Origins of many dog breeds can be found on every continent. Also, several dog breeds can trace their ancestry back to Italy. There is a wide variety of dog breeds native to Italy, including those bred specifically for herding.
The Bergamasco sheepdog was developed in the mountains of Northern Italy to herd and defend livestock from predators. Its distinctive coat protected it from the harsh alpine climate.
The ancestry of current Bolognese dogs can be traced all the way back to the Bologna region of Italy in the 11th century, where they were cherished pets of the ruling class. After nearly disappearing from existence, an Italian breeder revived the breed in the 1980s.
It is believed that the Bracco Italiano, with its origins in Northern Italy in the fourth or fifth century BCE, is one of the earliest pointing breeds in Europe. In the 18th century, this kind of dog almost went extinct.
The cane corso is an ancient Italian dog breed that resembles a mastiff and is quite enormous in size. These canines were bred for protection but quickly found other uses as large game hunters and herders.
While the widespread belief that dogs like the current Italian greyhound originated in the Mediterranean, in Greece and Turkey, the breed didn't really take off until Renaissance Italy.
The Lagotto Romagnolo originated in the Romagna area of Northeast Italy and is often considered to be one of the first types of water dog. The locals call him Lagotto, which means "duck dog" in their language.
The Maremma sheepdog originated in the Maremma region of Tuscany and Lazio, and was and is still used to protect sheep from wolves in the Abruzzo region of southern Italy. The breed is well-known for its steadfastness, composure, and bravery.
During the Roman Empire, large dogs like the Neapolitan mastiff were utilized as gladiators and in war. They were fierce protectors as well. These mastiffs originated in Southern Italy, where they have undergone recent, specialized development to more closely resemble.
The prickly vegetation that the Spinone Italiano must navigate while hunting is likely where the breed acquired its name. These ancient origins of the coarse-haired pointing dog.
The little Volpino, which resembles a spitz, is the rarest of all the canines on this list. It is believed that the origins of this breed may be traced back to the 15th century, when they were bred to serve as companions for court women.