Italy
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 58 to 70 cm (23 to 28 in)males 60 to 70 cm, females 58 to 65 cm1 |
| Coat | Wolf-like coat |
| Origin | Italy; developed from 1966 at Cumiana, near Turin.1 |
wolf-like coat
A large, wolf-like dog with a strong chest, powerful jaws, medium pointed ears and ideally slanted golden eyes. The long tail hangs low at rest and curves a little when raised.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lupo Italiano. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
A large working dog used for search and rescue and detection, so it needs lots of exercise and purposeful work.1
Feed your Lupo Italiano at least two meals a day, as adult dogs do best with a consistent schedule. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and you can ask your vet for exact times and portions.12 Pet Wiki plan
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for a large, active breed. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always check with your vet for a balanced diet.13
Bathe your Lupo Italiano at least once every three months, or more often if they get very dirty. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days. Use a dog-safe shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their coat.4 Pet Wiki plan
Brush your Lupo Italiano weekly to keep their wolf-like coat healthy and remove loose hair. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This also helps bond with your dog and check for any skin issues.4 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days as a starting guide. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.4 Pet Wiki plan
This large working dog needs lots of exercise and purposeful work daily, such as long walks, runs, or search and rescue training. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily walks and play. Without enough activity, they may become restless.1 Pet Wiki plan
Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly and wipe the outer ear gently if dirty. Never push anything into the ear canal.4 Pet Wiki plan
The lifespan of a Lupo Italiano varies and depends on genetics and care. For specific information, ask your vet or a good breeder. Regular vet check-ups help ensure a long, healthy life.
This breed's temperament with children and other pets can vary based on training and socialization. It's best to ask a good breeder or an experienced vet for guidance. Early socialization is always recommended.
Leaving a Lupo Italiano alone for long periods is not ideal, as they need lots of exercise and purpose. They may become anxious or destructive without enough activity. Consult a good breeder or trainer for advice on managing alone time.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Running costs for a Lupo Italiano, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
1 of the 61 countries we check have a rule that names the Lupo Italiano. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.
| Country | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | Insurance requiredCabinet of Ministers resolution 'Deiaki pytannia shchodo nebezpechnykh porid sobak' (10 Nov 2021) lists 51 breeds and their mixes as dangerous: owners must hold compulsory liability insurance when registering, and use a leash and muzzle where the dog may endanger people. | official |
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
The Lupo Italiano is a large, very active breed that needs a high-quality, large-breed diet to support its energy levels and joint health. Keep treats to 10% of daily calories to avoid weight gain, and ask your vet about the best diet for your dog's specific needs.
Source: vcahospitals.com petmd.com
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
The breed name 'Lupo Italiano' translates directly from Italian to 'Italian Wolf', reflecting its claimed origin as a wolf-dog hybrid created by crossing a German Shepherd with an Italian wolf.1
I wake up with the sun, my favorite time. I stretch and walk the fields with my human, sniffing every track. Then we practice searching, I find a hidden toy in the tall grass. My tail wags hard. After lunch, I guard the yard, watching for anything unusual. In the evening, we run together along the path, wind in my fur. I sleep soundly, knowing I helped today.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
The line began in 1966, when Mario Messi was given Zorro, a wolf-German Shepherd hybrid whose mother was a wolf caught in the province of Rieti. Zorro was then mated with German Shepherds. Private ownership has been banned since a 1989 decree, and the dogs are leased only to volunteers, police and rescue groups for roles such as search and rescue and drug detection. A 2017 genetic study found the dogs closely related to German Shepherds, with no significant sign of Italian wolf ancestry.1
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Saarloos Wolfdog
German Shepherd Dog