Italy is full of excellent fashion, history and even better food, but did you know it’s also full of amazing dog breeds? Despite the relatively small size of the country, it’s home to many unique dogs found inside and outside of the country.
#1 – Bergamasco
The Bergamasco is recognized by its unique, corded coat that resembles dread locks. It was developed as a herding dog in the Italian Alps. It is an ancient breed of dog that has maintained its rustic appearance.
#2 – Bolognese
The Bolognese is a Bichon-type dog from Italy. It was bred to be a companion dog among the royal and wealthy Italians. Although its exact history isn’t full known, there are records of Bolognese dogs as far back as the 17th century.
#3 – Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano is also known as the Italian Pointer, as it was developed as used as a hunting dog. There are writings concerning hunting breeds like the Bracco as far back as the 4th and 5th centuries. They were used by the Italian Aristocrats to hunt feathered game and came close to extinction in the 20th century but has been brought back by considerable efforts of enthusiasts.
#4 – Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an Italian Mastiff used primarily as a companion and guard dog. It has also been used as a hunting dog to catch boar and other large game. A descendent of Roman war dogs, the Cane Corso is more recently used as a guard dog.
#5 – Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthounds. It’s exact history is unknown but is thought to date back 2,000 years. It is believed they were used for hunting rats, mice and other vermin, although they’ve more recently been solely family companions.
#6 – Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotta Romagnolo was developed as a water retrieving hunting dog, although it’s most notable use is for sniffing out truffles. It’s an ancient breed of dog that is though to be the ancestor of all types of water retrievers today.
#7 – Maltese
Maltese – The Maltese is known as the ancient dog of Malta, where it was bred to be a companion dog for royal women. The oldest record of Maltese dogs is in 500 BC by Greek philosophers, with many more references in ancient Greek and Roman writings.
#8 – Maremma Sheepdog
The beautiful Maremma Sheepdog is a livestock guardian dog originating in central Italy. Descriptions of dogs similar to the Maremma Sheepdog date back to ancient Roman literature and the breed is still widely used as a sheepdog today, as many rural farmers make a living through their flocks.
#9 – Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient Italian Mastiff known for its excessive, wrinkly skin. It was used primarily as a guard dog and family protector based more on its appearance than its temperament, though the ancestors of the breed could be aggressive. The breed was also used as a bull and bear baiting dog until the practices were outlawed.
#10 – Segugio Italiano
The Segugio Italiano is an Italian scenthound. It’s considered an ancient breed coming from descendants that were used for hunting in the pre-Roman era. It comes in both a smooth and wire-haired variety. This breed is the most popular among Italian hunters as it successfully tracks and kills small game and large game alike.
#11 – Segugio Maremmano
The Segugio Maremmano is a boar hunting dog from Tuscany. It is only recognizeed by the Italian Kennel Club and therefore is rarely seen outside its home country. It has remained popular in Italy and is bred almost exclusively for its working ability.
#12 – Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano is a versatile gundog from Italy, where it still serves its function today. It is considered an ancient breed with ancestors going back to 500 BC.
#13 – Volpino Italiano
The Volpino Italiano is an Italian spitz-type dog with ancestors found as far back as 400 BC. The breed was originally kept as a guard dog, but became most popular as a companion for women royalty.
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