones, pancreatitis, and diabetes.
No 2: Italian Greyhound
Italian Roots
This miniature greyhound belongs to the Sighthound family and is sometimes known as ‘The Italian’, ‘IG’, or ‘Iggy’ for short.
The Italian Greyhound is believed to have originated in early Greece and Turkey more than 2,000 years ago!
Although the Italian Greyhound was used for hunting purposes, he was mostly coveted as a companion dog for royalty.
He was a favorite breed of Italians during the 16th century and was in such high demand that overzealous breeders began attempting to make him smaller by breeding him with other dogs.
Unfortunately, this practice caused major deformities and health issues in the breed, thus leading to his near extinction!
Luckily, a small group of breeders was able to come together and bring the Italian Greyhound back to his normal, healthy standard.
What Makes Them Great
The Italian Greyhound is actually the smallest of the sighthounds. As mentioned above, this was done purposefully by selective breeding.
He has a short, shiny coat that does shed occasionally.
The Italian Greyhound enjoys running and is known to be quick, dexterous, and athletic. For this reason, daily exercise is needed to keep him happy and healthy.
Because of the Italian Greyhound’s sighthound genetics, he has a very high predator drive and has been known to take off at lightning speed to chase after small animals such as rabbits and squirrels.
Where You’ll Find Him Now
If he’s not chasing something, he’ll be right by his owner’s side.
Small and agile, the Italian Greyhound makes a great companion dog and thoroughly enjoys people!
However, he is extremely small and fragile.
For this reason, he is not recommended for households with smaller children, as he must be handled with care.
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Italian Greyhound has a lifespan of 12-15 years.
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.
No 3: Cane Corso
Italian Credentials
This card-carrying large Italian dog breed is also known as the Italian Mastiff, and he is a renowned guard dog.
When the breed was founded they most often be found on rural farms, where his primary job was to guard property, livestock, and his family members.
The Cane Corso became uncommon around the 20th century as life on farms began to change and his services were no longer required.
Fortunately, a group of Cane Corso fans was able to recover the breed and rescue it from near extinction.
The Cane Corso was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2010.
How To Spot One
As mentioned above, the Cane Corso is a part of the Mastiff family.
This is a very large Italian dog breed, with males weighing as much as 110 pounds!
He is muscularly built, though he is said to be less bulky than most other mastiff breeds. The Cane Corso is intelligent and eager to please, which makes him easy to train.
He is also known to be a reserved, calm, and rather a quiet breed.
He has shorter hair that lays down flat and sheds seasonally. Some owners clip the breed’s ears, although that is considered to be an outdated practice.
Naturally, the Cane Corso has floppy ears like those of a Labrador.
Modern Role
The Cane Corso has recently found his popularity increasing in the United States.
In fact, he currently sits at number 40 out of 192 on the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds.
He is primarily used as a companion dog these days and is said to make a wonderful pet as long as early socialization and obedience training is utilized properly.
It’s important to remember that because this dog was bred for guarding he can be naturally possessive, territorial, and dominant. He may also be wary of strangers.
Still, this is an intelligent breed who is known to do well with families as long as his training and socializing are implemented early on.
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Cane Corso has a lifespan of 9-12 years.
Like all large breeds he can be prone to hip dysplasia. The breed is also vulnerable to eyelid entropion or ectropion, demodectic mange, and bloat.
No 4: Lagotto Romagnolo
Roman Roots
Also known 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 was mostly bred for water retrieving, but he was also utilized for his keen nose, seeking out truffles on a variety of rough terrain.
It is also believed that the modern water retrieving dogs descended from this particular breed.
What You Get
The Lagotto Romagnolo can be small to medium in size and has a varied appearance.
He has floppy ears and large eyes and a thick coat that is excellent for protecting him in cold water conditions.
His coat can be curly or flat, and is low- or non-shedding.
His intelligence makes him easy to train and he is known to be an attentive, loyal companion who is affectionate and playful.
However, he can be wary of strangers, so early socialization is key.
Main Role Today
The Lagotto Romagnolo does well in show but is mostly utilized 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 him gracing the main image for this article with his photogenic good looks!
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Lagotto Romagnolo has a lifespan of 15-17 years.
He has very few problems but can be prone to hip dysplasia and juvenile epilepsy.
No 5: Maltese
European Origins
The Maltese is an ancient breed, specifically bred for his small size.
He can’t claim pure Italian blood – his ancestry includes dogs from Switzerland and across the Central Mediterranean Area, including Italy, and of course, his namesake island Malta.
Interestingly, many believe this dog was once used for rodent control, but that was before his appearance and companionship became coveted by noblewomen.
Maltese Dogs As Pets
The Maltese is a small white dog with a silky coat that can grow out very long if properly brushed and maintained.
His coat can sometimes be curly or wavy, especially if left short.
The Maltese was bred primarily as a companion dog, so they tend to be excellent with families and stay lively and playful, even as they grow old.
They love their human family members and will offer up a lot of affection. This is a dog who loves to be with his people all the time!
With that being said, the Maltese have been known to suffer separation anxiety, so be mindful of this when leaving him alone for long periods.
The Modern Maltese
The elegant Maltese is a famous companion dog who also excels in show.
He does excellent with families and is adaptable to apartment life due to his smaller size.
However, because he is a toy breed, we recommend families with older children who are respectful of the Maltese’s size.
Health Issues and Lifespan
With a lifespan of 12-15 years, the Maltese is a relatively healthy dog.
However, he is more prone than average to White Shaker Dog Syndrome, which is a serious neurological disease.
He can also be predisposed to deafness, hypoglycemia, collapsing trachea, pyloric stenosis, and liver shunt.
No 6: Neapolitan Mastiff
Italian Inheritance
This large Italian dog breed is closely related to the Cane Corso and is another guard dog of the Mastiff type.
This neopolitan mastiff has severe ectropion
Like many Italian breeds, this is an ancient dog who is best known for defending his family and property.
He was extremely popular in Italy but was nearly lost during World War ll.
Neopolitan Mastiff Qualities
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large and powerful dog, renowned for his daunting appearance and large head. He is covered in loose skin with a short haired, shiny coat.
Though this dog may be fierce in appearance, he will only bark if provoked.
He is intelligent and is known to be a fast learner, though he can have a stubborn streak. He is obedient, dominant, and very protective.
This massive breed can weigh as much as 150 pounds, so a potential owner should prepare for a lot of dog and a lot of drool!
This large Italian dog breed has loose jowls and he salivates when excited or after drinking.
Despite his large size, the Neapolitan Mastiff is not very active—unless he has to chase off an intruder, of course.
Where You’ll Find Him Now
The Neapolitan Mastiff is primarily used as a pet today, but it should be noted that because of his guarding history, early socialization and obedience training is a must for this Italian breed.
He should be well socialized while young, especially if prospective owners have children.
These dogs have natural guarding instincts and are very protective and large.
Health Issues and Lifespan
Like most large breeds, the Neapolitan Mastiff has a shorter lifespan averaging 7-9 years.
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 folds called pyoderma.
No 7: Bergamasco Sheepdog
History in Italy
A true Italian dog breed, the Bergamasco Shepherd hails from the Italian Alps near Bergamo and was originally bred as a herding dog.
He was best at watching over cattle and sheep, and it is said that he could be released with the livestock and trusted to bring them back again without any human supervision.
Character and Care
This Italian herding breed has a unique coat that naturally develops thick mats.
This distinctive look has helped to protect him from the environment and predators.
This felting is normal and natural, so you’ll need a specialist groomer who knows how to work with them.
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are an intelligent dog who is alert, observant, and patient. Thanks to these qualities, he has a good reputation with children too.
The 21st Century Bergamasco
This Italian dog breed does well in show and is often still used to herd sheep.
He truly is a mountain dog and enjoys being outside.
Because of this, he does best with families who also like to be outside, and who have time to “work” him using lots of games and training.
Health Issues and Lifespan
Bergamasco Shepherd has a lifespan of 13-15 years.
They have a few known health issues, including hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems.
No 8: Maremma Sheepdog
Italian Origins
This large Italian breed was bred to guard livestock in the Abruzzo and Maremma region of Tuscany and Lazio.
True to his name, he was also used to guard sheep against wolves.
Canine Qualities
This is a very large dog breed with a muscular build and a thick white coat that is typically solid white and rough to the touch.
The Maremma Sheepdog can weigh as much as 100 pounds and is incredibly loyal with a dignified persona. He is also very intelligent, making training a breeze.
This Italian sheepdog can be aloof with strangers, but early socialization can help with this.
He does become very attached to his family members and can make a wonderful family pet.
What’s He Up To Now?
This Italian sheepdog is still very popular in Italy and is used as a herding dog, especially in Abruzzo.
He is among the more 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 him firmly where the action is!
(By the way we’ll include a full list of breed clubs for all our favorite Italian breeds at the end of this article.)
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Maremma Sheepdog has a lifespan of 11-13 years and can be prone to hip dysplasia, achondroplasia, and slipped patellas.
No 9: Spinone Italiano
Italian Backstory
The Spinone is an ancient Italian dog breed that can be traced as far back as 500 BC in the Piedmont region of Italy.
More recently, the Spinone Italiano was bred to be a versatile gun dog and to this day is still used for that purpose.
Which makes them one of the first gun dogs in existence!
What Makes Them Great
This Italian dog breed is medium to large in size and is known to have a calm, loving, and loyal disposition.
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-like in their expressiveness!
This is an easy going Italian breed who enjoys both people and other dogs.
He is also known to do very well with children, as he is extremely patient and rarely aggressive.
Main Role Today
The Spinone Italiano is still used for the same reason he was originally bred.
In fact, he is the most famous hunting dog in Italy!
He also makes an excellent family dog.
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Spinone Italiano has a lifespan of 12-14 years.
He can be prone to ataxia and hip dysplasia.
The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy
No: 10 Volpino Italiano
Italian Ancestry
The Volpino Italiano is a Spitz-type breed said to have been in existence as far back as 4,000 BC.
This dog is small in size, but he is filled with courage. In fact, he was originally used 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.
The Volpino Italiano is considered a rare Italian dog breed these days, but he has been making a comeback since the 1980s.
Volpino Qualities
This is a small Italian dog breed with a long, thick white coat and fox-like features.
They aren’t well known in America at all, which means they’re more likely to be mistaken for an over-sized Pomeranian.
They are good natured, intelligent, affectionate, playful, and active.
Owing to their guard dog roots, these dogs are also very vocal and enjoys using their voice.
Their snowy white coat needs quite a lot of grooming to keep it immaculate, but luckily these happy lapdogs shouldnt but up too much of a fight whenever 1:1 attention is involved.
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Volpino Italiano has a lifespan of 14-16 years.
He can be predisposed to primary lens luxation, patellar luxation.
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.
At the bottom of this article we’ve included links to breed clubs for all our breeds where they exist.
Most include directories of breeders, and loads of helpful resources to find a healthy, happy puppy.
We’ve tried to give you an idea of the health problems most commonly diagnosed in our favorite breeds.
A good breeder will be happy talk candidly about these with you too, including family history of health problems, and what screening tests they have undertaken.
If you are looking to get yourself an Italian breed from a breeder, be ready to spend anywhere from $500 to over $1,000 depending on the breed and the breeder.
Adopting Italian Dog Breeds
Although shelters carry all types of breeds, finding the certain Italian breed you are looking for could be hit or miss, depending on what’s available at the time you are looking.
Many shelters do incur adoption fees, but they are often a fraction of what most breeder’s charge.
You should prepare for most adoption fees to be anywhere from $50-$200.
Another benefit of adopting from a shelter is that shelters usually cover the initial vet fees, ensuring your Italian dog breed is adoptable and ready for his forever home!
Is an Italian Dog Right for You?
If you think one of the breeds on this list would be perfect for your household, then congratulations!
Italian dog breeds include some of the smartest working breeds, steadfast guarding breeds, and most devoted companion dogs.
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.
Others are much less common outside Italy and her neighboring countries, so you’re bound to get lots of interested questions when you go out together.
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 breeds on our list.
But we think any one of them would be worth the wait!
Do You Have One Of Our Favorite Italian Dogs?
Which one is it?
Is there another breed you’d add to the list?
Join in the conversation using the comments box!
References
- Andrea Talenti, Dayna L. Dreger, Stefano Frattini, Michele Polli, Studies of Modern Italian Dog Populations Reveal Multiple Patterns for Domestic Breed Evolution, Ecology and Evolution, 2018.
- Tyrone C. Spady, Elaine A. Ostrander, Canine Behavioral Genetics: Pointing Out the Phenotypes and Herding up the Genes, National Human Genome Research Institute, 2008.
- Tiffani J Howell, Tammie King, Pauleen C Bennett, Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior, Volume 6, 2015.
- Nathan B Sutter and Elaine A Ostrander, Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System, Nature Reviews Genetics, 2004.
- D.N. Irion A.L. Schaffer, T.R. Famula, M.L. Eggleston, S.S. Hughes N. C. Pedersen, Analysis of Genetic Variation in 28 Dog Breed Populations With 100 Microsatellite Markers, Journal of Heredity, 2003.
- Lowell Acumen DVM, DACVD, MBA, MOA, The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, Second Edition, 2011.
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