• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Volpino Italiano Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Volpino Italiano so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank213
Reviews0
User Ratings
Compare the Volpino Italiano With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Volpino Italiano dog profile picture
OriginItaly flagItaly
Other Names
What other names does the Volpino Italiano have?
Florentine SpitzItalian SpitzVolpinoCane de Quirinale
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Volpino Italiano Size and Weight

Size
Is a Volpino Italiano small, medium or large dog?

How big do Volpino Italiano get?

What is the average size of a Volpino Italiano?

Small
Weight
How much does the Volpino Italiano weigh? How much should a Volpino Italiano weight? What is the normal weight of a Volpino Italiano? How much does a full-grown Volpino Italiano weight?
9-14 pounds (4–6 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Volpino Italiano?
11.5 pounds (4–6 kg)
Height
How tall is the Volpino Italiano? Volpino Italiano height:
9.5-12 inches (24–30 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Volpino Italiano?
9.8.5 inches (24–30 cm)

Volpino Italiano Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Volpino Italiano puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Volpino Italiano in the United States? How much money is a Volpino Italiano?

Where to buy a Volpino Italiano with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Volpino Italiano, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Volpino Italiano for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Volpino Italiano gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Volpino Italiano? How many Volpino Italiano are there in the world?
Average: The Volpino Italiano is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Volpino Italiano Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Volpino Italiano? Is the Volpino Italiano breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Volpino Italiano ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Volpino Italiano dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Volpino Italiano?
Volpino Italiano dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Volpino Italiano good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Volpino Italiano dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Volpino Italiano dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Volpino Italiano dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Volpino Italiano dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Volpino Italiano Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Volpino Italiano have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActivePlayfulAffectionateLivelyWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Volpino Italiano sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Volpino Italiano dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Volpino Italiano a good family dog?
Average to High: Volpino Italiano dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Florentine Spitz need? Volpino Italiano social needs:
Volpino Italiano dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Volpino Italiano to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Volpino Italiano roam?
Volpino Italiano dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Volpino Italiano have high prey drive?
Volpino Italiano dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Volpino Italiano Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Volpino Italiano is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Volpino Italiano dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Florentine Spitz bark?
Average to High: The Volpino Italiano is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Volpino Italiano good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Volpino Italiano in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Volpino Italiano indoors.

Volpino Italiano Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Volpino Italiano dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Volpino Italiano be left alone? How long can you leave a Volpino Italiano alone?
Volpino Italiano dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Volpino Italiano Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Volpino Italiano has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Volpino Italiano? How much bite force does a Volpino Italiano have? How strong is a Volpino Italiano bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Volpino Italiano bite force: Weak. The Volpino Italiano bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Volpino Italiano measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Volpino Italiano may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Volpino Italiano being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Volpino Italiano bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Volpino Italiano puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Volpino Italiano can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Volpino Italiano bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Florentine Spitz? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Volpino Italiano? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Volpino Italiano has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Volpino Italiano do?
Volpino Italiano dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Volpino Italiano dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Volpino Italiano Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Volpino Italiano dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Volpino Italianos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Volpino Italiano breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Volpino Italiano see the vet?
Frequent
The Volpino Italiano should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Volpino Italiano dogs live? How old can a Volpino Italiano be? What is the age limit of the Volpino Italiano? How many years can the oldest Volpino Italiano live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Volpino Italiano?

How long is the lifespan of a Volpino Italiano?

14-16 years
The average lifespan of Volpino Italiano: 15 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Volpino Italiano Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Volpino Italiano have? What is the activity level of the Volpino Italiano?
Volpino Italiano dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Volpino Italiano need? How much exercise do Volpino Italiano dogs require per day?

Do Volpino Italiano dogs need a lot of exercises?

Volpino Italiano dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Volpino Italiano breed need?
Volpino Italiano dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Volpino Italiano Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Volpino Italiano need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Volpino Italiano breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Volpino Italiano? How much food should I feed my Volpino Italiano?
1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Volpino Italiano risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Volpino Italiano has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Volpino Italiano weight regularly.

Volpino Italiano Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Volpino Italiano have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Fluffy
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Volpino Italiano coats?
Black Red White FawnChampagneHoney
Grooming
How to groom the Volpino Italiano and how often? How often should I take my Volpino Italiano to the groomer?
Average: The Volpino Italiano requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Volpino Italiano, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Volpino Italiano dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Florentine Spitz? Do Volpino Italiano dogs shed a lot?
Volpino Italiano dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Volpino Italiano need a bath? How often should you give a Volpino Italiano a bath? Can I bathe my Volpino Italiano every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Volpino Italiano breed hypoallergenic?
No
Volpino Italiano dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Volpino Italiano has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Volpino Italiano drool?
The Volpino Italiano is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Volpino Italiano could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Volpino Italiano.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Volpino Italiano Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Volpino Italiano dogs get along with other pets? Are Volpino Italiano dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Volpino Italiano dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Volpino Italiano temperament with other people:
Volpino Italiano dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Volpino Italiano dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Volpino Italiano temperament with children:
Volpino Italiano dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Volpino Italiano dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Volpino Italiano breed live with a cat?
Volpino Italiano dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Volpino Italiano good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Volpino Italiano dogs get along with other dogs?
Volpino Italiano dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Volpino Italiano breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Volpino Italiano breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Volpino Italiano dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Volpino Italiano dogs good office canines? Do Volpino Italiano dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Volpino Italiano is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Volpino Italiano dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Florentine Spitz temperament with senior people? Are Volpino Italiano dogs good for elderly owners?
Volpino Italianos are usually recommended for elderly people.

Volpino Italiano As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Volpino Italiano be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Volpino Italiano is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Volpino Italiano be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Volpino Italiano be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Volpino Italiano is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Volpino Italiano be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Volpino Italiano is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Volpino Italiano be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Volpino Italiano is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Volpino Italiano be a boat dog?

Not really

Volpino Italiano breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Volpino Italiano be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Volpino Italiano is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Volpino Italiano dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Volpino Italiano Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Volpino Italiano pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Volpino Italiano breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Volpino Italiano: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Volpino Italiano have in a litter? How many puppies can the Volpino Italiano breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Volpino Italiano have? How many puppies can a Volpino Italiano give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Volpino Italiano Recognition

AKC Group
Is Volpino Italiano recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Volpino Italiano recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section.

Volpino Italiano Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Drooling Tendency: The Volpino Italiano is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Volpino Italiano has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: Volpino Italiano dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Volpino Italiano dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Volpino Italiano dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Volpino Italianos are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Volpino Italiano dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Volpino Italianos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Volpino Italiano dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Volpino Italiano dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Volpino Italiano is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Volpino Italiano History

The Volpino Italiano is thought to be descended from the ancient Spitz type of dogs from a couple of thousand years ago. Due to the lack of records and documentation, the breed’s exact ancestry remains unknown. However, according to researchers’ DNA studies, the breed was developed around the 15th century in Italy. Moreover, it is presumable, that the Volpino Italiano’s ancestors might include the German Spitz, the Pomeranian, and the American Eskimo.

During the early Medieval Ages, the breed was kept as a watchdog on farms and in their owners’ houses. The breed is an excellent watchdog, for the reason that it has a unique vocal capability, which enables the dogs to sound the alarm when a stranger comes near the property. The Volpino Italiano does not like the presence of stranger people or dogs, the breed always showed great displeasure, by vocalizing and barking on a high pitch voice loudly. Nevertheless, later, at the end of the 15th century, as dog ownership became more fashionable, the Volpino Italiano was well-loved by the Italian royalty and it was frequently kept by court ladies. The breed was considered to be an excellent lapdog with their elegant exterior, which included small size, fox-like face, thick double coat which came in white color and their pointed ears. It is stated that the famous painter, Michelangelo also enjoyed the company of the Volpino Italiano and had several of the breed’s specimens throughout his life. Moreover, according to some records, Queen Victoria also owned multiple Volpino Italiano dogs.

The Volpino Italiano was mostly unknown outside their native land, Italy until the late 1800s. Italian immigrants brought the breed with them to the United States of America towards the end of the 19th century and in the early 20th century during the mass migration wave. Because of the fact that the breed mainly came with peasant immigrants, its value did not get any attention. By the middle of the 20th century, in the 1960s, the breed got to the brink of extinction, when just a handful of pure-bred dogs remained in the world. Fortunately, the Italian Kennel Club took action and supported breeders to start an intensive and well-planned breeding program, with the aim of revitalizing the Volpino Italiano.

In the 1980s, the breed started to gain more popularity in their homeland, Italy. The first kennel club was the ENCI (Italian Kennel Club) who recognized the breed in 1903. Later, the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) also registered it in 1956. The UKC (United Kennel Club) accepted the Volpino Italiano into their registry in 2006. Nonetheless, due to the level of similarity between the Volpino Italiano and the Pomeranian, the AKC (American Kennel Club) did not recognize the breed as a distinct, separate one yet. Nowadays, the breed is kept as a family companion, but it still remains in rarity outside of Italy. There are only 3000 specimens registered in the whole world.

Rate The Volpino Italiano Breed

Volpino Italiano Comments, Reviews and Questions