Discover 10 Remarkable Italian Dog Breeds Find your perfect companion from Italy's diverse and charming dog breeds. By Gemma Johnstone Gemma Johnstone Gemma Johnstone is a dog expert and writer with over 15 years of experience in the pet industry and as an animal welfare advocate. She has worked for the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and fundraises and volunteers for local dog rescues. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 06/05/25 Credit: Salima Senyavskaya / Getty Images Key Takeaways Italian dog breeds are diverse, ranging from small companion dogs like the Bolognese to large working breeds like the Maremma Sheepdog.Each breed has specific care requirements, particularly in terms of training, exercise, and socialization.Many Italian breeds are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, but some require experienced handlers due to their strong, independent traits. Dog breeds originate from various parts of the world, and Italy is home to many beloved breeds. These breeds are diverse, including working dogs for herding and livestock protection, hunting dogs, guard dogs, and companion dogs. They vary greatly in size, appearance, and temperament, with some suited for quiet lives and others requiring more activity and space to roam. Here are 10 Italian dog breeds that could live la dolce vita with you. Tip Certain Italian dog breeds are very large while others are rather small. Dogs at either size extreme require some specialized care, especially in terms of their training, diet, and health. Make sure you know the specifics of the breed you're interested in before bringing a new dog home. And, of course, have Italian dog names in mind. 01 of 10 Bergamasco Sheepdog Credit: Volofin / Getty Images Originally used for herding and protecting livestock in the mountainous alpine territory near Bergamo in northern Italy, the Bergamasco sheepdog's unique coat kept them well-insulated against freezing temperatures. The dog's incredibly long eyelashes also kept the snow out of their eyes. Bergamascos are now incredibly rare. They can be very affectionate and loving family dogs. But they're highly intelligent, active, and independent thinkers, so they'll need lots of exercise and training. Breed Overview Group: HerdingHEIGHT: 22 to 23.5 inchesWEIGHT: 57 to 84 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Companionable, intelligent, lovingEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Long, corded; black or gray; can have black patchesLife Span: 13 to 15 years 02 of 10 Bolognese Credit: sssss1gmel / Getty Images The modern-day Bolognese—yes, like the delicious pasta sauce—can be traced as far back as 11th century Italy around the Bologna area, where these dogs were beloved by the nobility of the time. The breed almost died out over the years, but an Italian breeder in the 1980s helped to restore their popularity. These beautiful little dogs are known for being calm, affectionate, and amiable, and they also appeal to some because they're low shedders. Bolos can develop strong attachments to their families and prefer company for most of the day to prevent separation anxiety. Breed Overview Group: Toy (AKC Foundation Stock Service)HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inchesWEIGHT: 5.5 to 9 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Even-tempered, playful, docileEnergy Level: LowCoat and Color: Long, cotton-like curly coat; whiteLife Span: 12 to 14 years 03 of 10 Bracco Italiano Credit: olgagorovenko / Getty Images The Bracco Italiano is thought to be one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe, with roots going as far back as the 4th or 5th century B.C. in northern Italy. These dogs nearly became extinct in the 18th century, but a group of breed enthusiasts helped to grow their numbers again. These dogs are large, athletic, intelligent, and driven. But if they get enough exercise and stimulation, they're usually calm, loving, and loyal in the home. Breed Overview Group: SportingHEIGHT: 21 to 27 inchesWEIGHT: 55 to 90 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Affectionate, active, loyalEnergy Level: HighCoat and Color: Short, dense, and smooth; white, white and orange, or white and chestnutLife Span: 10 to 14 years 04 of 10 Cane Corso Credit: AsyaPozniak / Getty Images The cane corso is a muscular, large, mastiff-type dog that's been in Italy for hundreds of years. Originally developed for their guarding capabilities, these dogs were also used for hunting big game and herding. They're incredibly loyal and known for being very affectionate and gentle with their families. However, their size and strength do mean they need a home where they'll have enough space and get good exercise and training. Breed Overview Group: WorkingHEIGHT: 23.5 to 27.5 inchesWEIGHT: 80 to 120 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Gentle, stable, loyalEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short, coarse; black, gray, fawn, and red; brindle is possible in all colors; may have black or gray mask; may have small patches of whiteLife Span: 10 to 12 years Continue to 5 of 10 below 05 of 10 Italian Greyhound Credit: Tatyana Vergel / Getty Images Although dogs resembling the modern-day Italian greyhound were thought to have originated from the Mediterranean, around Greece and Turkey, they came to prominence in Renaissance Italy. They're known for being affectionate, easygoing, and playful. Despite being full of energy when out on walks, they don't have as demanding exercise requirements as some breeds, and they often love nothing more than to curl up for a nap of the sofa. They can be rather stubborn when it comes to training, so lots of positive reinforcement is a must. Breed Overview Group: ToyHEIGHT: 13 to 15 inchesWEIGHT: 7 to 14 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Playful, companionable, lovingEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Short, smooth; gray, black, fawn, chocolate, tan, cream, red, sable, or a combinationLife Span: 14 to 15 years 06 of 10 Lagotto Romagnolo Credit: Ruzica Nestorovic / Getty Images Thought to be one of the oldest water dogs, the Lagotto Romagnolo was developed in the Romagna region of northeast Italy. In the local dialect, lagotto translates as "duck dog." Lagottos are known for being affectionate, eager to please, and trainable. They're also more laid back than some working dogs. But 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. Breed Overview Group: SportingHEIGHT: 16 to 19 inchesWEIGHT: 24 to 35 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, loyalEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Wooly, curly double coat; colors include off-white, white with orange or brown patches, brown, brown roan, brown or orange with white patches; occasionally has tan markingsLife Span: 14 to 17 years 07 of 10 Maremma Sheepdog Credit: Ken Griffiths / Getty Images The Maremma sheepdog was, and still is, used to guard sheep against wolves in the Abruzzo region of southern Italy and, as the name suggests, the Maremma area of Tuscany and Lazio. The breed is known for being loyal, calm, and courageous. These big dogs are also intelligent, independent thinkers that can become very protective of their people and territory. Because of this, they aren't necessarily a good choice for novice dog parents. Breed Overview Group: Guardian (UKC) HEIGHT: 24 to 29 inches WEIGHT: 65 to 100 pounds Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, protective, calm Energy Level: Medium Coat and Color: Long, thick, rough coat; mane around the neck; solid white Life Span: 10 to 12 years 08 of 10 Neapolitan Mastiff Credit: Okikukai / Getty Images The Neapolitan mastiff's origins go all the way back to the Roman Empire when big dogs were used to fight as gladiators and in battle. They were also ferocious guardians. In more recent centuries, in southern Italy, these mastiffs were more specifically developed to resemble the large, loose-skinned, wrinkled dogs we know today. While they still prove to be very capable guard dogs, their temperaments are gentler and more family-friendly. Their wrinkled skin needs to be properly cleaned to prevent infections and other problems. Also, be prepared for a lot of drool. Breed Overview Group: WorkingHEIGHT: 24 to 31 inchesWEIGHT: 110 to 150 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Fearless, loyal, companionableEnergy Level: LowCoat and Color: Short, shiny; black, blue, mahogany, tawny, or brindleLife Span: 7 to 9 years Continue to 9 of 10 below 09 of 10 Spinone Italiano Credit: Kayjj / Getty Images The Spinone Italiano's name is thought to be derived from the spiny undergrowth they have to negotiate when hunting in their home region of Piedmont. These coarse-haired pointing dogs have very ancient origins. The modern-day variety became popular due to their versatility and ability to retrieve on land and in water. These dogs are known for being gentler and more mild-mannered than some of their pointing relatives. But they can have a stubborn streak, and the strong attachments they form with their people can result in separation anxiety. Breed Overview Group: SportingHEIGHT: 22.5 to 27.5 inchesWEIGHT: 65 to 90 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Devoted, stubborn, sociableEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Medium-length, wiry; orange roan, white, white and orange, or brown roan with/without orange and/or brown markingsLife Span: 10 to 12 years 10 of 10 Volpino Credit: Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images Of all the dogs on this list, the small, spitz-like Volpino is probably the rarest. The breed's history is thought to go as far back as the 15th century when these dogs were developed as companions for ladies of the court and also used by the working class as first-rate watchdogs and vermin catchers. It's believed that the painter Michelangelo owned a Volpino. Despite their petite size, these dogs are full of energy. They're playful, alert, and friendly, but they can also be willful and vocal. Plenty of positive training will ensure that they don't become too stubborn or noisy. Breed Overview Group: Foundation Stock Service (AKC)HEIGHT: 12 to 16 inchesWEIGHT: 9 to 12 poundsPersonality/Temperament: Friendly, alert, willfulEnergy Level: MediumCoat and Color: Dense, straight, long coat; most commonly in white but also red, black, fawn, honey, and champagneLife Span: 12 to 15 years 9 Distinctive Hungarian Dogs You Should Know: From Vizslas to Pulik Explore more: Dogs Dog Breeds