Lupo Italiano
Also known as Italian Wolf Dog · Cane Lupo Italiano
Italy, Working and herding dogs
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 58–70 cm
- Weight
- 30–40 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–13 yrs
- Wolf-like
- Working
- Athletic
- Trainable
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Lupo Italiano is a large, wolf-like working dog from Italy, with a long muzzle, pointed ears, amber eyes and a grey coat shaded with fawn or beige. Its creator said it came from a wolf and German Shepherd cross, but genetic studies have found it to be closely related to the German Shepherd with no clear wolf signature. It cannot be bought or sold.
Size
- Size
- Large
- Height at shoulder
- 58–70 cm
- Adult weight
- 30–40 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Bigger breeds keep filling out until 18–24 months.
Lifespan
10–13 years
Most Lupo Italianos live 10–13 years. Like other large dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 7, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
Little independent information on temperament has been published. It has been selected for rescue and public service work, which calls for a capable, trainable and steady dog.
- Wolf-like
- Working
- Athletic
- Trainable
Food
For a typical 35 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 1,610 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 1.4 L–2.1 L
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Puppies of large breeds need a diet made for large-breed growth, so they grow steadily rather than fast.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayAs a large working dog it needs plenty of daily exercise and regular training or work. It is not suited to a sedentary life.
Grooming & shedding
Brush the dense coat weekly and more often when it sheds seasonally.
Health
Private ownership in the usual sense is not possible: the breed association only leases dogs to volunteers, police and search-and-rescue groups. Anyone interested must apply to the association. Health information for the breed is scarce.
The breed can be prone to
- Little published breed-specific health data
- Hip dysplasia (a general risk in large shepherd-type dogs)
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip scoring
- Elbow scoring
Not every Lupo Italiano is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
Banker Mario Messi began the breed in 1966 from a dog said to be a wolf-German Shepherd hybrid, then bred onwards with German Shepherds. He founded a non-profit body in 1980, refused to commercialise the dogs, and a 1987 decree gave his organisation control of the breed; private ownership was banned in 1989. Funding and welfare problems followed, and in 2010 management passed to the AAALI.
- Country of origin
- Italy
- Type
- Working and herding dogs
- Recognition
- Not recognised by the ENCI, FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club; managed under Italian law by the Lupo Italiano Caregivers Association (AAALI)
Is a Lupo Italiano right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
- You need a dog you can easily lift or carry
Cost to keep
Higher than average- Food, insurance and medicines cost more for a big dog
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 10–13 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Lupo Italiano FAQ
How big does a Lupo Italiano get?
Adult Lupo Italianos typically stand about 58–70 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 30–40 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Lupo Italianos live?
Typically 10–13 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Lupo Italiano need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Lupo Italiano need?
A brush once a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Lupo Italianos easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Lupo Italianos shed?
Quite a lot. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control — expect more around spring and autumn.
Are Lupo Italianos good with children?
Many get on well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Lupo Italiano live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Lupo Italianos have?
The breed can be prone to little published breed-specific health data, hip dysplasia (a general risk in large shepherd-type dogs). Not every Lupo Italiano is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.