Italian Dog Breeds

Italian dog enjoying the sights of Rome with their owner

Italy is known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Yet, among this beauty, Italy is also home to several distinctive dog breeds, each just as charming as the country. Italian dog breeds are celebrated for their unique characteristics, loyalty, and versatility, making them beloved companions in Italy and around the world.

From the majestic Cane Corso to the elegant Italian Greyhound, Italian dog breeds come in various sizes and temperaments. Many of these breeds also have ancient origins, while others have emerged more recently. Whether bred for hunting, herding, guarding, or companionship, these dog breeds from Italy are loved around the world. Keep reading to learn about a few of the most popular breeds from Italy.

• Bergamasco Sheepdog
• Bolognese
• Bracco Italiano (Italian Pointer)
• Cane Corso
• Cirneco dell'Etna
• Italian Greyhound
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Maltese
• Maremma Sheepdog
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Saint Bernard
• Segugio Italiano
• Spinone Italiano (Italian Pointer)
• Volpino Italiano (Italian Pointer)
• FAQs
• Final Notes

Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a large Italian dog breed from the Italian Alps. This breed was used for centuries as a herding dog and is esteemed for its ability to navigate challenging terrain and protect livestock. Its distinctive coat is composed of long, dense, cord-like hair that provides insulation against harsh weather and camouflages the dog among the flock.

Despite its rugged appearance, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is known for its gentle and affectionate nature, making it an excellent family companion.¹

Bolognese

Hailing from the Italian city of Bologna, the Bolognese is believed to have been a favored companion among Italian nobility during the Renaissance period.

Despite its diminutive size, the Bolognese possesses a big personality characterized by its playful demeanor and unwavering devotion to its family. This breed is known for forming strong bonds with its human companions and excels in various canine sports and activities.²

Bracco Italiano (Italian Pointer)

The Bracco Italiano is an ancient Italian breed depicted in Italian art and literature for centuries. Believed to have originated during the Renaissance period, the Bracco was developed as a versatile hunting dog prized for its strong sense of smell and ability to track game in diverse terrains.

Known for its friendly and sociable nature, the Bracco Italiano is an exceptional hunting companion and beloved family pet. Despite its strong hunting instincts, the Bracco is typically gentle and affectionate with children and other pets, making it a well-rounded and adaptable breed.³

Cane Corso

With roots tracing back to ancient Roman times, the Cane Corso was used as a guardian and protector of property, as well as a formidable hunter of large game. The Cane Corso earned a reputation for its strength, courage, and unwavering loyalty.

Despite its imposing size and powerful build, the Cane Corso is known for its affectionate and devoted nature towards its family. New dog owners need to be careful as the Cane Corso needs to be handled by experienced owners with strong leadership skills.

Cirneco dell'Etna

Originating from the Mediterranean island of Sicily, the Cirneco dell'Etna is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in Italy. Believed to have been brought to Sicily by Phoenician traders over 2,500 years ago, the Cirneco was developed as a versatile hunting dog prized for its agility, speed, and keen scenting abilities.

The Cirneco dell'Etna is known for its independent, spirited nature and remarkable athleticism and endurance. Despite its small size, this breed is an adept hunter capable of tracking and chasing game over rugged terrain for extended periods.⁴

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a small breed known for its graceful appearance and affectionate temperament. Despite its name, the Italian Greyhound has roots that trace back to ancient Turkey and Greece, where similar slender hounds were revered companions of royalty and nobility.

Bred for companionship, the Italian Greyhound is cherished for its playful nature and devotion to its family. This breed is also prized for its agility and speed, excelling in various canine sports such as lure coursing and agility competitions.⁵

Lagotto Romagnolo

As one of the most well-known shaggy dog breeds, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a versatile and affectionate breed originating from the Romagna region of Italy. Historically used as a water retriever and truffle hunter, the Lagotto is prized for its exceptional sense of smell.

With its dense and curly coat, the Lagotto is well-suited to work in wet and muddy conditions, making it an ideal companion for truffle hunting. This breed is known for its friendly, outgoing nature and trainability.⁶

Maltese

The Maltese is a charming and affectionate toy breed known for its long, white coat and lively personality. Originally from the Mediterranean island of Malta, the Maltese has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years, where it was prized as a companion of royalty and aristocracy.

Despite its small size, the Maltese is a spirited and confident dog known for its playful antics and unwavering loyalty to its family. This breed is a good apartment dog and enjoys spending time with its human companions, making it a popular choice for families and individuals.⁷

Maremma Sheepdog

The Maremma Sheepdog is a large Italian dog breed with ancient origins in the central regions of Italy. Bred as a guardian of livestock, particularly sheep, the Maremma is prized for its intelligence, courage, and unwavering loyalty to its flock.

With its thick and weather-resistant coat, the Maremma is well-suited for working in rugged environments, where it remains vigilant against potential threats. Despite its strong protective instincts, the Maremma is known for its gentle and affectionate nature towards its family, making it a beloved companion and guardian.⁸

Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive, imposing breed known for its wrinkled skin and powerful build. It was bred to guard and protect property, as well as participate in blood sports and gladiatorial combat.

Despite its intimidating appearance, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a gentle giant known for its affectionate nature. However, this breed needs early socialization and training to channel its protective instincts appropriately.⁹

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is a gentle giant of Swiss origin, although it's often associated with the Italian Alps due to its history of rescuing stranded travelers in the region. Bred by monks of the St. Bernard Hospice, these massive dogs were trained to locate and rescue travelers lost or injured in the treacherous mountain passes.

Despite their imposing size, Saint Bernards are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them excellent family pets and therapy dogs. This breed requires regular exercise and socialization to thrive.¹⁰

Segugio Italiano

The Segugio Italiano, or Italian Hound, is a versatile and tenacious breed known for its exceptional hunting abilities.

Whether used for hunting hare, deer, or boar, the Segugio is relentless in its pursuit of scent, making it a valued companion among Italian hunters. Despite its working heritage, the Segugio is also known for its friendly and sociable nature, making it a beloved family pet and loyal companion.¹¹

Spinone Italiano

The Spinone Italiano is another hunting breed with a distinctive appearance and gentle demeanor. Originating from Italy, the Spinone was developed as a versatile gun dog capable of working in various terrains and climates.

With its wiry coat and expressive eyes, the Spinone is rugged and endearing, making it a popular choice among hunters and families. Known for its intelligence and trainability, the Spinone excels in various sports and activities, including field trials and obedience competitions.¹²

Volpino Italiano

The Volpino Italiano is a small and lively breed known for its fluffy coat and fox-like appearance. Originating from Italy, the Volpino has a long history dating back to ancient Roman times, where it was valued as a companion of nobility and royalty.

Despite its small size, the Volpino is a spirited and confident dog known for its alert nature and lively personality. This breed is highly adaptable, making it a popular choice for city dwellers and rural families alike.¹³

FAQs

What dog breeds are native to Italy?

A few popular dog breeds native to Italy include:

• Bergamasco Sheepdog
• Bolognese
• Bracco Italiano
• Cane Corso
• Cirneco dell'Etna
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Maltese
• Maremma Sheepdog
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Saint Bernard
• Segugio Italiano
• Spinone Italiano
• Volpino Italiano

What is Italy's national dog?

The Spinone Italiano is often considered one of Italy's national dog breeds. This ancient breed has been part of Italian culture for centuries.

What are some Italian-inspired dog names?

A few Italian-inspired popular pet names are:

• Bella
• Dante
• Sofia
• Marco
• Luna
• Luigi
• Isabella

Final Notes

Italy is home to a remarkable array of dog breeds, each of which has captivated dog enthusiasts around the world with their unique appearances, loyalty, and versatility. Whether they're hunting companions or cherished family pets, Italian dog breeds continue to leave their marks on the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.

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