3 Cutest Italian Dog Breeds

Italian dog breeds are some of the most popular and sought-after canines in the world. These dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong bond with their owners.

They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, from the large and imposing Neapolitan Mastiff to the small and energetic Pomeranian.

No matter what breed you choose, Italian dogs all possess a unique charm and personality that make them great companions for any family. With their friendly dispositions, these breeds have been a part of many Italian families for centuries.

Whether you’re looking for an active playmate or a loving lap dog, there is an ideal breed of dog for every lifestyle and home.

To find the perfect pup, consider your activity level, size of living space, and overall budget.

Our Top 3 Italian Dog Breeds

Family ClosenessChildren-friendlySocialDogginess Rating
Cane CorsoThey are loyal and protective dogs that love to please humans.Not advised for families with young children because of their vast size. This dog might playfully hurt a young child by accident.They actually don’t care as much about other canines or people who aren’t family. Might be aggressive towards same-sex dogs.4/5
Volpino ItalianoVolpino Italianos are friendly, energetic, and playful dogs. They make great family dogs since they develop strong attachments to their owners and homes.These playful canines are often good playmates in families with kids and are typically loving with children.They are usually happy to be around strangers and other dogs.5/5
Spinone ItalianoA breed of dog that values time with their family and is strong, affectionate, loyal, and devoted.They treat kids with kindness, patience, and gentleness.They are great companions for other dogs and strangers, joyful and playful.5/5

1. Cane Corso

Cane Corso

Height

62 to 72 cm

Weight

40 to 50 kg

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

The Cane Corso is a large, powerful breed of dog that can weigh up to 110 pounds. They have a muscular body with a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors including grey, black, brindle, and fawn.

These dogs have alert and intelligent personalities and are loyal, confident, and affectionate with their family. They tend to be suspicious of strangers but will bond deeply with their owners if properly trained and socialized.

Cane Corsos are excellent guard dogs, as they are brave and territorial by nature. With proper training, they can also make great family companions or performance dogs due to their strength and agility.

It is important to note that this breed needs firm, consistent leadership from an experienced owner in order to reach its full potential.

Given that they are bred to be guard dogs, Cane Corsos can become good family pets with the right training. Due to its size and the way it behaves, the Cane Corso is ideally suited for a family with older children.

With strangers, they are cautious and reserved. Although they could be suspicious around other people, they shouldn’t be aggressive if trained appropriately. The Cane Corso might get along with other dogs but might be hostile to dogs of the same sex.

The Cane Corso has a moderate level of activity and need a job to execute, which can range from being your protector, leash-free walking partner to regular training exercises. Expect him to run or walk more than a mile every day.

Assertive and confident. With their massive height and protective attitude, Cane Corsos have served as guards, agricultural workers, army dogs, large-game hunters, and more throughout their lengthy history. Can get aggressive if left with unexperienced owner.

Things To Keep In Mind

Health

The Cane Corso is a large, powerful dog breed with a solid build and good health overall. They are very muscular and athletic, making them great for sports like agility, obedience, and protection work. The average life span of a Cane Corso is between 10-12 years.

This breed does have some minor health issues to be aware of such as hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, skin allergies, and eye problems. To ensure your Corso’s long-term health it’s important to provide adequate nutrition, exercise, socialization, and regular veterinary checkups.

Proper diet and exercise will help maintain their strong musculature and keep them fit.

Grooming should also be kept up with regular brushing to avoid any skin problems or coat issues from developing. With proper care, they can live long happy lives of up to 12 years or more!

Grooming

The Cane Corso is a large breed of dog that requires specific grooming needs in order to stay healthy and happy. This breed has a short, thick coat that needs to be brushed on a weekly basis. Regular brushing helps to keep the coat from matting and tangling. It is important to check the ears for any wax buildup or debris and clean them as needed.

Additionally, their nails should be trimmed regularly to help keep their feet healthy. Bathing should also be done on an as-needed basis, but no more than once every few months.

The Cane Corso is an active breed that enjoys staying well-groomed, so it is important to provide them with the necessary care in order for them to stay healthy and happy.

Exercise

Exercise is essential for a healthy and happy Cane Corso. Taking your dog on long daily walks or jogs is the best way to ensure they are getting enough exercise.

Additionally, engaging in agility training or scent-tracking activities will not only help keep them physically fit, but also mentally stimulated and engaged.

Enrolling your pet in swimming classes is another great way to give them some physical activity while having fun. If you don’t have access to these activities, playing fetch with a toy or ball can provide plenty of exercise for your pup.

Providing them with toys like chew ropes, Kongs, and tug toys that require interaction during playtime can also help get their energy out.

Remember to make sure your Cane Corso is properly hydrated during any exercise sessions as they can easily overheat due to their thick coats.

Training

Training a Cane Corso is important because they are strong-willed and independent dogs. Training should start young, as soon as 8 weeks old, and continue throughout the dog’s life. Basic obedience is essential. The Cane Corso responds well to positive reinforcement training, such as treats and praise.

When training, be consistent in your commands and reward desired behavior with praise or treats. Socialization is also important for Cane Corsos to help them learn how to interact with other people and animals in an appropriate manner.

Socialization should begin early on by introducing the puppy to different people and environments at a slow pace. Exercise is also important for this large breed; daily walks, running, or playing fetch are all great ways to keep your Cane Corso exercised both mentally and physically. With patience, consistency, and love your Cane Corso will develop into a wonderful partner that you can enjoy for many years!

Nutrition

Nutrition is an important part of keeping a Cane Corso healthy and happy. This breed of dog needs plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and fats in its diet to stay fit and active.

Protein sources should include lean meats, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Carbohydrates should come from whole grains like oats and barley. Fats should be derived from sources such as olive oil or coconut oil.

Additionally, vegetables and fruits can be added to the diet for additional vitamins and minerals. It’s also important to provide your Cane Corso with fresh water every day to prevent dehydration. With the right nutrition plan, your Cane Corso will be able to maintain a healthy weight while enjoying all the activities they love!

2. Volpino Italiano

Volpino Italiano

Height

25 to 30 cm

Weight

4 to 5.5 kg

Lifespan

14 to 16 years

The Volpino Italiano is a small, lively and loyal dog breed that originated from Italy. The breed is a member of the Spitz family and closely related to the Pomeranian.

Volpinos have a thick, double coat that comes in various colors such as cream, orange or white.

Its ears are pointed and it has a short muzzle with a black nose. It is known for its intelligence and can be trained easily to perform tricks and agility tasks.

The Volpino is an active breed that loves to romp around outdoors but can also make an excellent house pet if given proper exercise and structured playtime. This breed does not shed much and requires minimal grooming, making them suitable for those who prefer low-maintenance pets.

They also make great companion dogs thanks to their friendly nature and devotion to their owners.

They make great family dogs since they become very devoted to their owners and their environments.

Does very well in the company of both people and other dogs. They are generally friendly towards strangers, but they may bark to show their alertness but will usually warm up quickly once they have assessed the situation.

With other dogs, however, they can be somewhat territorial! They love to play and interact with their own family members but tend to be cautious around strange dogs or animals.

The Volpino Italiano is an intelligent and active breed of dog. This breed is known to be very energetic and loves outdoor activities such as running, playing, and exploring.

They require daily exercise but can adapt well to apartment living if given enough stimulation.

The Valpino Italiano is an excellent companion for the active owner who can provide them with plenty of physical activity. 

They are friendly, vivacious, and playful dogs. The Volpino Italiano makes a great companion for those who are looking for an obedient, loving, and loyal pet that is also quite independent.

Things To Keep In Mind

Health

As with all breeds, regular veterinary checkups are important to ensure the health of your pet. Health issues that have been known to affect the Valpino Italiano include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and heart disease. Additionally, due to its low-shedding coat, the breed may be prone to developing skin allergies or other conditions if not properly groomed on a regular basis.

Grooming

The grooming of a Valpino Italiano is an important part of keeping the breed healthy and looking its best. This breed requires frequent brushing, bathing, and trimming to keep their fur from becoming matted and knotty.

The coat should be brushed at least once a week with a slicker brush or pin brush, as this will help remove any dirt or debris that may have become lodged in the fur. In addition, it is important to bathe the Valpino Italiano every few months to help keep their skin and coat healthy and free of parasites.

Lastly, trimming this breed’s fur around the eyes, ears, and feet can help reduce the risk of infections. All together, proper grooming is essential for maintaining the health and wellbeing of a Valpino Italiano.

Exercise

Exercising a Valpino Italiano is essential to keep your pup healthy and happy. Exercise not only burns off excess energy, but also helps strengthen their bones and muscles.

Allowing your Valpino Italiano plenty of time for physical activity every day will help to keep them from becoming bored or destructive. Taking them for daily walks or runs around the neighborhood is an excellent way to provide exercise. You can also play fetch with them or take them to the dog park for some socialization.

If you have a secure backyard, let them run around and explore – just be sure to supervise them closely! Lastly, setting up a doggie agility course in your yard is another fun way to get your pup moving and having fun.

By providing regular exercise, you can ensure that your Valpino Italiano stays healthy and happy for many years to come.

Training

 It is important to provide adequate training for this breed in order to ensure their well-being and safety. Training should start from an early age and be consistent throughout the dog’s life. Obedience classes are recommended because they will teach your pup basic commands such as sit, stay, come, down, heel and more.

Socialization with other people and animals is also important for Valpino Italianos. Exposing them to different environments, people, and situations can help build their confidence and prevent behavioral issues from developing later on in life.

Positive reinforcement techniques such as reward-based training are also recommended as it helps build a strong bond between the pet parent and their pup while teaching good behaviors. With consistency and patience, you can ensure your Valpino Italiano will become a happy and well behaved pup!

Nutrition

A balanced diet should include high quality proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients to help them stay strong and active.

It is essential to feed them a variety of foods to ensure they get all the nutrition they need. They do best on a diet that consists of dry kibble with small amounts of wet food mixed in for variety.

Fresh fruits and vegetables can also be added as treats or mixed into their meals for extra nutrition.

Supplements may be recommended by your veterinarian if your Volpino Italiano has any special dietary needs or restrictions. Lastly, it is important to provide clean, fresh water at all times to help keep them hydrated and healthy.

By providing your dog with proper diet and exercise as well as routine veterinary visits, you can help ensure the long-term health of your Valpino Italiano.

3. Spinone Italiano

Spinone Italiano

Height

59 to 70 cm

Weight

29 to 39 kg

Lifespan

12 to 14 years

The Spinone Italiano is a large-sized dog breed that originated in Italy. Its name means “spike” in Italian, referring to the distinctive spike-like shape of its coat. This breed is often referred to as the “Italian Pointer” due to its hunting capabilities.

The Spinone has a muscular body, with a broad chest and strong legs. They come in several colors, including white and orange, white and brown, and white and black. They have long ears that hang down close to their face, as well as a wiry coat that requires regular grooming. Although they are athletic dogs and an active breed, they are also known for being gentle and loyal companions when properly trained and socialized.

The Spinone Italiano is an intelligent dog that loves to please its owners and will thrive in a home where it can be part of the family.

The Spinone Italiano is a loyal and loving family pet that has been around for centuries. It is affectionate, devoted, and eager to please its owners.

The Spinone Italiano is a friendly, loving and loyal breed of dog that generally gets along well with other dogs and strangers. They are alert, but not aggressive, so they don’t tend to bark at strangers or pick fights with other dogs.

The Spinone Italiano is a large breed of dog, and as such, it requires plenty of physical activity to stay healthy.

The Spinone Italiano is a breed of dog that is known for its loyal and friendly personality. These dogs are very devoted to their families and have a strong bond with them.

Things To Keep In Mind

Health

The Spinone Italiano is a large, sturdy breed of dog with a strong and muscular build. They have a medium-length, silky coat that can come in shades of white, orange, liver and brown.

They also have long floppy ears and powerful hindquarters. The breed is known to be generally healthy but they can suffer from some health problems, such as hip dysplasia, eye issues like entropion or cataracts, and skin allergies. It is recommended that Spinone Italianos get plenty of exercise to keep them fit and active.

They should also receive regular veterinary check-ups and immunizations to ensure their good health. Proper nutrition is critical to the health of this breed so it’s important to provide them with food tailored to their specific needs.

With proper care and attention, the Spinone Italiano can live up to 13 years or more in age with a happy and healthy life.

Grooming

In order to keep this breed looking its best, regular grooming is necessary. That includes brushing the coat at least twice a week to remove dead hairs and dirt, as well as trimming their nails on a regular basis.

They should also have the occasional bath with a mild shampoo to keep their coat clean and free of mats and tangles.

The ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection and cleaned with an ear cleaner if necessary. Brushing their teeth daily is recommended in order to maintain good oral hygiene.

Finally, they should have regular checkups at the vet to ensure they are healthy and happy. With love and care, your Spinone Italiano will look great!

Exercise

Exercise is vital for the Spinone Italiano. This breed of dog is a very active and energetic breed, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of exercise in order to keep them healthy and happy.

They love going on long hikes, runs, or walks, and they can easily cover several miles if given the chance. Swimming is another great way to give your Spinone Italiano a good workout – they have webbed feet and are excellent swimmers! Additionally, they enjoy playing fetch and other games that involve running around and stretching their legs.

As a responsible pet owner, you should ensure that your Spinone Italiano gets enough exercise every day in order to help them stay fit and healthy.

Training

Spinone Italiano is a breed of dog that requires an owner who is willing and able to provide the necessary training. This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and strong protective instincts, so early socialization and obedience training are essential in order to ensure a harmonious relationship between the dog and its owner.

Spinone Italianos need consistent commands and frequent positive reinforcement in order to learn quickly and remain attentive. As hunting dogs, they must also be trained in retrieving, tracking, pointing, and flushing techniques. Since Spinone Italianos are energetic by nature, they require plenty of physical activity such as daily walks, hikes, or runs. Lastly,

Spinone Italianos need obedience classes where they can learn basic commands such as “sit” and “stay” as well as more complex behaviors like “leave it” or “drop it”. With the right amount of patience and dedication from their owners, Spinone Italianos can become loyal companions for life.

Nutrition

The right nutrition for Spinone Italianos is essential to keeping them healthy and fit. It is important that they get a nutritionally balanced diet with adequate amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

They should also be fed a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber to help keep their weight in check. A daily portion of proteins should include lean cuts of meat such as chicken or fish as well as eggs and dairy products like cottage cheese.

Fats should come from sources like olive oil or flaxseed oil while carbohydrates can come from whole grains such as brown rice or oats. Vitamins and minerals are best obtained through fresh fruits and vegetables as well as supplements, while treats should only be given occasionally.

Providing your Spinone Italiano with the right nutrition will help keep them happy and healthy for years to come.

Supplying your Spinone Italiano with proper nourishment will aid in keeping them content and vigorous for the years ahead.

Owners Also Ask

What dog breed comes from Italy?

Cane Corsos, Volpino Italiano, Spinone Italiano and Italian Greyhound are some of the most popular Italian dog breeds.

What is the most common dog in Italy?

The most common dog breed in Italy is the Cane Corso. 

What is Italy’s national dog?

Italy’s national dog is the Cane Corso, a large breed of mastiff that originates from the country. This breed dates all the way back to Roman times and is an excellent guard dog.

What is the largest Italian dog?

The Neapolitan Mastiff or Mastino Napoletano is an Italian breed of large dog of mastiff type.

Big Wrap-up for the Italian Dog Breeds

In conclusion, Italian dog breeds are a great addition to any family. They have a long history of being loyal and loving companions that can provide both companionship and protection. With their intelligence and trainability, they make excellent guard dogs.

Their short coats also make them easy to care for and groom.

Whether you choose a Cane Corso, Volpino Italiano, Spinone Italiano, or another breed from Italy, you’ll be sure to find a loving friend in your new pet. They will provide you with unconditional love and loyalty for years to come.

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