Say Caio to These 14 Adorable Italian Dog Breeds

• Size: Small
• Lifespan: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Playful, calm, loving

How Italian is this dog breed? It shares its name with a beloved pasta sauce. Bolognese dogs were once a favorite breed of Roman nobility—their mellow demeanor and laid-back personality make them the ideal lap dog.

A member of the Bichon family and hailing from the city of Bologna, these white-coated companion dogs are easily trainable couch potatoes with a bit of pep. You’ll love their personality as much as you love their easygoing nature.

• Size: Extra large
• Lifespan: 9–12 years
• Temperament: Loyal, smart, serious

With lineage dating back to ancient Rome and a name that’s translated from Latin to mean “bodyguard dog,” the Cane Corso‘s impressive appearance may fool you at first.

But this dog breed is also loyal and eager to please. While the Cane Corso can easily adapt to family life, don’t confuse this pup for a mellow one; these pups are high-energy and intelligent, and they need lots of exercise and ways to engage their mind.

• Size: Extra small
• Lifespan: 14–15 years
• Temperament: Alert, playful, sweet

The Italian Greyhound is an alert and sweet-natured breed. But while some love to run with notorious Greyhound speed, others prefer nap time on the couch. They’re affectionate and mischievous, and their playful nature means they need plenty of playtime.

• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 15–17 years
• Temperament: Feisty, amiable, energetic

They have wooly curls and an adorable beard, but don’t let the Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed’s good looks fool you; they are known as durable workers. Their specialty? Sniffing out truffles.

They’re best suited in homes that have plenty of space to roam. They’re also Italian water dogs, so they love to go for swims in bodies of water big and small. No matter the adventure, Romagnoli are in—the only question is, are you?

• Size: Extra small
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Gentle, eager to please, cuddly

Maltese dogs are known for their floor-length coat, but these playful family dogs are more than just their glamorous fur.

The perfect lapdog, they are low-shedding and can pack a peppy personality—just be mindful that they can be rambunctious and develop unwanted behaviors if not encouraged with positive, rewards-based training.

• Size: Extra large
• Lifespan: 7–9 years
• Temperament: Loving, chill, affectionate

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a big dog known for their abundance of wrinkles that create a sad-looking appearance—but don’t worry, Neapolitan Mastiffs are happiest just being a family pet.

But those wrinkles take some extra TLC. Keep them clean and dry from food and drool; having a towel and pet-safe wipes on hand is a must.

• Size: Extra large
• Lifespan: 8–10 years
• Temperament: Social, attentive, laidback

The Saint Bernard is the quintessential family dog—as long as you don’t mind having a dog that might outweigh you. These lovey-dovey gentle giants are originally from the Swiss Alps, but their Italian connection comes from their past as the original rescue dogs of the Italian-Swiss border.

This ancient breed’s rescue missions go as far back as 1050, and the dogs were widely known as the rescue dog of monks. Today, Saint Bernards prefer larger homes, focused training and plenty of cuddle time.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 13–15 years
• Temperament: Sociable, independent, intelligent

Don’t mistake the Bergamasco Sheepdog’s fur for unkempt matting. Their moplike fur is distinct and showstopping—and perfectly normal for the breed.

Hailing from the alpine town of Bergamo, these ancient herding dogs use this distinct “flock” fur to protect them from the fierce cold and predators of the Italian Alps—the breed’s ancestral homeland.

These loyal and loving pups are typical mountain dogs who make great family pets, and their minimal shedding is ideal for people with allergies.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 10–14 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, enthusiastic

The Bracco Italiano was the 200th breed recognized by the AKC, but they’re not exactly newbies. While the Bracco Italiano’s true origins remain a mystery, they’re believed to date back 500 years.

The Bracco Italiano often works as a bird dog, aka a type of hunting dog who helps hunters find and retrieve prey. Docile and easy to train, they require a lot of exercise—couch potatoes need not apply.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Sociable, patient, docile

The Spinone Italiano is another hunting dog that’s known for having a docile demeanor. Typically used for tracking, pointing, and retrieving, this ancient breed hails from northern Italy, though their exact origins are unknown.

The breed is versatile, too; they are well-suited for hunting on any kind of ground and feel equally comfortable swimming in cold, deep water. Like all dogs, this breed needs early socialization to really thrive.

• Size: Small
• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Loyal, energetic, loving

Closely related to the Pomeranian and the German Spitz, the Volpino Italiano was common in Tuscany in the 18th and 19th centuries, where the breed worked as a guardian to carters and shepherds.

American Eskimo Dog breeders bred the Volpino Italiano to their Eskies to create the toy-sized American Eskimo. Today, dog parents of Volpino Italianos can enjoy a best friend who’s both a lover of agility exercises as well as being a lap dog when the fun is done.

• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 11–13 years
• Temperament: Alert, friendly, intelligent

Also known as the Maremmano, the Maremma Sheepdog originated from ancient shepherd dogs with a history of being used in Italy’s Maremma and Abruzzi regions. Maremmas were used as herding dogs and flock guardians, as well as estate guardians, especially in Tuscany.

Maremmas can be traced back to at least ancient Roman times. They are still very popular in Italy despite being a rare breed in the U.S.

• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 11–13 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, eager to please

The Segugio Italiano is a scent hound who requires a lot of exercise, both mentally and physically. They’re renowned for their scenting ability and stamina, capable of working for up to 12 hours without needing a break.

Though they have high exercise needs, the extra effort pays off—Segugio Italianos are excellent companion dogs because of their great heart, easy trainability and friendliness.

• Size: Small
• Lifespan: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Independent, friendly, affectionate

The Cirneco dell’Etna is an ancient breed of hunting dog that originates from Sicily and is often used to hunt small game. They can be mild, low-maintenance companions who are cherished for their loyal and gentle nature.

These sight hounds are sweet-natured, fast, and independent—though they are a bit more trainable than the typical sight hound. This rare breed is a small dog, but under the right conditions can make a good family pet.