Facts & Origin
Origin
The Volpino Italiano originated in Italy and is often referred to simply as the "Volpino". The word "Volpino" is derived from the Italian word "volpe", which means "fox" - a reference to the fox-like appearance of this breed.
History
The history of the Volpino Italiano goes back thousands of years. It is believed that this breed existed in ancient Rome and perhaps even earlier. Historical artwork and writings attest to the Volpino's presence in Italian history:
- Renaissance: many portraits show nobles with their beloved Volpinos by their side.
- Ancient remains: representations of the Volpino have been found during excavations, attesting to its long history.
Despite its historical importance, the Volpino Italiano was almost forgotten in the 20th century. Only in recent decades has the breed experienced a renaissance, mainly thanks to dedicated breeders who ensure the continued existence of this impressive breed.
Suitability
The Volpino Italiano is popular not only for its attractive appearance, but also for its lively and alert nature. Here are some points about suitability:
- Family Friendly: The Volpino is known for his affection and love for his family. He gets along well with children and can be an excellent family dog.
- Alert: Thanks to its suspicious nature towards strangers, the Volpino makes an excellent watchdog.
- Adaptable: it gets along well in both urban and rural environments and does not require much space to live.
A historical treasure of Italy, the Volpino Italiano is not only a looker, but also a loyal companion. With its lively nature and affectionate nature, it is perfect for families looking for an active, yet low-maintenance dog.
| Alternate Name | Italian volpino |
| Origin | Italy |
| Life expectancy | 13 - 16 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance |
| Activity level | average |
| FCI group | European Spitz |
| AKC group | Foundation Stock Service |
| KC group | not recognised |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Basic character
The Volpino Italiano is remarkable not only for its appearance, but also for its distinctive character. He is considered to be lively, alert and affectionate. His name, which means "little fox," gives a hint of his cunning and alert nature.
Social traits
- Family Oriented: The Volpino has a deep bond with his family. He is extremely loyal and always wants to be near his loved ones.
- Child Friendly: With his playful and patient nature, the Volpino gets along well with children.
- Wary of Strangers: While affectionate and devoted to his family, he can be reserved or even suspicious of strangers at first.
Behavioral traits
- Alert: His alertness makes him an excellent watchdog. He will not hesitate to warn his family if he notices strangers or unusual noises.
- Active: The Volpino Italiano has a lot of energy and loves to play and romp around. Regular walks and playtime are a must.
- Intelligent: His intelligence makes him easy to train, but he needs consistent training.
Summary
A small but energetic dog, the Volpino Italiano will win you over with his blend of loyalty, intelligence and alertness. He will quickly become an indispensable member of the family and conquer the heart of every dog lover with his affectionate and loving nature. It is important to provide him with enough attention and activity to keep him busy both physically and mentally.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Coat care
The Volpino Italiano is known for its fluffy, long coat that requires regular grooming.
- Brushing: At least three times a week, the coat should be brushed to prevent matting and keep it clean and shiny.
- Bathing: While frequent bathing is not necessary, it should be bathed every few months depending on activity level and soiling.
- Other Care: Regular checking and cleaning of ears, eyes and teeth is recommended to prevent infections.
Health aspects
The Volpino Italiano is generally a healthy dog, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain conditions:
- Patellar luxation: a common condition in smaller dogs.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An eye disease that can lead to blindness.
It is recommended that regular veterinary checkups be performed and that a balanced diet be maintained.
Breeding
Care should be taken when breeding the Volpino Italiano:
- Purebred: make sure to breed only with healthy, purebred animals to maintain breed standards.
- Health Testing: Breeders should test their dogs for genetic diseases and use only healthy animals for breeding.
- Socialization: early socialization of puppies is critical to ensure that they exhibit good temperament as adult dogs.
In summary, the Volpino Italiano is a low maintenance dog as long as you give it the attention it needs in terms of coat care and health checks. Breeding should be done with care and responsibility to ensure the high quality and health of the breed.
Coat Characteristics
The coat of the Volpino Italiano is described as fluffy and lush. It is:
- Structure: Straight and sticking out
- Length: Medium to long
- Color: Mostly pure white, but there are rare varieties in red or champagne.
The dense undercoat provides it with protection from the elements and requires regular grooming to remain in top condition.
Visual characteristics
Visually, the Volpino Italiano is reminiscent of the American Eskimo Dog or the Small Spitz, but with some differences:
- Face: Pointed face with a black or brown nose, depending on coat color.
- Eyes: Almond shaped, dark and lively.
- Ears: Erect and pointed, always alert.
Size & Weight
Despite its fluffy appearance, the Volpino Italiano is a small dog:
- Size: Between 24 and 30 cm
- Weight: Around 4 to 5 kg
The Volpino Italiano is a proud, elegant dog with a striking appearance. Its white, fluffy coat makes it distinctive and requires regular grooming. When keeping him, you should take into account his size and light weight. This makes him ideal for apartments and smaller houses, provided he gets enough exercise and activity. His lively and alert nature, combined with his impressive looks, makes him a beloved companion for many dog lovers.
| Fur length | long |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Standing Ears |
| Tail | rolled up |
| Anatomy | rugged |
| Size ♀ | 25 - 28 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 4 - 6 kg |
| Size ♂ | 27 - 30 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 4 - 6 kg |
| Suitable For | Beginner, Children, Seniors |
