The country well known for its delectable fare, art and history has something else to be proud of! Move over French Bulldogs and Chinese Crescents, Italy actually boasts a few breeds of their own. “There are a wide variety of Italian breeds, each unique in their temperament, size, energy level, exercise and grooming needs,”says AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. Check them out.
1. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is the most popular Italian dog breed. The Cane Corso is a large, muscular and athletic dog that needs a lot of exercise. In its native Italy, Cane Corsos were property watchdogs and hunters of wild boar. They are very intelligent and perceptive, making them easily trained. They are affectionate and bond closely with their family. The Cane Corso is very athletic and would do best with an active family that would be able to provide lots of exercise.
2. Spinone Italiano
Also known as the Italian Pointer, the Spinone Italiano has a sociable and docile temperament. He is naturally cautious, perhaps a trait that was developed when the breed was used as Italy’s all purpose hunting dog. The Spinone loves to be around family and activity. He is a relatively low maintenance dog.
3. Maltese
The Maltese breed has been an aristocrat of the canine world for over 28 centuries, owned by royalty all over the globe. The breed was used to hunt rats and mice from harbor warehouses and merchant ships, perhaps giving it its global notoriety.
4. Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a breed of dog that comes from the Romagna sub-region of Italy. The breed can be considered especially valuable to those who love to cook - or eat! - they originally specialized in truffle-hunting on any kind of ground. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-small sized dog with thick and curly hair of woolly texture. The breed is considered to be clever, affectionate, very fond of his owner and easily trainable.
5. Lupo Italiano
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
Used as property watchdogs today, says Lisa Peterson, the Neapolitan Mastiff famous for its size, were originally used as dogs of war by the Roman army. In this breed’s case, their bark is typically worse than their bite, Mastiffs are generally peaceful. They have short coats that can be gray, black, mahogany or tawny and are famous for their loose, wrinkly skin.
7. Bergamasco
Not exactly a wolf in sheep’s clothing, the Bergamasco is a dog in not only dog hair, but goat hair and wool as well! The combination forms a gray or black felt-like mat which grows over the course of the dog’s life. It hits the ground around 6 years of age, giving it that famous mop-like appearance.
8. Italian Greyhound
This little dog is well suited for big city or country life and it’s sweet nature makes it the perfect companion dog. Ancient decorative arts of the Mediterranean countries dating back to the Renaissance include the miniature breed, perhaps clueing us in to its origin. There is a debate as to whether they were originally bred for hunting small game or have always been meant to simply be great companions.