[CLSTR]
< Back to all clusters
[CULTURE] · Italy · 2 sources

started · updated

Part of situation: Dog breed preferences and social needs study (2 clusters)

Dog breed popularity trends in Italy for 2026

dog breeds pet ownership Italy German Shepherd canine popularity

A recent survey by digital pet care operator Rover identifies mixed-breed dogs as the most popular canine group in Italy for 2026, followed by poodles and dachshunds. The top five most popular breeds include Labradors and French Bulldogs.

In contrast, data from the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI), which only tracks registered purebred dogs, shows a different ranking. According to ENCI, setters lead the list, followed by German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Dachshunds, and Jack Russell Terriers.

Regional preferences in Italy vary: Lombardy shows a preference for mixed breeds, poodles, and dachshunds; Lazio includes French Bulldogs in its top rankings; Campania and Emilia-Romagna favor Labradors; while Sicily and Puglia show a preference for Jack Russell Terriers.

Sources

Pastore Tedesco: storia, caratteristiche e diffusione mondiale [www.petsblog.it]
Le razze di cani più amate in italia: la classifica 2026. E come scegliere quello più adatto a te [www.oggi.it]