Lupo Italiano
From Italy; developed from 1966 at Cumiana, near Turin.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
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
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A large working dog used for search and rescue and detection, so it needs lots of exercise and purposeful work.1
The story where it all began
The line began in 1966 with a cross between a German Shepherd and a wolf from the province of Rieti, and was developed by Mario Messi. Private ownership was not allowed, and the dogs were trained for public roles such as police work, search and rescue and drug detection. Later genetic studies found the dogs to be closely related to German Shepherds.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- ENCI
- Not recognised by the Italian kennel club (ENCI) or any major kennel club.1
- Italian state (presidential decree)
- A 1987 presidential decree recognised the breed's founding association (ASOLI). The breed is now managed by AAALI.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Lupo Italiano. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Lupo Italiano, and at what times?
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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and you can ask your vet for exact times and portions.12 Furry Diary plan
What should a Lupo Italiano eat, and which foods are dangerous?
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
How often should I bathe a Lupo Italiano?
Bathe your Lupo Italiano at least once every three months, or more often if they get very dirty. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days. Use a dog-safe shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their coat.4 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Lupo Italiano need brushing?
Brush your Lupo Italiano weekly to keep their wolf-like coat healthy and remove loose hair. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This also helps bond with your dog and check for any skin issues.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Lupo Italiano's nails, and how often?
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 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Lupo Italiano need?
This large working dog needs lots of exercise and purposeful work daily, such as long walks, runs, or search and rescue training. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and play. Without enough activity, they may become restless.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Lupo Italiano's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.4 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Lupo Italiano live?
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.
Is a Lupo Italiano good with children and other pets?
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.
Can a Lupo Italiano be left alone?
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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Lupo Italiano - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.