Dogs have been bred for thousands of years around the world, and several distinctive breeds have their roots in Italy. Some Italian dogs were bred to work: herding and protecting livestock; hunting; or guarding people and property. Others were bred for size and temperament, perfect for sitting calmly on a lap as a companion pet. 

Many Italian breeds were close to extinction as little as 100 years ago, but renewed interest among Italian dog lovers saved them. Italy is well known for its contributions to the arts – and food! But here are a dozen dogs that celebrate the talents of Italian breeders, with some descriptive notes from the American Kennel Club (AKC).