Italy’s dog breeds broadly fall into three main categories – imposingly large farm dogs; agile and characterful hunting dogs; and smaller toy breeds. There is also a fourth type, which are largely absent from this list due to their lack of recognition by any kennel clubs or breeding standard lists: this is the indigenous type, often the result of breeding with wild or feral populations and frequently used for livestock guarding or herding in the country’s hills and pastures. We have included one example of one such dog – the Sardinian Shepherd – here, although there are several other types of dogs of this type throughout Italy.
Dog breeding standards in Italy are regulated by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiano (ENCI), established in 1882.
Table of Contents
Bergamasco Shepherd
Size: Large/Very Large
Height: 54-62 cm (21-24 inches)
Weight: 26-38 kg (57-84 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and felted; in pale grey to black
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Beneath the Bergamasco Shepherd’s unique matted, fleecy coat is an impressively muscular and strong herding dog of notably ancient pedigree. Bergamascos are extremely hardworking: they love to have a job to do and will diligently complete any task they are given. However, they also make fine family pets, possessed of calm, patient and very intelligent temperaments. The only limitation to this is presented by their considerable size and their dual demands for daily exercise and mentally stimulating activity.
Bolognese Dog
Size: Very small
Height: 25-30 cm (10-12 inches)
Weight: 2.5-4 kg (6-9 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and fluffy; in solid white
Life Expectancy: 14-18 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
Otherwise known as a Bichon Bolognese, this teacup-sized companion animal is an easygoing, playful and affectionate pet. The Bolognese is a notably inactive breed, much preferring dozing on an owner’s lap than running around outdoors, making them a very popular choice for owners with limited living space or mobility problems. The only potential problem with keeping this breed as a pet is their high potential to suffer from Separation Anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
Bracco Italiano
Size: Large
Height: 55-67 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 25-40 kg (55-88 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and glossy; in solid white or white with amber, orange or chestnut markings
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Otherwise known as an Italian Pointer, the Bracco Italiano is a classic hunting dog: while they are tireless and utterly determined in the field, at home they are docile, calm and gentle. Bracco Italianos are people pleasers, very receptive to learning new tricks and easy to train. However, they have a strong need for both exercise and mentally stimulating activity, meaning that their owners will ideally be as active as they are.
Cane Corso
Size: Very Large
Height: 58-70 cm (23-28 inches)
Weight: 40-50 kg (88-110 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and dense; in black, grey, fawn or brindle
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Type: Mastiff
Personality
When owned by an experienced and confident handler, the mighty Cane Corso is an affectionate, loyal, people pleaser. However, this dog’s confidence and assertiveness can quickly see them asserting their own dominance and leadership if their owner isn’t careful. Consistent training and socialisation is a must for this bossy breed, to make sure they are kept in their place. With care and gentle firmness, the Cane Corso will make a devoted companion and family pet.
Cirneco dell’Etna
Size: Small
Height: 44-50 cm (17-20 inches)
Weight: 8-13 kg (18-29 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in light sand or any shade of tan
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Sighthound
Personality
As their name suggests these small dogs originate from eastern Sicily, in the area around Mount Etna. While they retain the independent, determined and headstrong personality of the hunter, Cirnecos are also friendly, affectionate dogs who make good family pets. They are very much like a terrier, with inquisitive and bright personalities and surprising amounts of both strength and speed. Energetic to a fault, they require plenty of regular exercise and play.
Italian Greyhound
Size: Small
Height: 32-38 cm (13-15 inches)
Weight: 3.5-5 kg
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in black, grey or isabelline
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Sighthound
Personality
Known in Italian as a Piccolo Levriero Italiano, the Iggy is quickly becoming a very popular family pet. They are goofy, gentle, kind and affectionate dogs whose biggest fault is perhaps their continual need for human company and affection. It is ironic, then, that this breed are also frequently aloof and shy around strangers. Italian Greyhounds are peculiarly unable to cope with cold weather and well-cared for Iggies in cooler climates are liable to quickly assemble extensive wardrobes of clothing.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Size: Small/Medium
Height: 41-48 cm (17-19 inches)
Weight: 11-16 kg (24-35 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Thick and woolly; in off-white, orange or brown, or off-white with orange or brown markings
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Type: Water dog
Personality
Also known as a Romagna Water Dog, Lagottos are intelligent, lively, people pleasers. They are very easy to train and particularly well suited to canine agility courses and dog obedience trials: both of which help them work through their high requirements for exercise and mental stimulation. As with all water dogs, Lagottos are also extremely capable and enthusiastic swimmers. They are not dogs who enjoy spending long periods on their own and favour being surrounded by family and friends at every possible opportunity.
Maltese
Size: Very small
Height: 20-25 cm (8-10 inches)
Weight: 3-4 kg (7-9 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and smooth; in solid white
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
These tiny dogs are intelligent, affectionate and playful companions. They are one of the oldest breeds of toy dog and have developed an extremely symbiotic relationship with humans, frequently proving extremely smart and adept at getting what they want from us. A Maltese dog loves to spend time with their favourite people, playing games and learning new tricks. However, they can be snappy and aggressive towards young children or anyone who treats them roughly.
Maremmano-Abruzzese Sheepdog
Size: Very Large
Height: 60-73 cm (24-29 inches)
Weight: 30-45 kg (66-99 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and thick; in solid white
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Livestock guardian
Personality
These imposing white dogs are confident, self-assured and independent, happy to set their own agenda and spend time in solitude. This said, they also make very content family pets, although their size and wilful personality will often present a serious challenge for an inexperienced owner. As a pet, they will prove affectionate, loyal and overwhelmingly protective, even to the youngest children. Great care must be taken around strangers (including unknown children), however, as a Maremmano-Abruzzese will not afford them the same courtesy.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Size: Giant
Height: 60-75 cm (24-30 inches)
Weight: 50-70 kg (110-150 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in grey or black with white markings
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Type: Mastiff
Personality
The giant Neapolitan Mastiff’s extraordinary appearance and intimidating stare masks their gentle, affectionate and calm nature. In some cases, a Neopolitan Mastiff can be so friendly that their favoured owners will find they have somehow acquired themselves a 150 pound lapdog. However, as with many dogs of this type, they are far less well-disposed towards strangers. When coupled to their huge size and enormous strength, Neapolitan Mastiffs are recommended for experienced handlers and owners only.
Sardinian Shepherd
Size: Large
Height: 52-60 cm (20-24 inches)
Weight: 25-40 kg (55-88 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long, shaggy double coat; in black, ash or honey
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Livestock guardian
Personality
Also known as a Fonnese Dog (or Fonni’s Dog) after the town in Sardinia from which it originates, the Sardinian Shepherd is one of a number of indigenous farm dog breeds from Italy that are not officially recognised as a breed by any major kennel clubs. As with the majority of dogs of this type, Sardinian Shepherds are self-assured, protective, brave and loyal. When kept as pets they will often form such an unbreakably strong bond with their owners that they can prove difficult to rehome should this ever prove necessary.
Segugio dell’Appennino
Size: Small/Medium
Height: 42-50 cm (16½-19½ inches)
Weight: 10-18 kg (22-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth or wiry and coarse double coat; in fawn
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
Otherwise known as an Alpine Hound, the remarkably-eared Segugio dell’Appennino was bred to hunt hare around the Alps of northern Italy. In the home, they possess a noble and calm character, kind and gentle with large, exaggerated personalities. A Segugio dell’Appennino will require plenty of regular exercise and, due to their hunting pedigree, are not recommended for households with other pets.
Segugio Italiano
Size: Medium
Height: 48-60 cm (19-24 inches)
Weight: 18-28 kg (40-62 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short or wire; in any shade of fawn or black and tan
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
Otherwise known as an Italian Hound, the Segugio Italiano covers two breeds of dog: the smooth-haired Segugio Italiano a Pelo Raso and the wire-haired Segugio Italiano a Pelo Forte. Originally bred for hunting hare, they have become so specialised that unusually for dogs of this type the Segugio Italiano will often show no interest in hunting any other type of small animal or bird. They are cautious dogs who benefit from consistent leadership, where they can flourish into gentle and sociable family pets.
Segugio Maremmano
Size: Medium
Height: 46-54 cm (18-21 inches)
Weight: 13-23 kg (29-51 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth or rough and short; in any shade of fawn or black and tan
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
One of three varieties of native Italian scenthound, the Segugio Maremmano is an intelligent and highly active dog. While it responds well to training, it also possesses a stubborn streak which will at times make this difficult. They are enthusiastic hunters, who require a great deal of daily exercise and enjoy being given tasks to complete. They are not recommended for inexperienced or inactive owners.
Spinone Italiano
Size: Large
Height: 58-70 cm (23-27½ inches)
Weight: 28-37 kg (62-82 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length, rough and thick; in white or white with orange, chestnut or brown markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Also known as the Italian Griffon or the Italian Wire-haired Pointer, the endearingly cuddly Spinone Italiano is a sociable, docile and patient dog whose stubborn streak does little to dampen their suitability as a family pet. This breed benefits from consistent, firm and strong leadership to keep their independence in check. They are sweet-tempered dogs who tend to love everyone, although they are not recommended for homes with other animals due to their high prey drive. They are also an active breed, who require lots of regular exercise.
Saint Bernard
See: Swiss dog breeds
Volpino Italiano
Size: Very Small
Height: 25-30 cm (10-12 inches)
Weight: 4-5.5 kg (9-12 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long; in solid white or red
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Type: Companion dog
Personality
Also known as a Cane di Firenze, the Volpino Italiano is a Spitz-type dog bred as a lap dog or companion animal. They are lively, playful and affectionate dogs who grow very attached to their people and dislike spending long periods of time separated from them. They are also generally very good with children, although benefit from adult supervision as they can be snappy if roughly treated.