The 10 most popular dog breeds in Italy: characteristics, care and curiosities

Welcome, dog lovers! If you're thinking about adding a new four-legged friend to your family or simply want to learn more about our country's most popular breeds, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll introduce Italy's 10 most popular dog breeds and analyze their unique characteristics, temperament, abilities, and the major health problems they're prone to. Get ready to fall in love!

1. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is one of the most popular and well-known dog breeds in the world thanks to its intelligence and versatility. In Italy, it is often used as a guard dog, working dog, and family pet.

• Physical characteristics: This large dog has a muscular and slender body. Its coat is dense and can be of various colors, including black and brown, black and gray. Its expression is noble and alert, with erect and pointed ears.

• Character traits: Intelligent, loyal, courageous, and protective. This dog loves to work and learn. Requires consistent training from puppyhood.

• Characteristics: Excellent guard dog, rescue dog, police dog, and companion dog. With sufficient physical activity and mental stimulation, it adapts well to family life.

• Common diseases: hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, gastric dilatation and torsion.

2. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is known for its gentle and friendly temperament and is a family dog par excellence, very popular in Italy.

• Physical characteristics: Medium to large, with a robust, compact build. The coat is short and dense, black, yellow, or chocolate brown. The tail, thick at the base, is often described as "otter-like."

• Character traits: Extremely sociable, patient, and playful. He loves children and is easy to train. His friendly nature makes him a good watchdog.

• Skills: Excellent companion dog, assistance dog (e.g., for the blind), therapy dog, and search dog. He is a good swimmer and loves the water.

• Common diseases: hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems (e.g. cataracts), ear infections, obesity.

3. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is very similar in temperament to the Labrador and is another gentle giant that has won the hearts of Italians.

• Physical characteristics: Medium to large, with long, golden or cream-colored fur that requires regular brushing. The body is robust and harmonious.

• Character traits: Affectionate, intelligent, and patient. He is a balanced and tolerant dog who has a close bond with his family.

• Skills: Perfect companion, therapy, and assistance dog. Originally bred to retrieve game, he loves retrieving objects and playing.

• Common diseases: hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, cancer, thyroid problems.

4. Chihuahua

Despite its small size, the Chihuahua has a big personality and is one of the most popular companion dog breeds, especially in cities.

• Physical characteristics: It is the smallest dog in the world. It has an apple-shaped head, large, expressive eyes, and erect ears. Its coat can be long or short and comes in many colors.

• Character traits: Brave, lively, and sometimes stubborn. Tends to form a close bond with a particular person. He is an alert dog and can be suspicious of strangers.

• Characteristics: Excellent apartment dog. Requires little exercise but plenty of attention. Despite his size, he is a good watchdog, alerting people with his barking.

• Common diseases: dental problems, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, tracheal collapse.

5. Maremma Shepherd

The proud and independent Maremma Sheepdog is a native breed that remains highly valued as a guardian of livestock and property.

• Physical characteristics: Large and imposing. His coat is long, thick, and pure white. His robust and muscular build is ideal for protecting the herd.

• Character traits: Brave, dignified, and very protective. He has an innate guarding instinct and an independent nature. He is not a dog that constantly seeks affection.

• Characteristics: Excellent guard and herding dog. Requires plenty of space and an experienced owner who knows how to handle its strong temperament.

• Common diseases: hip dysplasia, eye problems (such as entropion), thyroid problems.

6. Jack Russell Terrier

The lively, energetic and fun-loving Jack Russell Terrier is a small hunting dog that has become a popular companion for those who enjoy being active.

• Physical characteristics: Small, compact, and muscular. The coat can be smooth, rough, or broken (anywhere in between). The expression is intelligent and lively.

• Character traits: Intelligent, brave, and very energetic. He has a strong personality and an innate curiosity. He enjoys digging and hunting small animals.

• Skills: Requires a lot of physical and mental activity. Ideal for active and athletic individuals. He is a hunting dog, agility dog, and an excellent adventure companion.

• Common conditions: Patellar luxation, eye problems (e.g. lens luxation), deafness.

7. Irish Setter

The elegant and sophisticated Irish Setter is a hunting dog breed with a distinctive mahogany-red coat that is also highly valued as a family dog.

• Physical characteristics: Medium to large, with a slender, graceful body. The coat is silky, long, and deep red.

• Personality traits: Lively, sociable, and affectionate. Has a cheerful and playful temperament. Can be somewhat exuberant, especially at a young age.

• Characteristics: A hunting dog (pointer) par excellence, but also an excellent companion dog for active families. He loves to run and needs space to move around.

• Common diseases: progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, gastrointestinal problems.

8. Volpino Italiano

Another local treasure, the Volpino Italiano, is a lively and intelligent companion dog with a centuries-old history.

• Physical characteristics: Small, with long, thick white or red fur. The muzzle is pointed and the ears are small and erect.

• Character traits: Lively, attentive, and very protective. He tends to be a bit cheeky and barky, but is a loyal and loving companion.

• Characteristics: Excellent guard and companion dog. It is an intelligent dog that adapts well to apartment life, provided it receives the necessary attention.

• Common diseases: Patellar luxation, heart problems, eye problems.

9. Pug

With its flat snout and sweet look, the pug is an increasingly popular companion dog due to its funny and affectionate nature.

• Physical characteristics: Small, compact, and muscular. The muzzle is short and wrinkled, the tail curled in a corkscrew shape. The coat is short and smooth, fawn or black.

• Personality traits: Sociable, playful, and lazy. He loves cuddling and the company of his family.

• Behavior: Perfect for an apartment dog. Doesn't require much exercise. Tends to snore and make strange noises.

• Common diseases: breathing problems (due to the flat muzzle), eye problems, dermatitis in the skin folds, obesity.

10. Border Collie

Finally, the Border Collie , considered one of the most intelligent dogs in the world, is a working dog that is also becoming increasingly popular as a family dog in Italy.

• Physical characteristics: Medium-sized, with a sleek and muscular body. The coat can be of various lengths and colors, but black and white are the most common. The expression is intelligent and intense.

• Personality traits: Tireless, extremely intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please others. He needs a job to be happy.

• Characteristics: Excellent herding dog. Excellent for dog sports such as agility. Not suitable for sedentary owners.

• Common conditions: hip dysplasia, epilepsy, eye problems (CEA), sensitivity to certain medications.

We hope this guide helps you learn more about the most popular dog breeds in Italy. Remember that every dog is a unique individual, and regardless of the breed, the love and commitment you give them are the key to a happy and peaceful coexistence.