They're highly intelligent, active and independent thinkers, so they'll need lots of exercise, and you'll need to keep them on their toes with training. You may know this card-carrying breed of large Italian dog as the Italian Mastiff dog. They are quick, dexterous, and athletic. They are also prone to mange, skin allergies, and because of their lean build, anesthesia sensitivity. People don’t know the Volpino Italiano in America at all, which means they’re more likely to be mistaken for an oversized Pomeranian. They're known for being affectionate, easy-going and playful. The modern-day variety became popular as a result of their versatility and ability to retrieve on land and in water. Descendants of the modern-day Bolo can be traced as far back as 11th century Italy, around the Bologna area, when they were beloved by the nobility of the time. Plenty of positive training will be required to ensure that they don't become too stubborn or noisy. Here are some ideas: Gelato – Italian ice cream that is delicious and addicting. Italian Maltese dog. This is a working dog who people bred mostly for water retrieving. The Bracco Italiano (Italian Pointer) has ancient roots in Italy and is mentioned in writings of the 4th and 5th centuries. And they may also be wary of strangers. Royalty used this breed primarily as a companion dog due to their small size and adorable appearance. They're also more laid back than some working dogs. As always, we recommend doing plenty of research before you decide where you get your Italian dog. They currently sit at 40 out of 192 on the AKC’s 2019 list of most popular dog breeds. These dogs are large, athletic, intelligent and driven. These dogs are also very vocal and enjoy using their voice. Their coat can come in white, white and chestnut, or white and orange. Enthusiastic breeders in North America were largely responsible for reviving their numbers. Lagos are known for being affectionate, eager to please and trainable. Illustration of mastino, maltese, maremma - 112122790 Italian Dog Breeds: 12 Of Our Favorite Dogs From Italy 1. As mentioned above, the Cane Corso is a part of the Mastiff family. Cirneco dell’Etnas have a narrow head and a long muzzle. (Accessed 2019). Whatever kind of lifestyle you want to enjoy together, Italy has a great dog for you. However, the ones that are making up some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. You should prepare to pay adoption fees of anywhere from $50 to $200. Fortunately, a group of Cane Corso fans was able to recover the breed and rescue it from near extinction. They’re an ancient Italian breed with noble roots tying them to the Italian nobility. Cane Corso Italian dogs. Although this Italian dog breed may be fierce in appearance, they will only bark if provoked. The dogs were so highly prized that records show that a chestnut Bracco was given … Physical Characteristics: This large, solid and muscular dog has a long, thick, rough coat, with a mane around the neck; solid white in color. And they are the smallest of the sighthounds. If you think one of the Italian dog breeds on this list would be perfect for your household, then congratulations! This large Italian dog breed is closely related to the Cane Corso. This dog is small in size, but they are courageous. The Lagotto Romagnolo can be small to medium in size and has a varied appearance. But because they are a bichon-type dog, prospective owners should watch for issues such as chronic allergies, ear infections, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patella, epilepsy, heart disease, urinary stones, pancreatitis, and diabetes. The Maltese are an ancient breed, specifically bred for their small size. Like all large breeds, they can be prone to hip dysplasia. Many of the top Italian dog breeds aren’t too well known outside of Italy. “Cirneco dell’Etna.”, Sutter, N. B., and Ostrander, E. A. Some are built for hard work while others will want to lounge around the house with you for most of the day. They were best at watching over cattle and sheep. People still use the Spinone Italiano for the same reasons they were originally bred. The Maltese bichon is a toy-sized dog that is characterized by its long and white silky mantle. Originally used for herding and protecting livestock in the mountainous alpine territory near... Bolognese. Hermes House. People say this breed develops a very strong bond with their family members. The Neopolitan Mastiff is a big and powerful dog, renowned for its daunting appearance and large head. There are Etruscan artifacts that show a dog resembling a Lagotto Romagnolo that date the dogs back to somewhere between the 8th and 2nd century B.C. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Cane Corso in 2010. People still value the Bolognese a companion pet today, but they are an uncommon breed. People know them to have a calm, loving, and loyal disposition. Lagotto, in the local dialect, translates as 'Duck Dog'. They have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. This is the official list of all American Kennel Club dog breeds. While it’s likely this breed may have originated in Cyrene (now Libya), people believe that the Cirneco dell’Etna existed in Sicily dating back 3000 years. For this reason, you need to give them daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. (Accessed 2019). Although shelters carry all types of breeds, you’ll find that certain Italian dog breeds are harder to find. It will depend on what dogs are available at the time you are looking. The breed is also vulnerable to eyelid entropion or ectropion, demodectic mange, and bloat. Etna region to hunt game birds and rabbits. They have shorter hair that lays down flat and sheds seasonally. And people also know them to be an attentive, loyal companion who is affectionate and playful. The Italian Spinone. Their coat can sometimes be curly or wavy, especially if left short. But the variety offered by Italian breeds is just as impressive as that from other countries—from the tiny Maltese lapdog, to the massive Neapolitan Mastiff, Italian dog breeds cover the gamut. After the initial process of forming the flocks, when they reach maturity, the Bergamascos coat requires surprisingly little maintenance. They can have a stubborn streak, though, and the strong attachments Spinis form with their people can result in them developing separation anxiety, Physical Characteristics: Muscular, powerful, square-built, large dog; harsh, coarse, dense, flat single coat with a distinct set of bushy eyebrows and beard; come in solid white, white and orange and white with brown markings; markings can be roan or solid colors. Italian dog breeds include some of the smartest working breeds, steadfast guarding dogs, and most devoted companion pups. You should know that they take-off at lightning speed to chase after small animals, such as rabbits and squirrels. Afghan Hound Dog Breed - Facts and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet An independent, strong-willed dog, the Afghan can be downright standoffish, but also quiet and clownish when the mood strikes. But you should know that because of their guarding history and instincts, early socialization and obedience training is a must for this Italian breed. The Bracco Italiano is thought to be one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe, with their roots going as far back as the 4th or 5th century BC in Northern Italy. 1. And they have a wiry coat that lies close to their body. We have targeted a number of objectives that need specific attention by both breeders and owners.” Because they are extremely small and fragile, they are not recommended for households with smaller children. Physical Characteristics: A medium-sized dog with teddy bear looks; woolly, curly water-resistant double coat that comes in solid off-white, white with orange or brown patches, brown, brown roan, brown or orange with white patches, occasionally tan markings also feature. : Pages in category "Dog breeds originating in Italy" The following 25 pages are in this category, out of 25 total. There are a great assortment of breeds that have their origins in Italy. Italian dog breeds. ISBN 1-85279-084-9 Italian greyhounds are sensitive and playful Italian dogs they are exceptionally very good with... #3. It was the work of Dr. Maurizio Migneco that saved this Italian dog breed over a twenty-six-year effort. Physical Characteristics: Neapolitan mastiffs are large, powerful, muscular dogs; they have lots of wrinkles, especially around the face; short, dense coat can appear black, blue, mahogany, and tawny in color. You'll need to be prepared to put in the work with their curly coat which is prone to matting, and Lagottos can be rather vocal and often enjoy digging. If you’ve enjoyed learning about Italian dog breeds, make sure you also check out: Do you have one of our favorite Italian dog breeds? Although they almost faced extinction after the World Wars, their numbers are steadily growing, especially in their home country. This is an easy-going Italian dog breed that enjoys both people and other dogs. Although they are muscularly built, they are less bulky than most other mastiff breeds. They’re an ancient Italian breed... 2. These dogs have been around in Italy for hundreds of years. A good breeder will be happy to talk candidly about them with you, including any family history of health problems and what screening tests they have undertaken. Italian Dog Breeds- TOP 10! They are obedient, dominant, and very protective. They are truly a mountain dog and enjoy being outside. But they can’t claim pure Italian blood. Some of them are considered rare while others have a noble ancestry that goes back centuries. Therefore, you will be challenged to keep them in a fenced yard. With a population of 60 million and a total area of 301.338 square kilometres, it is the fifth most populous country in Europe and is also the fourth economic power in Europe. Sheds very little. They are among the rare Italian dog breeds in America. Bergamasco. They have a short, dense coat that requires a moderate amount of maintenance. The Bracco Italiano goes by a number of other names, including Italian Pointer, The Italian Pointing Dog, and Bracco. These coarse-haired pointing dogs have very ancient origins. And there are two variations of the Bracco breed. 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. (Accessed 2019). They have a few known health issues, including hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye problems. The Bolognese is named after a city in Northern Italy called Bologna. This Italian sheepdog can be aloof with strangers, but early socialization can help with this. In Italy today, they're widely regarded as a national treasure and much beloved. They have an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years. They're playful, alert and friendly, but they can also be willful and vocal. The Cane Corso became uncommon around the twentieth century as life on farms began to change and their services were no longer required. If you are looking to get yourself an Italian dog from a breeder, you should be ready to spend anywhere from $500 to over $1,000 depending on the type of breed and breeder. (2004). 1. Luckily, a small group of breeders was able to come together and bring the Italian Greyhound back to their normal, healthy standard. Plus, dog owners consider them easier to train than most hounds. The Italian Greyhound is small and agile and makes a great companion dog, as they thoroughly enjoy people! The Bolognese is a small toy breed in the Bichon family. This small Italian dog breed was also a companion dog, adored for centuries by Italian noblewomen. Hall, Derek (2005). Their exact origins are unknown. Bred for a number of tasks like hunting, guarding and hauling, Chow Chow dogs were also the beloved companions of Chinese nobles. And people say these dogs could be released with the livestock and trusted to bring them back again without any human supervision. They are loveable and highly adored by those who have had the privilege of owning them. This Italian herding breed has a unique coat that naturally develops thick mats. This is a dog who loves to be with its people all the time! They have an average lifespan of 14 to 16 years. The Maremma Sheepdog was, and still is, used to guard sheep against wolves in the Abruzzo region and, as the name suggests, the Maremma area of Tuscany and Lazio. This is a very large Italian dog breed with a muscular build and a thick white coat that is typically solid white and rough to the touch. Descendants of the modern-day Bolo can be traced as far back as 11th century Italy, around the … And they are also quite easy to maintain with just a weekly brushing. The Volpino Italiano is predisposed to two health issues: primary lens luxation, patellar luxation. Therefore, they love their human family members and will offer up a lot of affection. In fact, there are sixteen Italian dog breeds. Your email address will not be published. As they do not shed, this sometimes makes them a tolerable companion for allergy sufferers (but read our article about hypoallergenic dogs to find out why this can’t be guaranteed!). Illustration about Dogs by country of origin. Pictured above, this is a breed of varied ancestry. If they’re not chasing something, they’ll be right by their owner’s side. Do you think you could offer the right type of home and 'La Dolce Vita' to any of the breeds on this list? Cane Corso. The National Entity of Italian Cinofilia - ENCI currently recognizes 16 different breeds of Italian dogs. Originally used for herding and protecting livestock in the mountainous alpine territory near Bergamo in Northern Italy, the Bergamasco Sheepdogs unique flocked hair kept them well-insulated against the freezing winter temperatures. They're incredibly loyal and known for being very affectionate and gentle with family children. This beautiful country has gifted the world with very special and striking dogs. And you should know that the Bolognese acts puppy-like up to old age, which is a plus for active families. Italy is full of excellent fashion, history and even better food, but did you know it’s also full of amazing dog breeds? These are athletic dogs with deep chests, angular heads, and long ears. Does the dog in your life have a cat in theirs? Fry, Carolyn (1999). The coast comes in all kinds of shades, cream, red, black, fawn and solid or white markings. And they were one of the first gun dogs in existence. Iggys (as they're sometimes referred to), like many other breeds, were almost wiped out during the World Wars. If they don’t jump over the fence they may just burrow under it! People primarily see them as a companion dog. How to find a puppy and raise a happy, healthy dog, October 30, 2019 By Madison Guthrie 1 Comment. And they stand at an average height of 17 to 20 inches. 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