The Volpino Italiano or the Lupino is a rare Italian Spitz-type dog descended from the early Spitz hounds that existed thousand years ago. Widely owned by noblemen and peasants, they were very affectionate and energetic. Bred in ancient Italy, Volpino Italianos are now a rare breed rarely found outside their homeland.
Featuring a foxy face and a strong body covered in dense fur, Volpinos immensely love their people and homes, and they have a reputation for getting along well with any kid or other pets in the household. Despite their small size, Volpinos are active dogs requiring plenty of attention, so pet owners should be ready for their high exercise needs. In addition, they make excellent watchdogs and may be used as bird dogs if appropriately trained. Volpinos can be vocal and sound an alarm if an outsider comes close to their property. Also, their mischievous personality makes them the best partner to spend a relaxed evening after a long day at work.
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Volpino Italiano Overview
Volpino Italiano dogs are amazing little pups with prominent personalities, and they are gentle, friendly, curious, and fearless. Early socialization allows them to be easygoing enough to live in a family with older children and other pets. However, if you live in an apartment, you must teach your dog quiet commands, as loud noises tend to trigger their character’s yapping side. Volpinos require moderate grooming but are relatively easy to maintain and train because of their smartness and eager-to-please attitude. Also, they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. So, be ready to spend lots of time exercising and playing to build a bond and happy life with these adorable puppies.
If you are looking for a small but generally active companion who can excel at canine sports such as nose work, agility, and rallying, this ball of energy is one to consider.
Volpino Italiano Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Athletic and agile
Might be bossy and overprotective if not well-socialized early
Other Names: Cane de Quirinale, Florentine Spitz, Italian Spitz, Volpino
Life Span: 12 – 16 years
History of Volpino Italiano
The Volpino Italiano is an ancient breed descended from the old European Spitz and has been bred in Italy for many years. Volpinos were idolized in the noblemen’s palaces and the ordinary people’s hovels, where they got an appreciation for their guarding instinct. Regarding their exact origin, researchers believe that the Volpino contributed their DNA to several modern-day breeds, such as the American Eskimo, Pomeranian, and German Spitz. At the height of their popularity, Volpinos was a favored companion of Italian royalty and peasant farmers. It is said that Michelangelo loved the company of these cheerful breeds and had several throughout his life.
The first Kennel Club to recognize the Volpinos was the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) in 1903.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed in 1956.
The American Kennel Club is yet to recognize them fully; however, breeders are diligently working to have them accepted.
The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the Italian Volpino in 2006.
Volpino Italiano Highlights
Volpino makes an excellent watchdog.
Volpinos are highly vocal.
These dogs are happy, alert, and intelligent. However, if they have no activities and get bored, they are inclined to dangerous behavior like excessive barking and chewing inappropriately.
Volpinos love being around their families and suffer separation anxiety when left alone.
Pet owners ought to be intelligent people when they own a Volpino. Else their lives will be guided by their dogs.
Volpino Italiano Personality
Volpino is a small, squarely built, plush-furred, little Spitz breed. Volpino means ‘fox-like.’ This foxy resemblance is most evident in their pointed ears, sharp and narrow faces, and wedge-shaped heads.
Volpino Italianos are:
Active and playful companion
Attached to their people and are loyal to them
Alert, protecting their pack and territory
Guard and companion dogs
Volpinos adapt quickly to new circumstances. They can be headstrong. The dogs’ solid and distinct personalities should be steered in the right direction with constant education. You must establish a clear hierarchy and show them you can master any situation. They enjoy all kinds of games and canine sports. They are very protective of their human families but are far more likely to alert their owners of suspicious strangers than become aggressive. In addition, Volpinos can easily share their home with kids and other animals with proper training and early socialization.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
Medium to high
Dog-friendly
Medium
Stranger-friendly
Medium
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
High
Good for new owners
Medium to high
Sensitivity level
High
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold tolerance
Medium to high
Heat tolerance
Medium
Volpino Italiano Physical Features
Head:
Pyramid-shaped head
Slightly egg-shaped skull
Well-defined stop
Large, black nose with well-opened nostrils
The muzzle is inferior in length to the skull, with pointed lateral surfaces but not exaggeratedly.
Well-opened, roundish eyes
Triangular-shaped, pricked ears
Thick, tightly closed lips
Strong jaws, customarily developed white teeth, regular and complete set of teeth.
Scissor bite or pincer bite is acceptable.
Neck, Topline, and body:
Well-muscled neck that is always carried upright.
Square-built body
Straight dorsal line with slightly convex over the loins
Withers are slightly raised from the dorsal line.
Straight, strong musculature back
Short, broad, well-muscled, and slightly arched loin
Tail: Strong tail set in the croup’s prolongation and carried permanently curled over the back, reaching as near the neck as possible.
Forequarters:
Legs are set vertically to each other and parallel to the median plane of the body.
Well-developed muscles
Elbows are set parallel to the median plane of the body.
Stong, dry musculature forearm
Strong, broad carpus and slightly sloping, wide metacarpus.
Feet: Oval-shaped forefeet with closely knit arched toes.
Hindquarters:
Broad hindquarters with well-developed muscles
Strong hock joints
Vertical and perfectly straight pasterns
Strong pads with black pigmentation, nails preferably black.
Coat: Dense, long, straight, and standing-off coat.
Color: White or red. The champagne color is tolerated but not desirable.
Gait: Normal trot, gait with typical steps, not striding out.
Disqualification (AKC Standards)
Male dogs must have two normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs with breed-typical conformation should be utilized for breeding.
Aggressive or overly shy dogs.
Convex nose bridge
Ears completely drooping
Overshot bite
Wall eye
Lack of tail or very short tail, whether congenital or acquired
Total depigmentation of the nose or eye rims.
Any color except white, red, or the not-desirable champagne color
Red markings on basic white color, white or black markings on basic red color.
Volpino Italiano Temperament
Volpino Italiano is a vigorous, multi-functional dog with exceptional guarding and hunting instincts. They make excellent watchdogs. Good socialization techniques and training can reduce excessive barking and overreactions to new situations. For instance, they might attempt to herd smaller animals and nip at the heels and legs of children to herd them, but Volpinos won’t hurt them.
Volpino dogs are excellent family pets and enjoy bonding with the human family. They will quickly get along with all other pets, provided they are socialized as pups and were raised with them. The only downside of their loyal and devoted character is that they can easily undergo separation anxiety if left alone for an extended time.
Volpino Italiano Training
It shouldn’t be that difficult to train a Volpino dog. Since these breeds are intelligent and lively, they will quickly pick up the concept you conduct. They also excel at herding or dog sports training as they grow older. However, behavioral issues like digging and barking can arise without proper training. While they make exceptional watchdogs, Volpinos will also likely become excessive barkers. These traits should be discouraged early by positive reinforcement techniques.
Here are some of the training exercises that you need to do with your Volpino dog:
Volpino dogs are exceptional family pets and enjoy bonding with the human family. They will quickly get along with all other pets, provided they are socialized as pups and were raised with them. Volpinos are highly energetic dogs who need lots of daily exercises and exercises to help with physical and mental stimulation. They will flourish with at least one hour of daily exercise combined with play sessions, training lessons, or training like agility, herding, obedience, and tracking events to keep their mind occupied. They are playful and active breeds but retain a firm herding drive; hence, those who can deliver a doorway for these instincts are recommended. Volpinos are sensitive puppies, so you must avoid punishments, yelling, and harsh treatment, which will make them more determined.
You can meet your Volpino’s daily exercise essentials by:
The Volpino’s double coat — a soft, dense undercoat and a rough, protective outer coat with guard hair is simple to maintain. However, you must brush once or twice weekly to remove dead hair and prevent shedding. Also, wet their skin after every brush and leave it to dry naturally. Regular bathing, mainly in the spring and summer, is essential to help with seasonal shedding, as Volpinos tend to shed more during those times. In addition, you should check their ears weekly for signs of infection, such as redness, debris, and odor. Trim their nails to avoid nail growth and clicking sound. Finally, using dog toothpaste, brushing their teeth should be done at least twice a week to maintain their gums and teeth healthy.
Here are a few products and equipment to meet your Volpino grooming needs:
The Volpino is generally considered a healthy dog but is still predisposed to inherited conditions like other purebred dogs. Therefore, reliable breeders strive to keep high standards by testing adult dogs before breeding. Then, to maintain your pup’s health, take them for regular vet check-ups and keep them updated with their vaccines.
Health Overview
General Health
High
Weight gain tendencies
Medium to high
Size
Small
Cataract: A condition seen as cloudy spots on the eye lens that grow gradually. This disease can develop at any age and often doesn’t affect vision; however, rare cases cause vision loss. Fortunately, you can remove cataracts surgically with good results.
Hip dysplasia: A hereditary disorder in which the thigh bone fails to fit into the hip joint. One or both legs of your dog may become lame or ache. X-ray is the best way to analyze the situation. It is not advisable to breed dogs with hip dysplasia.
Obesity: Volpinos are prone to obesity and worsening hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease negatively hits a dog’s fitness and durability. Obese dogs exhibit an increased risk of heart disease, digestive conditions, diabetes, joint problems, and hypertension.
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL): This illness usually starts to take place around middle age, and it is radical and can lead to subsequent blindness. It is triggered by the collapse of the fibers that keep the lens in place. There is a PPL test that is advised for breeders to have done on probable parents.
Primary Glaucoma: This condition is affected by the lowered capacity to sink fluid from the eye, producing pain and eventual blindness. Glaucoma in Volpino is often related to an irregularity in the eye called Goniodysgenesis, which is believed to be genetic.
Patellar Luxation: When the patella (kneecap), which generally lies in the cleft of the femur (thighbone), slips out of position, it is referred to as the luxating patella. If the patella luxates, your dog may feel periodic hind limb “skipping,” lameness, or locking up the leg at an irregular angle.
Small dog syndrome: Volpinos suffer from this syndrome, a collective behavior change exhibited by small dogs. They do all activities to overcome their small statures, such as excited manners, growling at people and other pets, and jumping up on pet parents, people, or other pets.
Volpino Italiano Diet and Nutrition
You can feed your Volpinos with 3/4 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. With your vet’s supervision and approval, a Volpino dog should do well on high-quality canine food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared. Some Volpinos are prone to getting overweight, so monitor their weight level and calorie consumption. Treats can be an integral aid in training, but giving too many treats can result in obesity. Please consult your vet to feed your dog a healthy diet and portion schedule based on their weight, age, and activity level.
Here are the foods and supplements to meet your Volpino’s nutrition needs:
Exercising your Volpino’s body and mind is more important than having a large fenced yard or living space. They are ideal for active pet parents or families with children. They need lots of engagement to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Your Volpinos cannot tolerate extreme weather; hence avoid taking them outdoors when it’s too warm or cold.
Did You Know?
Italian immigrants brought the Volpino breed to North America in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Volpinos obtain their name from the Latin term “Vulpes,” meaning “Fox.”
Queen Victoria is said to have brought home a pair of Volpino dogs from Florence, Italy, in 1888. There, she contributed to the breed’s misidentification by referring to them as Pomeranian toy dogs.
Things to remember before adding a Volpino Italiano to your family
Generally speaking, if you want to bring home a Volpino, you may have the pursuit on your hands. Unfortunately, as a rare breed whose numbers have dwindled, it’s unlikely that you’ll find these hounds in a rescue center or shelter. Getting a Volpino from a reputable breeder is best to prevent unavoidable circumstances like health and vaccination. Also, checking with the puppy’s parents to cross-check its health and happiness is best.
Cost of aVolpino Italiano
A Volpino Italiano’s cost ranges from $600 to $800, not including miscellaneous expenses.
