Bergamasco Shepherd
The medium-sized Bergamasco Shepherd, a herding dog, was used to herding sheep and cattle and as a guard dog. These Dog Breeds From Italy originated in ancient times and are excellent show dogs prized for their impeccable intelligence. They are vigilant, intelligent, and determined by nature. Bergamasco Shepherd makes good family companions and is adaptable to both rural or urban lifestyles. This Shepherd requires moderate exercise and activities, low grooming maintenance, and is very trainable. It has the unique long-haired corded deadlock-like coats of black, grey, or silver shades, a mop-like look, and features a sturdy build. They have a lifespan of 13-15 years and are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia.
Bolognese
The Bolognese is one of the oldest European companion dogs developed in the 12th century. These small-sized Dog Breeds From Italy were owned by the rich and were gifted to the nobility. Often called the ‘Bolos,’ are spunky, intelligent, and reserved breeds. This toy dog has featured in tapestry works, writings, and paintings and gained popularity as a show dog after appearing in the Crufts 2002 international show. Bolognese is a great family dog who needs attention, moderate exercise, is trainable, and requires high grooming. It has long-haired curly coats of white shade and presents a stocky frame. The Bolos live 12-15 years and are prone to patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, and hip-dysplasia.
Bracco Italiano
The ancient Bracco Italiano is a pointing dog used for hunting. These Dog Breeds From Italy are one of the two native Italian hunting dog breeds still used by ardent hunters. They love to hunt and are affectionate, loyal, and stubborn breeds. They have excellent retrieving and scenting skills and are great at dog sports like agility, tracking, nose work, and rally. They are good companions who are well suited for homes with plenty of running space, are easy to groom, and are very trainable. Bracco Italiano has short-haired coats of commonly white-orange shades, features speckles, and is compactly built. This medium-sized dog lives 12-13 years and is prone to kidney problems, elbow and hip dysplasia.
Cane Corso
Cane Corso is an Italian Mastiff breed bred for hunting and as guard dogs. They have unknown origins but are believed to have descended from the Roman Molossian. Cane Corso is an intelligent, quiet, and reserved breed used to hunt big game and as livestock protectors. These Dog Breeds From Italy are one the most trainable breeds among the Mastiff group and are good family companions. It requires early socialization and proper training, an active lifestyle, and homes having large open spaces. Easy to groom, Cane Corso has short-haired coats of black, gray, or brindle shades and features Mastiff-like robust giant build. They have a lifespan of 10-12 years and are prone to bloat.
Cane Di Oropa
Cane di Oropa or Cane Pastore Biellese is a herding dog breed native to Italy. They are used for herding and driving cattle and flocks along the Western Alps region. These Dog Breeds From Italy were developed in the 1800s and were used extensively as working dogs. They are obedient, powerful, and courageous breeds. Cane di Oropa is affectionate to humans and needs regular exercise and activities, is accessible to the groom, and requires homes to have open space. This medium-sized dog has short or medium-length coats of black, brown, or merle shades with markings, bushy tail and features a compact build. They have a lifespan of 10-15 years and are not prone to any significant health issues.
Cane Paratore
The Cane Paratore is a herding dog breed. They are also known as ‘Cane Toccatore’ and were employed by the farmers for moving herds along the hilly regions. These Dog Breeds From Italy originated in ancient times, are closely related, and share the same immune system as the wolves. They are intelligent, courageous, and affectionate breeds who are good companion dogs. Cane Paratore requires regular exercise and activities, proper training, adequate space for movement, and are easy to groom. They have medium to short-haired coats of wolf gray, black shades with markings, bushy tails, features the distinct wolf-like look, and sturdy build. It has a lifespan of 10-15 years and is not prone to any serious health ailments.
Cirneco Dell’Etna
Cirneco dell’Etna is a hunting dog native to Sicily, Italy. These Dog Breeds From Italy were used for hunting small games, particularly rabbits and have an ancient origin. They are intelligent, determined, and energetic, have impeccable stamina, and are known for their high endurance. They have better-scenting abilities among other sighthounds and are related to the Pharaoh or Ibizan Hounds. These sighthounds are good companions and tend to be master dogs. They require an active lifestyle and have low grooming maintenance. The small-sized Cirneco dell’Etna has very short-haired coats of red shades, big-pointed ears and presents a lean frame. It lives 12-14 years and is prone to skin problems.
Dogo Sardesco
Dogo Sardesco or Dogo Sardo is a mastiff-type guard dog. This large-sized dog is believed to be related to the Neapolitan Mastiff and Cane Corso. These ancient Dog Breeds From Italy were primarily used for hunting and as livestock guardians and property protectors. They are aggressive, protective, dedicated, and are not generally kept as family pets. Instead, they have gained popularity in Italy as protection animals. Good companions require an active lifestyle, proper training, and socialization and are easy to groom. Dogo Sardo has short-haired coats of black, red, or brindle shades and features a hefty powerful physique. They have a lifespan of 10-12 years and are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is the smallest sighthound breed. They are also called the Italian Sighthound and are small in size. These Dog Breeds From Italy were bred for hunting rabbits, hares and had an impeccable speed of 60 kmph. This Italian Greyhound is a mischievous, intelligent, and athletic breed. They are gentle family companions who need moderate excess and activities, are easy to groom, and require a lot of attention. Italian Greyhounds are easily trainable, an excellent watchdog, and are compatible with children and other pets. These indoor dogs have short-haired coats of gray or black shades, a skinny look, and present a sturdy frame. It has a lifespan of 12-15 years and is prone to hip dysplasia.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo is a gundog of ancient origin used for searching and hunting truffles. These Dog Breeds From Italy are excellent water retrievers and were used extensively by hunters for waterfowl. This water dog is keen, active, and companionable by nature. Lagotto Romagnolo is a great family companion dog who needs intense exercise and activities and is easy to groom. These dogs require early socialization and extensive training and are suitable for home having yards. It has short-haired curly coats of brown roan, off-white or brown shades, distinct brown or flesh-colored nose, and features a robust frame. These short to medium-sized dogs have a lifespan of 15-17 years and are prone to lysosomal storage disease.
Levriero Sardo
The Levriero Sardo is a rare sighthound. These old Dog Breeds From Italy were used for hunting hares. They are believed to have been taken to the Sardinian Islands by the Phoenician traders, which they used for hunting, companion dogs, and controlling vermin. They are alert, affectionate, and intelligent breeds who make good family companions. Levriero Sardo requires regular exercise and activities, is accessible to the groom, and is best suited for homes having ample open space. They are large-sized and possess a strong prey drive. This hound has short-haired coats of brown, brindle, or black shades, distinct Greyhound looks, and sturdy. It lives 10-13 years and is not prone to any significant health issues.
Lupo Italiano
The Lupo Italiano or Italian Wolfdog is a working dog. This dog is a mixed hybrid between a female Apennine Wolf and a male German Shepherd. These Dog Breeds From Italy are expert sniffers used as police, search and rescue dogs. Lupo Italiano has an intelligent, courageous, and energetic temperament and is even kept as a companion dog. They require an active lifestyle, proper training, and early socialization. Easy to groom, Lupo Italiano has medium-length coats of gray, red, or black shades with white markings, wolf-like looks and features a sturdy, well-muscled physique. It has a longevity of upto 16 years and is not prone to any significant health risks.
Maremmano Abruzzese Sheepdog
The Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog is a livestock guardian dog. They are used for guarding sheep against wolves and for herding flocks. These Dog Breeds From Italy are vital for the rural economy as they are still bred for protecting and herding skills. They are intelligent, loyal, and alert breeds. Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdogs are similar to the Great Pyrenees and Tatra Shepherd and are considered good companions. As pets dogs, require proper training and socialization, regular exercise but need intense grooming. It has long-haired wavy coats of white shade, a bushy tail, and features a robust bulky build. They have a lifespan of 10-12 years and are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff or Mastino Napoletano is a guardian dog breed closely related to the Cane Corso. This gentle giant is well known for its intimidating statuesque frame. These Dog Breeds From Italy are ancient and were used extensively as property guardians. Neapolitan Mastiffs are protective, dominant, and fearless breeds. Nowadays, they are used in dog shows and are popular family companions. Neapolitan Mastiffs require proper training and socialization, daily exercise, homes with larger open areas, and moderate grooming needs. It has short-haired coats of black, grey, or brindle shades, distinct loose, wrinkled skin, and presents a hefty powerful physique. These large-sized dogs have an 8-10 years lifespan and are prone to bloat on and hip dysplasia.
Pastore Della Lessinia E Del Lagorai
The Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai is a herding dog. These Dog Breeds From Italy are ancient breeds that are still now used as cattle herders. They were used in pastoral activities such as driving and herding cattle, flocks etc. Pastore Della Lessinia e del Lagorai is an intelligent, hardworking, and determined breed. It has shaggy coats of fawn, merle, or black shades, semi-erect ears, and a compact build. They are affectionate to humans and serve as working and farm dog purposes. These working dogs require an active lifestyle suitable for homes with yards and need good grooming. They have a lifespan of 12-14 years and are not prone to any significant health conditions.
Segugio Dell’Appennino
Segugio dell’Appennino or Piccolo Lepraiolo Italiano is a small-sized scenthound. They were used for hunting hares as well as wild boars. These Dog Breeds From Italy have excellent hunting abilities and possess unknown origins. It has a confident, courageous, and friendly temperament and is typically one master dog. Segugio dell’Appennino is a good companion dog who is known for its speed and endurance. They require regular exercise and activities, are easy to groom, and are adaptable to rustic lifestyles. These hounds have short-haired coats of grey, fawn, or black-tan shades, floppy ears, and features a well-muscled build. This Italian breed has a lifespan of 12-15 years and exhibits no known significant health conditions.
Segugio Italiano
The Segugio Italiano is a scenthound breed native to Italy. These Dog Breeds From Italy have long and short-haired coats variations and were traditionally used for hunting hares and wild boars. This ancient breed has a stubborn, willful, and intelligent temperament. Segugio Italiano is still used as prized hunting dogs well known for its tireless hunting skills. They are even kept as companion dogs who require extensive training and early socialization, daily exercise, and are easy to groom. It has short to long-haired coats of black-tan, fawn, or fox-red shades, long floppy ears, and is sturdily built. The medium-sized Segugio Italiano has a lifespan of 10-14 years and is prone to bloat.
Segugio Maremmano
Segugio Maremmano is a medium-sized scenthound breed. These medium-sized Dog Breeds From Italy originated in the 1930s. They were used for hunting hares, small mammals, and wild boars. They are confident, courageous, and determined breeds. Segugio Maremmano is specialized in wild boar hunting and hunts both solo or in packs. They are good companions but have a strong prey drive. This hound requires daily exercise, proper training, and socialization from puppyhood and is easy to groom. Segugio Maremmano has short-haired coats of fawn, black-tan, or brindle shades with white markings, floppy ears, and has a stocky frame. It has a lifespan of 12-15 years and is not prone to any significant health issues.
Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano is a hunting dog breed. These Dog Breeds From Italy are known for their tracking and retrieving abilities and are also used as pointing dogs. They have unknown origins and are patient, docile, and friendly breeds. Spinone Italiano is a good family companion who loves hikes, training and playing. This sporting dog is very compatible with other dogs and children. They need daily exercise and activities, proper training, and have low grooming maintenance. Spinone Italiano has rough wiry-haired coats of white, orange-white, or white-brown shades, a distinct beard, and features a medium-sized sturdy build. It lives 12-14 years and is prone to bloat and hip dysplasia.
Volpino Italiano
The Volpino Italiano is a companion dog closely related to the Pomeranian and German Spitz. This Italian Spitz was popular among the nobility and was used as working dogs having prized watchdog skills. These Dog Breeds From Italy originated in the 15th century and are alert, lively, and affectionate breeds. Volpino Italiano is a great family companion as they require moderate exercise, early socialization, and good grooming. These lapdogs are small-sized and are adaptable to apartment life as well. Volpino has medium-length coats of white, red, or champagne shades, small erect ears, bushy tails, and presents a compact physique. They have a lifespan of 14-16 years and are prone to heart diseases and cataracts.
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