Italy is without a doubt a mandatory destination for those who are interested in the history of our civilization, art contemporary, culture and delicious cuisine. Italy is also known for the number of dog breeds which have originated on its soil, the national entity of Italian scene Ophelia ENCI currently recognizes 16 different breeds of Italian dogs. This beautiful country has gifted the world with very special and striking dogs let's start with.
Neapolitan Mastiff Dog :
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large Italian dog breed, it is a robust dog with well-developed muscles and powerful jaws. Its most striking physical features are the numerous wrinkles and folds that hang off of its head and neck. Neapolitan masters are known for having an incredibly loyal but at the same time determined and independent character. Although they're not particularly active dogs Mastiffs require a good dose of daily physical activity in order to manage a healthy weight and maintain a balanced temperament (1).
Italian Maltese Dog :
The Maltese Bichon is a toy size dog that is characterized by its long and white silky mantle. This small Italian dog braid requires regular brushing in order to prevent the formation of knots and tangles, although it has been officially recognized as an Italian dog breed the origins of the Maltese are not only associated with Italy. This origin is also linked to the island of Malta and yet in Croatia, these furry little dogs require constant attention from their tutors including walks affection and playing with dog toys (2).
Cane Corso Dog :
The Cane Corso also known as Italian Mastiff is one of the most recognized Italian dog breeds worldwide. It is a medium to large-sized dog with a muscular and very strong body, these imposing dogs reveal a well-defined and self-determining personality. Cane Corso’s are very athletic and energetic dogs therefore they adapt better to a life with active owners and people who enjoy the outdoors (3).
Bracco Dog :
The Bracco Italiano also known as an Italian pointer is an old dog native to northern Italy. Historically these dogs are used for hunting birds first with mats and later with firearms, at present the Bracco Italiano is one of the most popular dog breeds in Italy. However they're not as popular in the rest of the world these Italian dogs are strong robust sand resistance. They're known as being excellent companion dogs with a docile nature and a great predisposition to training (4).
Italian Greyhound Dog :
The little Italian Whippet also known as Italian Greyhound is the smallest of all the greyhound breeds recognized today. In their adult stage these dogs do not usually exceed 30th centimeters in height at the withers, they also reach an average body weight of between 2.5 and 4 kilos. However their bodies exhibit love develop musculature which allows them to hit great speeds when running (5).
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Bolognese Dog :
The Bolognese dog or Bolognese Bichon is an Italian dog breed from the Bichon family. It's gorgeous line the region of Bologna this small dog usually tracks attention due to its protruding eyes and extremely white and woolly mantle. Although not very popular outside Italy and quite difficult to find these furry little pups are great companion dogs for people of all ages, in their family nucleus Italian Balinese dogs are very affectionate and protective over their loved ones (6).
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog :
The Bergamasco shepherd is a medium-sized rustic-looking Italian dog breed. The Bergamasco originated alpine region of Italy one of its most outstanding and characteristic physical features are the Tufts that form from its long abundant and rough fur. Popularly known as goat hair their big eyes and sweet kind facial expressions also explain why this dog breed cars such attention. These dogs are very gentle, versatile, intelligent and predisposed to working for this reason they're easy to train its popularity as a companion dog has managed to spread to various countries all over Europe (7).
Lagotto Romagnolo Dog :
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized Italian water dog whose origins and name date back to the region of Romana Italy. Historically they have been used and trained as water retrievers, they were also worked successfully as truffle detectors. The Lagotto Romagnolo smoke characteristic physical feature is its traditionally dense woolly and curly coat common of water dogs, This Italian dog is an active and alert breed with well-developed senses and an excellent location for work (8).
Maremma Sheepdog :
The Maremma Sheepdog also known as Abruzzese Sheepdog is an ancient Italian dog breed that originated in the central region of Italy. It is a powerful and imposing dog it is a large rustic looking dog breed with abundant white fur its physical appearance is very similar to that of the Pyrenees mountain dog. These dogs were traditionally used to guide and defend herds from predators although this Italian dog breed can adapt to a home with Tina's companion dog these dogs really enjoy and require a predominantly outdoor lifestyle (9).
Volpina Dog :
The Italian Volpina is a small-sized spitzs dog with a compact body and well-developed muscles according to ENCI records this small Italian dog breed has been very close to extinction in fact official hatcheries are working to recover their decreasing population. Fortunately because they have an incredibly playful vivacious and low character these little dogs have regained popularity as companion dogs (10).
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