The origins of the Volpino Italiano can be found in ancient Rome and Greece, but this breed as we know it today was brought back to life and given a standard in Italy throughout the 20th century, which helped to guarantee its existence as a distinctive dog breed. People continue to appreciate the Volpino Italiano for its qualities as an energetic friend and a watchful guardian. They’re loving, loyal, and fun, which makes them great family pets. You can say they are a perfect blend of a lapdog and a watchdog. However, it’s not all perfect. Like with any other dog breeds, you realize that all dogs need proper care, as well as proper training, mental, and physical stimulation.

Origins: ancient, modern breed reestablished in the 20th century, Italy

AKC: non-sporting (foundation stock service)

RKC: not recognized

FCI: group five (Spitz and primitive types)

UKC: northern breed

Physical Traits

The Volpino Italiano, a dog breed of the Spitz type, is identified by its small size and a body that is both compact and square. Males and females are of similar height, but males are usually heavier than females.

Height: 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm)

Weight: 

• Males: 10 t0 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.5 kg)
• Females: 8 to 12 pounds (3.5 to 5.5 kg)

Coat: long, straight, and standing off;

Color: the AKC recognizes white, but the FCI states they can be white, red, or black, or any other color is accepted.

Eyes: dark brown, round.

Ears: triangular and pricked

Tail: high-set, curled over the back

Nose: large and black

Skull: mesocephalic, scissor bite

Social Traits

As a breed, the Volpino is a lively, alert, and people-oriented spitz, and throughout history they were bred to be a watchdog and companion, rather than a dog that works in a pack. This means they don’t have a natural predisposition to be friendly toward other dogs. This doesn’t mean they are aggressive, but reserved. However, same-sex aggression has been observed in this breed, specifically among males.

The Volpino is also a great watchdog. However, this also means they can be barky, which is something to think about before bringing one home. Some neighborhoods do not allow dogs in general, especially the barky ones.

The Volpino is an affectionate dog, but it usually bonds with one family member. They can also get along well with children as long as they are well-socialized and as long as we teach children how to behave around dogs, too.

The Volpino Italiano can get along with other small animals, such as cats, but they need proper socialization from an early age. Even then, they might chase small animals outside of their home. This is something to be aware of. Never encourage any kind of aggressiveness toward small animals, no matter how cute it looks ‌when the dog is small but barking at a neighbor’s cat.

Good watchdogs

Can be barky

Same-sex aggression can be present

Need socialization to get along well with other dogs or other small animals

Good with children if properly socialized (not recommended for very young children)

Affectionate, but usually bonds with one family member

Lively, playful

Well suited for both ‌city life and the country

Activity Needs and Trainability

The Volpino Italiano is an active dog who needs moderate amounts of physical activity every day. The best option is to give them around one hour of daily activity every day, divided into two sessions. Don’t forget that they need mental stimulation as well. 

You should enrich their everyday playtime through toys, playtime, and special puzzle toys to keep their minds active. This is very important. The Volpino is an active dog, and if it doesn’t get enough daily mental and physical stimulation, it can turn boredom into destructive behavior. That means you can come back home to find your favorite pillow shredded into pieces or your furniture chewed.

The Volpino Italiano is trainable, but it needs shorter sessions. Keep the training fun, short (around 15 minutes), and add treats. Most owners say the Volpino is very food-motivated, so use that during training. Still, don’t expect perfect obedience like from a Border Collie. The Volpino is a Spitz-type dog, and it has a bit of stubbornness inside.

Trainable, but keep the sessions short and fun, with food as motivation

They need about 1 hour of daily activity

Give them plenty of mental stimulation as well

Health and Nutrition

Generally speaking, an adult Volpino Italiano needs around 1 cup of kibble every day. We should divide the amount into two meals, one in the morning and the other ‌in the evening. The amount of food varies based on other factors, too, such as health, activity levels, and so on.

If you are in doubt, the best option is to ask the vet about how much to feed your dog and what food. However, if you want to change the diet in any way, don’t do it on your own. First, talk to the vet.

The Volpino Italiano is a healthy dog breed, and responsible breeders continue to screen-test their dogs to keep the lines free of genetic diseases. However, some health issues are still present, such as:

• Primary Lens Luxation
• Patellar Luxation
• Eye issues (cataracts)
• Von Willebrand disease

They need about 1 cup of kibble a day

Some genetic health issues present

Life expectancy: around 15 years

Grooming

The Volpino Italiano sheds moderately, and it requires weekly brushing to remove dead hair. Ideally, you should brush them 2 or 3 times a week. The best option is to use a combination of a slicker and a pin brush. You can also use a comb as a final touch.

The Volpino doesn’t need a lot of baths, just when it gets dirty. Bathing them too much can lead to dry and irritated skin, which can lead to other skin issues. So, trim their nails regularly, brush them, and bathe them only when they get dirty. 

Moderate shedding

Brushing at least once a week

Use a slicker and a pin brush

Bathe only when they get dirty

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a lively, affectionate dog that is a good watchdog and looks like a lap dog but it’s much more active and robust than that, the Volpino Italiano is your choice! However, they are not suited for very young children because they don’t have a lot of patience. These dogs also need proper socialization from an early age to avoid same-sex aggression as much as possible, but even with all the socialization, they can still be reserved toward strange dogs or strangers in general. On the other hand, the Volpino Italiano is lively, adorable, affectionate, and very loyal.