The Italian Volpino: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Volpino Italiano descends from the European Spitz, already present on the continent since the Bronze Age according to fossil discoveries. Developed in Italy for a very long time, it was first appreciated by the nobility before becoming a sought-after companion in more modest households, notably in Tuscany and Lazio. A representative of the breed appears in The Vision of Saint Augustine by Vittore Carpaccio and tradition has it that Michelangelo also kept a Volpino Italiano. A first standard was written in 1913 and the FCI standard currently in force was published in 2015.

The Volpino Italiano is a small Spitz-type dog, compact, harmonious and almost inscribable in a square. Its coat is dense, very long, straight and abundant, with a pronounced ruff around the neck. The head has a pyramid shape, the ears are triangular and well erect, the dark brown round eyes express a lot of liveliness and the tail, set high, is carried permanently curled over the back. The coat is solid white or red, the champagne shade being only tolerated.

Affectionate with its family, the Italian Volpino is a cheerful, lively and very playful companion dog. It shows itself attached to its loved ones while keeping a real vigilance as a small alert guardian. Its exuberant and awake temperament makes it a pleasant companion for owners who are present and involved.

The Italian Volpino adapts to many living environments, including family life, provided it benefits from daily outings and regular interactions. Energetic without being hyperactive, it likes to move, play and explore its environment. It appreciates a house with a well-fenced garden, but can live in an apartment if its physical and mental needs are met. Its alert instinct easily leads it to signal unusual noises or approaches.

Intelligent and strong-willed, the Italian Volpino learns the basics properly if its training is both firm, consistent and caring. Encouragement, rewards and early socialization clearly make learning easier. It responds better to positive handling than to any form of brutality.

The Volpino Italiano falls within the classic range for a small purebred dog from a reputable breeder. To the purchase price are then added the expenses for food, veterinary prevention, accessories and routine coat maintenance.

The Volpino Italiano is overall a robust and resilient dog. Its breed is not among the most fragile, but regular monitoring remains useful, particularly for the eyes and joints. Preventive veterinary follow-up and regular care help maintain its good overall condition.

The Volpino Italiano needs a quality diet providing all the nutrients necessary for its age, its size and its activity level. A regular and well-adapted ration supports its energy, the quality of its coat and the maintenance of its ideal weight.

The Italian Volpino is also known by the names Volpino Italiano, Italian Spitz, Florentine Spitz, Cane de Guirinale or Quirinal Dog. This ancient Italian breed has long appealed to both families and historical personalities thanks to its elegant appearance, its alert expression and its constant vigilance.