15 Italian Dogs You’ll Instantly Fall For

Olgagorovenko/Getty

If you’re a dog lover with a soft spot for all things Italian, you’re in for a treat. Italy has given us pasta, gelato, and wine—but it’s also the birthplace of some of the most adorable and affectionate dog breeds. Get to know these 15 Italian breeds that might just be the perfect next pet.

Lagotto Romagnolo

Eudyptula/Getty

This curly-coated cutie is Italy’s premier truffle hunter. With a nose that could put Sherlock Holmes to shame, the Lagotto Romagnolo can sniff out buried treasures worth thousands. Don’t be fooled by their teddy bear aesthetic—these dogs are work-hard, play-hard types who’ll keep you on your toes.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

Slowmotiongli/Getty

Have you ever seen a dog with dreadlocks? Meet the Bergamasco, sporting a coat that would make Bob Marley jealous. These wise-looking sheepdogs are low-maintenance even though they sport this wild look! Fun fact: their unique fur helps them blend in with sheep, making them masters of disguise in the field.

Bolognese Dog

Slowmotiongli/Getty

No, they’re not edible, but they are just as irresistible as the pasta sauce! These fuzzy white charmers were the lapdogs of European nobility back in the day. Bolognese dogs are known for their “melting” expression, which they’ve perfected through the centuries to guilt you into extra treats.

Bracco Italiano

Olgagorovenko/Getty

The Bracco Italiano is like the Renaissance man of dogs—versatile, intelligent, and drop-dead gorgeous. These pointers have been around since the 4th or 5th century BC. Legend says Braccos were so prized that stealing one was once punishable by death in Italy.

Segugio Italiano

Curzio Cavicchioli/Openverse

This floppy-eared hound could give Usain Bolt a run for his money. The Segugio Italiano comes in rough and smooth-coated varieties, but both are lightning-fast. Thanks to their strong hunting instinct, these dogs are said to “sing” when they detect a scent

Cane Corso

Slowmotiongli/Getty

Don’t let their tough-guy exterior fool you! Cane Corsos are big softies at heart. These muscular mastiffs were apparently used in Roman warfare. Today, Cane Corsos are more likely to wage war on your couch, but their loyalty is unmatched.

Italian Greyhound

EAlisa/Getty

Italian Greyhounds are dainty speedsters and are the sports cars of the dog world: sleek, fast, and always turning heads. Dismiss their wispy demeanor, though, as they have a mischievous streak. They’ve been observed to perform acrobatic feats to snatch food from unsuspecting owners.

Spinone Italiano

Nemoris/Getty

With a beard that would make any hipster envious, the Spinone Italiano is as rugged as they come. These hunting dogs have webbed toes, making them excellent swimmers. When poaching, they are also famous for their “creeping” approach, which involves moving so slowly that the grass is barely disturbed.

Maremma Sheepdog

Wirestock/Getty

These fluffy guardians are the unsung heroes of Italy’s cheese industry. Maremma Sheepdogs protect flocks that produce some of the world’s finest Pecorino cheese. They’re so good at their job that they’re being used in Australia to safeguard endangered penguins from foxes.

Cirneco dell’Etna

Gminguzzi/Openverse

It’s indisputable that this elegant sighthound is a live, breathing example of historical art. The Cirneco dell’Etna appears on coins dating back to 500 BC. In addition to being playful, these dogs are well known for their expressive “talk,” which includes barks, mumbles, and whines.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Okikukai/Getty

With a face full of wrinkles and a body to match, the Neapolitan Mastiff looks like it’s wearing a specially tailored doggy suit. These large brutes were also fierce war dogs, but their biggest battle these days is managing the drool police.

Volpino Italiano

Bigandt_Photography/Getty

Volpinos are pure dogs, even with their foxy look. These spitz-type pooches were popular with Italian peasants and nobles alike. The Volpino Italiano saw a rebirth and is still a viable breed today because Italian breeders showed renewed interest in preventing the breed’s demise in the 1960s.

Maltese

Artellliii72/Pixabay

These pint-sized pups have been lap dogs of choice for over 28 centuries. Maltese are so ancient that Greek and Roman philosophers wrote about them. Despite their delicate appearance, they were once believed to cure illnesses—talk about healing touch!

Saint Bernard

Swisshippo/Getty

While technically Swiss, Saint Bernards have distinct Italian ties. Italian monks bred these big babies to rescue travelers in the Alps. Remember, though, that Saint Bernards never carried brandy barrels around their necks; that’s just clever marketing from a 19th-century painter!

Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagorai  

Dama di pietra/Openverse

A Pastore della Lessinia e del Lagora is a rare breed and the underappreciated hero of the Italian Alps. Also dubbed as the Lessinia and Lagorai Shepherd, they are noted for their intelligence, hardiness, and wolf-like appearance.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply