Are you planning on getting any of the four Italian toy dog breeds to be part of your family?
If you’re a dog owner, you know that not all dog breeds are created equal. Some certain qualities and characteristics make certain types of dogs more desirable than others.
Some of the best toy breeds are Italian toy dogs: the Italian greyhound, Bolognese, Maltese, and Volpino Italiano.
We have a separate article if you want to learn about the popular Italian dog breeds. You may also want to read about Lagotto Romagnolo, the Italian truffle hunting dog.
In today’s guide, we’ll discuss Italian toy dog breed facts and share tips for adopting these stunning breeds of dog.
Italian Toy Dog Breeds
The first thing to do when adopting a dog is to check its breed or lineage.
Although the dog’s breed is not the only thing you need to consider in choosing your new pet, it is a vital component in the process because this will determine the overall characteristics of your dog.
That’s why it’s essential to understand the 4 Italian toy dog breeds if you’re thinking of getting any of these kinds.
1. Italian Greyhound
During the middle ages in Italy, the Italian Greyhound dog breed was a beloved companion of nobility.
This little hound, however, was more than just a lapdog. It had the speed, stamina, and persistence needed to hunt tiny prey.
These days, Italian greyhounds are family dogs whose grace and prowess in obedience, agility, and rally contests are admired.
Italian greyhounds make good apartment pets and wonderful family dogs. They get along well with children and other dogs. These easy-to-care-for puppies will win the hearts of even inexperienced pet owners.
Italian greyhounds struggle when alone for long periods during the day, however. They require company since they are pretty sensitive.
Things To Know Before Adopting an Italian Greyhound
Italian greyhounds are elegant, thin dogs who are full of personality. These energetic canines get the moniker “velcro dogs” because they love to be close to their owners and build deep emotional relationships with them. They are very active outdoors but turn into couch potatoes indoors.
PROS
• Athletic and nimble, Italian greyhounds are known for their exceptional speed.
• Amicable and comfort-loving, this breed enjoys unwinding alongside its owner.
• Because of its small stature, this breed is appropriate for those looking for a tiny companion.
CONS
• Due to its highly delicate disposition, the Italian greyhound is susceptible to being easily demoralized by hostile language or behavior.
• This breed demands attention and can become possessive of its owners.
• Italian greyhounds are a bit stubborn. Having them on a leash is a smart idea.
• This breed’s small size and delicate build make it more prone to injury.
2. Bolognese
The Bolognese is a charming little white companion dog and a member of the Bichon breed. It is bright and humorous but usually is not a high-energy dog.
This toy dog is a tiny companion breed that originated in Italy. It is a calm, obedient dog with a long, fluffy pure-white coat. They adore people and are pretty jovial and laid-back.
The Bolognese is short, stocky, and built with a square frame. He is devoted to his master and his people and is relatively calm and idle.
They might be reserved among strangers, but with the proper socialization, they’ll open up soon. The Bolognese does poorly when left alone for extended periods because it is prone to separation anxiety.
Things To Know Before Adopting a Bolognese
The Bolognese is a bright and humorous dog but usually is not a high-energy dog. The Bolognese is a tiny companion breed that originated in Italy. It is a calm, obedient dog with a long, fluffy pure-white coat. They adore people and are quite jovial and laid-back.
PROS
• Bolognese dogs are brilliant, so training them is simple.
• This breed is suitable for allergy sufferers because it doesn’t trigger as many allergic reactions. It sheds rarely and has a very low tendency to drool.
• The Bolognese dog breed is very hospitable. However, it also makes a fine watchdog.
CONS
• These dogs are more likely than typical to herd, nip, chew, or play-bite people.
• Due to their deep bonds with their owners, this Italian toy breed frequently experiences separation anxiety when left alone at home.
3. Maltese
The little Maltese, known as “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” lived it up when the Bible was still being written.
Maltese dogs are lively, versatile, and lovable toy companions distinguished for their noticeable floor-length coats. They are loving pets weighing under 7 lbs. and wearing a long, silky coats, with a small body and a fluid, effortless walk beneath the all-white cloak.
The total image of this Italian toy dog exudes harmony and free-flowing grace.
The alluring Maltese face with its wide, dark eyes and black gumdrop nose might win over the most jaded sense. These tiny dogs are tough and adaptable pets despite their aristocratic appearance.
They are little competitive athletes on the agility course and make keen watchdogs who are fearless in a cute toy-dog sense.
The Maltese breed has a long span and is low-shedding and sociable with people of all ages. They sometimes have a strong will and are amenable to instruction based on rewards.
Things To Know Before Adopting a Maltese
The Maltese dog breed gets along well with young people, the elderly, and other animals. These canines are entertaining and straightforward to teach.
Despite having long fur coats, they do not shed a lot. They can be adopted by people who live in apartments because they don’t take up a lot of space.
PROS
• Maltese dogs are cheerful, amusing, playful, and loving. They are usually friendly toward outsiders and other animals.
• This bred sheds tiny, which makes it a good choice for allergy sufferers.
• It adores the warmth and sunshine.
• The Maltese breed has a longer life span than most other breeds.
CONS
• These tiny dogs are physically vulnerable, requiring constant supervision and care.
• When overly left alone, separation anxiety manifests as disruptive behavior and yapping.
• This breed can be hard to housebreak, according to some owner Maltese owners.
• This breed requires regular brushing, combing, and trimming. Alternatively, the coat should be routinely shorn short.
4. Volpino Italiano
The Volpino Italiano breed, or simply Volpino, descended from the European spitz that has been around in central Europe since the Bronze Age. It is also the ancestor of the German spitz, of which the Volpino Italiano is not a descendant but a cousin.
Volpinos have a 14 to 16 years life expectancy. Although normally in good condition, this breed is prone to cataracts and cardiac issues.
It has been bred in Italy since time immemorial. It has lived in the noblemen’s palaces and in the homes of the ordinary people, where it’s valued for its vigilance and instinct to guard.
Things To Know Before Adopting a Volpino Italiano
The Volpino Italiano’s uniqueness hasn’t lost its vivacity along the road. This little dog is fairly playful with the entire family, yet they constantly appear to be up to something. They even get along with other cats and dogs to keep themselves entertained.
PROS
• Known for their friendly personality, Volpinos enjoy spending time with family and sleeping beside their loved ones.
• As a small breed, this dog is perfect for a home that wishes to have a smaller companion because it weighs as little as 9 lbs.
• Most Volpino Italiano dogs are simple to train due to their cleverness and love of goodies.
CONS
• When upset, this breed has a tendency to bark and become rather vocal.
• Even though this breed is small, it has a quick metabolism. It requires at least 45 minutes of exercise daily to maintain good behavior.
• A Volpino Italiano is not the greatest choice for households with young kids who might drop them while holding them.
Do you want to learn some ways to say "dog" in Italian? Check out this post.