The dogs are so different here!

Steve has been looking at the architecture, the cathedrals, the views. I've been eyeing up all the dogs. Big ones, small ones, feisty ones, refined ones. There are dogs everywhere here - in every public place, on lead, off lead, in bags, in carry cases.

Interestingly, the Italians don't use dog collars that often. The dog's lead is typically attached to a body harness - which looks much more comfortable for the dog and most importantly it can be more easily accessorised with a bit of doggy bling! (And I haven't seen one of those horrible, cruel chocker chains. Hooray!!)

What I have found really fascinating is that the dogs here all look so different to those in NZ & Aus. They look like a mix of every breed imaginable and many dogs look completely unlike anything I've ever seen before.

Here is a dog breed I've seen a couple of times. He is like a very small german shepherd but with a cute fluffy face and a flat stocky body. Absolutely gorgeous.

I want to take them all home!