Italian Dog Breeds

Did you know there are fourteen recognized Italian dog breeds?

They are: Bolognese, Bracco Italiano, Cane Corso, Cirneco dell’Etna, Lagotto Romagnolo, Maltese, Mastino Napoletano, Pastore Bergamasco, Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, Piccolo Levriero Italiano, Segugio Italiano a Pelo Raso, Segugio Italiano a Pelo Forte, Spinone, Volpino Italiano.

Find out about their look, personality and dog breed characteristics.

Small dog of the Bichon family, is since the Roman times considered a prized pet. The coat is long, curly and entirely white.

The Bolognese has a calm and serious temperament and shows a very strong attachment to its human family.


Bracco Italiano

The great learning ability makes of the bracco also a pleasant companion at home.

This elegant mastiff was rescued from extinction and is enjoying new popularity thanks to its many abilities.

Because of its trainability and balanced temperament this breed can be guardian of herds and property, hunter or body guard.

Short coated, shows many gorgeous colors: from black to fawn, gray and brindle.

Photo courtesy of Sovrana Cane Corso Kennels


Italian Dog Breeds: Cirneco dell’Etna

Medium sized hound, popular in Sicily in the Etna area. Employed in the rabbit hunt, shows remarkable stamina, frugality and sturdiness.

Short coated, is typically fawn with or without white.


Lagotto Romagnolo

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The lagotto is a medium sized dog of excellent temperament that can easily become a family pet thanks to its trainability.


Maltese

Thanks to the refined look and gorgeous long coat, the maltese quickly assumed the role of pampered pet.





Italian Dog Breeds: Mastino Napoletano

An imposing mastiff, direct descendent of the Roman war dogs. Gentle and quiet with the family, the mastino napoletano’s only presence is a good deterrent to trespassers.

An active, docile, smart and efficient herding dog. Of medium size, it is characterized by a long coat that mats together in long strings, making a good shelter from any kind of weather.


Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese

Independent and fearless shepherd dog, dedicated to the defense of the herd from wolves.

These dogs belong to the family of the mighty white dogs of central Europe. The white abundant coat makes this dog indifferent to the bitter cold and clearly marks the shepherd from the predators.


Piccolo Levriero Italiano

A miniature greyhound, the piccolo retains all the hunting instincts that make this little hound excel in coursing and rabbit hunting.


Segugio Italiano a Pelo Raso and Segugio Italiano a Pelo Forte

Unbeatable in following the prey, is a very vocal dog and likes to work in team. The temperament is sweet and playful.

Unsurpassed hunting dog of large size, always in tune with his master. It’s an excellent swimmer and retriever. Makes a great companion, knows how to be very sweet, affectionate and totally devoted to its human family.

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Not one of the most famous Italian dog breeds, the volpino is a small, attractive dog of spitz type. Very attached to the family and reactive, makes an excellent alarm dog. The coat is white or red.

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