Lupo Italiano

The Lupo Italiano is an Italian wolfdog bred by the state in the 1960s for mountain search and rescue, and private ownership of it is restricted by law.

History

Mario Messi began it in 1966 by crossing a wild Apennine wolf with a German Shepherd, on a commission that wanted an animal with a wolf's endurance and scenting ability for alpine rescue work. An Italian presidential decree placed the breed under state protection: breeding is controlled, sale is prohibited, and the dogs are assigned rather than bought. That is the first thing to know about it.

Temperament

The breed is known for being intelligent, independent and reserved, bonded to a handler it works with and cautious rather than confrontational with strangers.

Care and training

It needs a very great deal of exercise, specialist handling and secure containment. In practice it works with civil protection and rescue units rather than living in households, and the law intends it that way.

Health

Generally hardy; a closed state-managed population is the standing genetic caution. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.