Volpino Italiano

The Volpino Italiano is a small white Italian spitz — an old companion and watchdog breed that came close to disappearing entirely.

History

Spitz dogs of this type have been kept in Italy for centuries, in both grand houses and farmyards, valued as an alarm dog that alerted the larger guard dogs. Michelangelo is said to have kept one. By the 1960s the breed was nearly extinct and was rebuilt from a handful of dogs found on farms.

Temperament

The breed is known for being lively, devoted and extremely alert — a small dog with a large voice and a strong sense of its own territory. It attaches closely and dislikes being left alone.

Care and training

Exercise needs are modest and easily met, but the barking needs managing from the start or it becomes the dog's whole personality. The dense stand-off coat needs regular brushing and no trimming.

Health

Known tendencies include patellar luxation and eye conditions; the small gene pool is the standing caution. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.