13 Italian Dog Breeds That Will Have You Singing 'That's Amore'

Just do n’t feast them any pasta .

When you think of Italy , you probably envision picturesque scenes like the Colosseum in Rome , the canals of Venice , and plate full of hand-crafted pasta , not Italian dog breeds . But the amatory country is also have it off for a bevy of whelp that are as diverse in sizing as personality , saysCourtney Campbell , DVM , DACVS - SA , a card - certified veterinary surgeon and veterinary advisor forDOGTV .

" Some Italian dog breed are persistent hunters and workers , others are consecrate and patriotic shielder , and some are so nearly bond with their humanity that they are loth to leave their lap , " he notes . " Enjoying the myriad of Italian hotdog breed is to appreciate the various hair coats , coming into court , personality , and their assorted curio . "

Lagotto Romagnolo on rock

Beba73 / Getty

Here are 13 Italian frump spawn that hail from the stunning country of Italy .

Lagotto Romagnolo

If you ’re a fan of water sports or only prioritize spending time at your nearestdog - well-disposed beach , the chocolate truffle - hunting and water - lie with Lagotto Romagnolo — which render to " lake frankfurter from Romagna"—could be right for you . They get laid to play and frolic in the surf , says Campbell . " Lagottos tend to be affectionate , eager to please , and trainable , " he supply . " They also have intercourse to ' mouth . ' They can be quite outspoken , and if they are world-weary , they will dig . "

They do need plenty ofgroomingtime because they have a curly pelage that can get matted , especially after spending all that time splashing around in the waves .

Bergamasco Sheepdog

In addition to make a showstopping pelage - which protect them from harsh weather and predatory animal - this muscular herding dog is large with kids and other beast and is quite low - maintenance to care for , explains Jerry Klein , DVM , Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club ( AKC ) .

Campbell summate that Bergamascos love to form . " They tend to be very eager pleaser , " he note . " extremely intelligent and patient , they are trulyfamily dogsand can be protective . "

Bolognese Dog

Thissmall associate breedis considered a cousin to theMaltese , bichon frise , Havanese , Coton de Tulear , and Lowchen . They ’re tranquil , affectionate , and truly sleep together being around people . In fact , " Bolos " have such an affinity toward humans that they can be prone toseparation anxiousness , take down Campbell .

Still , they do n’t require constant , unyielding genial stimulation . " Leash walks and patrician playday in the backyard is generally sufficient , " he says , lend that it ’s important to moderate strong outbursts of DOE around this strain as they can find excessive vigour overwhelming . You ’ll also want to insert a Bolognese pup to grooming ahead of time , as regular grooming of their non - shedding , downlike pelage is a must .

Bracco Italiano

Known as the Italian pointing dog , this large pup is known to be problematic , drive , smart , and well - behave , according toLaura Robinson , DVM and veterinary adviser to Pawp . " They can be unagitated , loving , and loyal if someone is dedicated to giving them theexercise and stimulationthey need , " she note .

Bracco Italianos are also methodological and meticulous hunters and family dogs , says Campbell . " Braccos forge strong bonds with their human kinsfolk penis , " he says . " When by rights exercised and mentally stimulated , they can be great with kids . "

Cane Corso

you could get word a lot about a cane corso from their name alone . It translates ( or so ) to " bodyguard dog " in Latin , explain Klein . " With a lineage last all the room back to ancient papistical time , this smart and trainable breed is a unfearing protector , " he adds . " They are muscular and gymnastic and can also hunt wild boar . Since they are rude guard cad , they are very protective of their owners . "

withal , when properly socialized and school , they can be blue-blooded , though this breed is not typically recommended unless you ’re a trulyexperienced Canis familiaris owner . " They do have a strongprey driveso work out caution when a cane corso is around a dog with whom he is unfamiliar , " he enjoin .

Italian Greyhound

This alerting , playful , stiff , and acrobatic pup can take off like a projectile , pronounce Campbell . " They run very quickly but are extremely graceful , " he notes . In increase to their telling speed and inspiring seemliness , Italian greyhounds are also known for hold fast very well with humans and actually curling up in your warm lap , accord to Campbell .

Klein says these elegant pups make the perfect companion , specially for urban center indweller .

Spinone Italiano

This hunting dog of ancient Italian lineage can be patient , docile , and obstinate all at the same time , explains Klein . " Their posture include theirintelligenceand their ability to retrieve on land and in water , " he says . " The Spinone is built for survival and to withstand any terrain . They have a thick skin to enable them to work under brush and in cold water supply . "

Campbell lend that in addition to being an avid bather , the Spinone Italiano is a real hoi polloi pleaser .

Maremma Sheepdog

Another stock that ’s born to do their job , which is to defend sheep and livestock , the muscular , majestic Maremma sheepdog come from a line of ancientshepherd dogsused in the Maremma and Abruzzes regions of Italy . The breed was recognized by theUnited Kennel Clubback in 2006 .

Maremmas are loyal , calm , brave , well-informed , independent , and hefty , says Robinson . With their possessor , they tend to be very friendly , devoted , and demonstrative .

Cirneco dell’Etna

The Cirneco dell’Etna is a supple , refined , and potent ancient coursing hound from Sicily , says Klein . They are gymnastic hunters know for their immediate bursts of speed , but they can also be cherished humiliated - sustainment abode companions , he notes .

If you have anactive life style , Campbell mention the Cirneco could be a great match , as they have an innate athleticism , the talent of natural agility , and delight lure coursing .

He also excuse that it ’s important to keep this frank breed alive on a regular basis , noting that ennui will cause these pups to look for their own fun . " They can also be somewhat mischievous andtend to digunder fences or jump over fences , " Campbell say , so establish a sturdy 6 - foot fence around your backyard is a must to give this pup space for playtime .

bergamasco sheepdog standing in grass

slowmotiongli / Adobe Stock

Neapolitan Mastiff

This ancient strain is clayey - deboned and monumental , characterized by loose skin over their entire body . Campbell adds that adult Neapolitan mastiff are known for being calm and sleeping a lot . " However , Neapolitan puppies are very active , funny , cute , and cuddly , " he say . " And irrespective of your puppy ’s age , it is crucial towatch their caloric intakebecause many of these dogs will engage in lounge activities rather than physical exertion . "

Volpino

Playful and smart , Volpini have been around since ancient meter . Sporting a flossy whitedouble coat , these modest whelp are full of energy and can be vocal ( though well-disposed ! ) . With a account as an indoor companion pooch , these hound forge potent adhesiveness with their people . Robinson says it ’s worth take note that the talkative Volpini doesbark a lot , so unless you and your neighbor are ready to hear their singing voices on the regular , their garrulous demeanour may not be suited for flat living or lots of Zoom calls from home .

While training a Volpino might not be the easy thing you ’ve ever done , with propersocializationandpositive reinforcement breeding , they can be an especially fun , loving canine familiar .

Maltese

This Italian - born creampuff is as cute as a clitoris and intelligent to bring up . Although she ’s the paradigm of a lap dog , Maltese dog enjoy being active and romping around outside . And as an extra asset , they are alow - throw away breed , which means evenowners with allergiescan enjoy Maltese cuddles !

Saint Bernard

Who knew this supernumerary - large stunner hailed from Italy ? Saint Bernards are as well-disposed as they are mammoth , keen for first - fourth dimension favorite possessor and category . Although ideal are relegate as work dogs , they are perfectly keen to spend the dayloafing around . Just ensure they get enough exercise to keep off anyexcess weight .

bolognese dog on picnic table