Overview
The Volpino Italiano is a small spitz-type dog from Italy, with a long, standing-off coat, a fox-like face and a tail curled over the back. It stands no more than about 30 cm tall.
It is closely related to the Pomeranian and the German Spitz. It is lively, alert and devoted, and makes a cheerful companion and a good watchdog.
History
Small spitz-type dogs like the Volpino appear in paintings as early as 1502. In the 18th and 19th centuries they were common in Tuscany, where they were called Cane di Firenze and guarded carts and flocks, and in Lazio, where they were known as Cane del Quirinale.
A first standard was written in 1913 and the FCI accepted the breed in 1956. By the 1960s it was nearly extinct, but a few dogs were found in 1968 and registrations restarted in 1972.
Appearance
A small, roughly square dog with body length about equal to height, standing up to about 30 cm. The long coat stands away from the body, with a ruff around the neck and a bushy tail carried over the back.
The traditional colours are solid white, solid deep red or black, though the updated standard tolerates other colours too.
Temperament
Volpinos are cheerful, lively and devoted to their family. Alert and watchful by nature, they are quick to announce visitors and make good little watchdogs.
They enjoy company and games and are intelligent enough to learn quickly, though early training helps keep barking under control.
Care and exercise
They need daily walks and playtime but adapt well to home life, including apartments, if they get enough activity and company.
The long coat needs regular brushing, several times a week, and more during shedding periods. Keep it free of tangles behind the ears and on the legs.
Health
The Volpino is generally healthy, but is one of many breeds affected by hereditary primary lens luxation, an eye disease that can cause pain or blindness. Responsible breeders test for it. Patellar luxation can also occur in small breeds.
