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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
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Volpino Italiano dog profile picture
OriginItaly flagItaly
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Volpino Italiano known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Florentine SpitzItalian SpitzVolpinoCane de Quirinale
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Volpino Italiano? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Volpino Italiano Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Volpino Italiano? Learn how big the Volpino Italiano breed typically grows.
Small
Weight Statistics
How much does a Volpino Italiano weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Volpino Italiano breed.
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 Range
How much does a Volpino Italiano puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Volpino Italiano costs.
$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

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Volpino Italiano? Discover the Volpino Italiano's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
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.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Volpino Italiano? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's trainability and response to training methods.
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 Rating
How good is a Volpino Italiano as a watchdog? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's alertness and guarding instincts.
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.
Territorial Protection
Is a Volpino Italiano protective of its territory? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's guarding instincts and behavior.
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

Personality Traits
What personality does a Volpino Italiano have? Learn about characteristic Volpino Italiano temperament and behavior traits.
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

Barking Frequency
Does a Volpino Italiano bark a lot? Learn about typical Volpino Italiano vocalization patterns and triggers.
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.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Volpino Italiano? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Volpino Italiano breed.
The Volpino Italiano is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Volpino Italiano live in an apartment? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's suitability for apartment living.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Volpino Italiano to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's flexibility to new situations.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Volpino Italiano be left alone? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's tolerance to solitude.
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 Risk Assessment
What is a Volpino Italiano biting potential? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's bite risk factors.

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.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Volpino Italiano mouthy? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's tendency to use mouth during play.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Volpino Italiano bite? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's bite force measured in PSI.

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.

Volpino Italiano Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Volpino Italiano live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Volpino Italiano breed.
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Volpino Italiano: 15 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Volpino Italiano handle different weather? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's climate adaptability.
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.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Volpino Italiano? Discover typical conditions affecting the Volpino Italiano breed.
Volpino Italianos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Volpino Italiano need vet visits? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's veterinary care requirements.
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.

Volpino Italiano Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Volpino Italiano? Understand daily activity needs of the Volpino Italiano breed.
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

Obesity Tendency
Is a Volpino Italiano prone to weight gain? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's obesity risks.
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.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Volpino Italiano need daily? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's feeding requirements.
1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Volpino Italiano Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Volpino Italiano hypoallergenic? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's suitability for allergy sufferers.
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.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Volpino Italiano come in? Discover all possible Volpino Italiano color variations.
Black Red White FawnChampagneHoney
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Volpino Italiano need? Learn about Volpino Italiano coat maintenance requirements.
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.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Volpino Italiano drool a lot? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's drooling habits.
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.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Volpino Italiano smell bad? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's natural odor levels.

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.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Volpino Italiano have? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's fur characteristics.
Fluffy
Bathing Needs
How often does a Volpino Italiano need baths? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's bathing requirements.
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.

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.

Volpino Italiano Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Volpino Italiano good with children? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's behavior around kids of different ages.
Volpino Italiano dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Volpino Italiano get along with other pets? Discover the Volpino Italiano's compatibility with other animals.
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.
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 Capability
Can a Volpino Italiano be a service dog? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's service work potential.

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 Work Suitability
Is a Volpino Italiano good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's therapy work aptitude.

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.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Volpino Italiano good at detection work? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Can a Volpino Italiano do search and rescue? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's SAR capabilities.

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.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Volpino Italiano good on boats? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's maritime capabilities.

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.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Volpino Italiano pull carts? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's drafting abilities.

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.

Military Service Background
Was a Volpino Italiano used in military service? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's military history.

Not really

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

Volpino Italiano Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Volpino Italiano usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Volpino Italiano pregnant? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's gestation period.

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.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Volpino Italiano have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

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.

Volpino Italiano Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Volpino Italiano in? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Volpino Italiano in? Learn about the Volpino Italiano's international classification.
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.
  • Obesity Tendency: Low to Average: The Volpino Italiano has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Rating: Volpino Italiano dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Volpino Italiano dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: 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 Concerns: Volpino Italianos tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Volpino Italiano dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: 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.

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