Italian Wolfdog (Lupo Italiano, Italian Wolfdog)

The Italian Wolfdog (Lupo Italiano) is a dog breed native to Italy, developed in the second half of the 20th century by crossing German Shepherds and wolves. The hybrids combined the best qualities of both breeds: the sense of smell, agility, and strength of their wild counterparts, as well as the intelligence and loyalty of dogs. In Italy, the breed is protected by the state, and its breeding is strictly regulated.

Content

1 History of origin
2 Appearance
3 Character and behavior
4 Content Features
5 Health and life expectancy
6 Where to buy a puppy
- 6.1 Price
7 Photos and videos
- 7.1 Video about the Italian Wolfdog breed

History of origin

The breed's founder is considered to be banker Mario Messi, who in 1966 crossed a male German Shepherd with a female wolf, the latter being a species native to the Alps in the province of Lazio. The pair's litter included a puppy named Zorro, who became the founder of the breed. It's worth noting that genetic studies contradict this origin, but in the absence of an alternative theory, this one is recognized as the official one. A standard was developed in 1973. In the late 1980s, the Italian Wolf Protection Agency (ETLI) was created. The breed is not recognized by the FCI.

Appearance

The Italian Wolfdog is a fairly large dog with a strong build, a wedge-shaped head, large erect ears, strong legs and a double coat of zonal color. In appearance, it does not resemble a wolf as much as, for example, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, but possesses the characteristic traits of a wild animal: strength, agility, resistance to weather, hunger, thirst, and an exceptional sense of smell. Sexual dimorphism is expressed:

height at the withers of males - 60-70 cm;
height at the withers of bitches is 58-65 cm.

The head is well-modeled, with the muzzle tapering toward the nose. The jaws are strong, with a scissor bite. The nose, eyelids, and lips are black. The ears are parallel, large, set high, erect, and very mobile. The eyes are set obliquely and are dark in color with a golden sheen.

The body is strong, moderately elongated. The loin is straight. The croup is slightly sloping, not too low. The tail is fairly long and set low. The legs are medium length, dry, with strong bone and well-developed muscles. The belly is slightly tucked up.

The coat is double and dense. The guard hairs are medium-length, smooth or slightly rough, shorter on the head and limbs. The undercoat is well developed, especially in cold weather in dogs that live outdoors. The coat is zoned gray in various shades.

Character and behavior

Unlike many other hybrids, for example, Sarloos dogsItalian wolves are working service dogs. They have a better sense of smell and endurance than German Shepherds and are more trainable than other wolfdogs.

In Italy, many Lupo Italianos live in kennels run by various agencies, which use them for search and rescue work. Some dogs work for the police. Others are simply pets, companions, and good family dogs.

The Italian Wolfdog has a very independent and strong character. While wary of strangers, it forms a strong emotional bond with its owner. With proper upbringing and training, it is quite obedient, but in unusual situations, it may act as it sees fit. It has a strong territorial instinct. If necessary, it will defend its "pack" and territory with its life. Pressure-based training is ineffective with Italian Wolfdogs.

Content Features

The Italian wolfdog is energetic and hardy, unafraid of adverse weather conditions. It is better suited to year-round outdoor living. Service dogs are kept in enclosures. Wolfdogs raised as companions adapt well to indoor life.

The Italian wolf is easy to feed and care for. To maintain its neat appearance, the owner only needs to brush its coat occasionally. Also, periodically inspect its ears for dirt and treat them for parasites.

Health and life expectancy

There is limited data on hereditary diseases. The Italian wolf is considered to be a healthy breed with a strong immune system, and is relatively resistant to common canine diseases. Life expectancy is 12-14 years.

Where to buy a puppy

The breed is very rare, with only a few hundred wolfdogs worldwide. In Italy, they are protected by the state, and their breeding is strictly controlled. The government annually allocates funds to the Italian Wolfdog Breeders' Association (AALI), which has exclusive breeding rights. This is necessary to prevent the commercialization of the breed and preserve its unique working qualities.