Volpino Italiano
Volpino Italiano belongs to Spitz type. He was often kept by Italian ladies as a lap dog because of his affectionate and lovable nature.


Volpino Italiano Breed overview
The Volpino Italiano is a small, fluffy dog known for their loyalty and playful nature. They require daily exercise and regular grooming to stay healthy and happy. While they may be wary of strangers and selective with other dogs, they can be good with children and make great watchdogs. Owners should provide proper socialization and training to prevent behavioral issues such as excessive barking or mouthing. Overall, the Volpino Italiano is a friendly and adaptable breed that makes a great companion for those who can provide them with the attention and care they need.
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What To Expect When Caring For a Volpino Italiano
Training
Volpino Italiano can be trained easily but he can also be quite stubborn. Training should be conducted in a gentle and positive manner so that the dog doesn’t become unruly or aggressive.
Repetition and affirmatives reinforce good behavior and calm behavior is rewarded with treats. Obedience classes are also helpful.
Socialisation is important, exposing the dog to different environments, people and other dogs to prevent undesirable behaviors.
Nutrition
One cup of dry kibble, divided into two meals per day will suffice. Food should be chosen based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
They have a tendency to overeat and become obese, so measures need to be taken to prevent this.
It is important to ensure that your dog has access to fresh water at all times.
Grooming
The Volpino Italiano’s coat is a stand-out feature and it requires frequent grooming to maintain its puffiness. They need weekly brushing or combing to remove loose fur and to prevent mats.
Their ears and eyes should be checked for debris or discharge on a regular basis and cleaned when necessary. Trim their nails regularly to prevent overgrowth.
Bath time should be kept to a minimum, so as not to damage the coat or skin. This breed has a tendency to develop skin conditions, so it is best to use a gentle hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner.
Health
Volpino Italiano is a healthy breed, but he is prone to hip dysplasia and alopecia X, which causes hair loss on ears and body.
Maintaining a healthy weight through an adequate diet is very important, as is regular exercise to help prevent health problems related to inactivity.
Exercise
Volpino Italiano doesn’t require too much exercise, but needs daily walk or playtime to stay healthy.
Playing games with them like fetch, tug-of-war, and other activities can provide ample exercise, but they love to run around free in a secure area.
Volpino Italiano also enjoys participating in agility, obedience, and rally competitions.
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Volpino Italiano Traits & Characteristics
This breed tolerates other dogs and cohabitation with other animals if raised together from puppyhood
Volpino Italiano requires daily exercise to keep him in shape but his small size means he can get by with a good walk or indoor playtime.
Volpino Italiano is a healthy breed, but he is prone to hip dysplasia and alopecia X, which causes hair loss on ears and body. His overall lifespan is typically 14 to 16 years
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Volpino Italiano is not an overly clingy breed but once they form a bond with their owners, they will show a lot of love and affection. They are known to be loyal and affectionate but are not demanding of attention.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Volpino Italianos can be good with children if socialized well early on. Although they are playful, they may not be able to withstand rough play as they are a small breed. Parents should always supervise interactions and teach children to be gentle with the dog.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Volpino Italianos can be selective with other dogs, especially those they do not know. They can be territorial and may not get along with dogs of the same sex. Early socialization and training can improve their sociability with other dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Volpino Italianos can initially be wary of strangers but are not typically aggressive towards them. Early socialization can help them become more comfortable with new people.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Volpino Italianos are a playful breed and enjoy engaging in fun activities with their owners. They are not overly energetic but still require daily playtime to stay happy and healthy.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Volpino Italianos are naturally alert and attentive dogs. They make good watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of potential threats.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Volpino Italianos are adaptable dogs and can do well in various living situations. However, they do best in homes with a secure yard where they can play and run around.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Volpino Italianos have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They do shed seasonally but not excessively. They are not hypoallergenic and may not be suitable for those with allergies.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Volpino Italianos have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They need to be brushed at least once a week and may require professional grooming every few months. They are considered high maintenance in terms of grooming.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Volpino Italianos are not known to be heavy droolers and have a dry mouth. This makes them a good choice for those who are sensitive to drool or want a cleaner dog.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Volpino Italianos are a small breed, typically weighing between 9-12 pounds and standing 10-12 inches tall. They are known for their fluffy double coat and fox-like features.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Volpino Italianos are moderately active dogs and require daily exercise to stay healthy. They enjoy going for walks and spending time playing with their owners.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Volpino Italianos require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy going for walks, playing with their owners, and other fun activities that keep them active.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Volpino Italianos were originally bred as companion dogs and do not have a working history. However, they can still perform well in certain tasks or jobs with proper training.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Volpino Italianos do not have a strong hunting instinct and are not typically used for hunting. They may be prone to chasing small animals if not properly supervised.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Volpino Italianos have a moderate level of energy and can maintain high levels of activity for short periods of time. They require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Volpino Italianos are generally a healthy breed but may be prone to certain health issues such as luxating patella, dental problems, and eye diseases. Regular vet visits and proper care can help prevent these issues.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Volpino Italianos can be prone to weight gain if they do not receive enough exercise or if they are overfed. Owners should monitor their food intake and provide regular exercise to prevent obesity.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Volpino Italianos can tolerate cold weather but may need extra warmth and protection in extreme conditions. They should be supervised when outside in cold weather to prevent hypothermia.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Volpino Italianos can tolerate hot weather but may need extra cooling and hydration in extreme conditions. They should not be left outside in hot weather for extended periods of time.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Volpino Italianos can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive daily exercise and have access to an outdoor area to play. However, they may bark excessively if not properly stimulated.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Volpino Italianos have a tendency to wander and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure yard. They can also be prone to chasing small animals and should be supervised when outside.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Volpino Italianos are generally not a sensitive breed but may become stressed if left alone for long periods of time or if they do not receive proper socialization and training.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Volpino Italianos may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods of time.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Volpino Italianos are alert dogs and may bark to alert their owners of potential threats. However, excessive barking can be a problem if not properly trained.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Volpino Italianos are an intelligent breed and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They enjoy learning new tricks and playing interactive games with their owners.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Volpino Italianos can be a good choice for novice dog owners as they are generally easy to train and have a friendly temperament. However, they do require regular grooming and exercise.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Volpino Italianos are intelligent dogs and can be trained with patience and positive reinforcement. They respond well to treats and praise but can be stubborn at times.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Volpino Italiano is not an overly clingy breed but once they form a bond with their owners, they will show a lot of love and affection. They are known to be loyal and affectionate but are not demanding of attention.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Volpino Italianos can be good with children if socialized well early on. Although they are playful, they may not be able to withstand rough play as they are a small breed. Parents should always supervise interactions and teach children to be gentle with the dog.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Volpino Italianos can be selective with other dogs, especially those they do not know. They can be territorial and may not get along with dogs of the same sex. Early socialization and training can improve their sociability with other dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Volpino Italianos can initially be wary of strangers but are not typically aggressive towards them. Early socialization can help them become more comfortable with new people.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Volpino Italianos are a playful breed and enjoy engaging in fun activities with their owners. They are not overly energetic but still require daily playtime to stay happy and healthy.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Volpino Italianos are naturally alert and attentive dogs. They make good watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of potential threats.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Volpino Italianos are adaptable dogs and can do well in various living situations. However, they do best in homes with a secure yard where they can play and run around.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Volpino Italianos have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They do shed seasonally but not excessively. They are not hypoallergenic and may not be suitable for those with allergies.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Volpino Italianos have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They need to be brushed at least once a week and may require professional grooming every few months. They are considered high maintenance in terms of grooming.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Volpino Italianos are not known to be heavy droolers and have a dry mouth. This makes them a good choice for those who are sensitive to drool or want a cleaner dog.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Volpino Italianos are a small breed, typically weighing between 9-12 pounds and standing 10-12 inches tall. They are known for their fluffy double coat and fox-like features.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Volpino Italianos are moderately active dogs and require daily exercise to stay healthy. They enjoy going for walks and spending time playing with their owners.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Volpino Italianos require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy going for walks, playing with their owners, and other fun activities that keep them active.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Volpino Italianos were originally bred as companion dogs and do not have a working history. However, they can still perform well in certain tasks or jobs with proper training.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Volpino Italianos do not have a strong hunting instinct and are not typically used for hunting. They may be prone to chasing small animals if not properly supervised.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Volpino Italianos have a moderate level of energy and can maintain high levels of activity for short periods of time. They require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Volpino Italianos are generally a healthy breed but may be prone to certain health issues such as luxating patella, dental problems, and eye diseases. Regular vet visits and proper care can help prevent these issues.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Volpino Italianos can be prone to weight gain if they do not receive enough exercise or if they are overfed. Owners should monitor their food intake and provide regular exercise to prevent obesity.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Volpino Italianos can tolerate cold weather but may need extra warmth and protection in extreme conditions. They should be supervised when outside in cold weather to prevent hypothermia.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Volpino Italianos can tolerate hot weather but may need extra cooling and hydration in extreme conditions. They should not be left outside in hot weather for extended periods of time.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Volpino Italianos can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive daily exercise and have access to an outdoor area to play. However, they may bark excessively if not properly stimulated.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Volpino Italianos have a tendency to wander and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure yard. They can also be prone to chasing small animals and should be supervised when outside.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Volpino Italianos are generally not a sensitive breed but may become stressed if left alone for long periods of time or if they do not receive proper socialization and training.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Volpino Italianos may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods of time.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Volpino Italianos are alert dogs and may bark to alert their owners of potential threats. However, excessive barking can be a problem if not properly trained.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Volpino Italianos are an intelligent breed and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They enjoy learning new tricks and playing interactive games with their owners.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Volpino Italianos can be a good choice for novice dog owners as they are generally easy to train and have a friendly temperament. However, they do require regular grooming and exercise.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Volpino Italianos are intelligent dogs and can be trained with patience and positive reinforcement. They respond well to treats and praise but can be stubborn at times.
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History of the Volpino Italiano
Volpino Italiano is a very old breed, from the Ancient Spitz dog group. He is a descendant of European Spitz-type dogs. Being favored by Italian aristocracy, he was very well-known among the royals and other genteel households.
The breed’s aristocratic beginnings came to an end with the fall of the Roman Empire, but he remained popular as a common farm dog.
The Volpino Italiano was briefly lost to history after World War II, but was brought back to the forefront of Italian culture due to an increased interest in native breeds.
Volpino Italiano Puppies
Puppies tend to be outgoing and friendly but respond best to training when their humans use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards.
Socialisation with people, dogs and training is very important for the well-being of puppies. Puppy classes and obedience courses are highly recommended.
Volpino Italiano puppies have a moderate energy level and love to play.