Italian Volpino

The Italian Volpino is a small-sized, fox-like breed of dog, noted for its fluffy appearance and abundant coat. It originated in Italy and has been appreciated over the centuries as a companion and guard dog.

General details

The Volpino Italiano is a small dog breed with an average weight of 4 to 5 kilograms. In terms of height, it is around 25 to 30 centimeters at the withers. Its average life expectancy is between 14 and 16 years. According to the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), this breed is classified in Group 5, within the section of Spitz and similar breeds.

Breed history in brief

The Italian Volpino is a breed of dog of ancient origin dating back to Roman times in Italy. It is believed to be descended from the ancient Spitz type dogs present in Central Europe. Throughout history, the Volpino Italiano has been depicted in paintings and sculptures, evidencing its cultural relevance in Italian society. During the Renaissance, the breed experienced a period of increased popularity and was appreciated for its elegant appearance and loyalty, becoming a popular dog among nobility and royalty in Italy. However, over time, the popularity of the Volpino Italiano waned, and the breed was on the verge of extinction in the 20th century. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of breeders and lovers of the breed, its preservation was achieved and a resurgence has been experienced in recent years.

Breed characteristics

The head of the Italian Volpino is proportional to the body, with a slightly rounded skull and a tapering muzzle. Its eyes are medium-sized and dark, and its ears are small, erect and triangular. Its tail is set high and is covered with abundant hair and usually lies over the back in the form of a ring or curled. The coat is its distinguishing feature. It has a double coat that forms a mane around the neck and a ruff on the chest. The coat is long, dense and fluffy, with a texture similar to cotton. The most common colors are white, red and cream, although specimens can also be found in other shades such as black and gray. The temperament of the Italian Volpino is alert, lively and affectionate. They are brave and loyal dogs, always ready to protect their family. They are good companions and love to be close to their owners. Although they can be reserved with strangers, they tend to be friendly and sociable.

Common health problems

The Volpino Italiano breed is characterized by good health. However, they are prone to develop certain disorders or pathologies such as knee luxation, eye diseases such as cataracts, distichiasis or progressive retinal atrophy, as well as heart diseases such as degenerative valve disease.