Volpino Italiano: photo, description of the breed

Main characteristics

He was nicknamed the “palace dog”; the dog was considered a sacred animal. The royal family idolized the Italian Spitz. The animal was popular among all segments of the population. A representative of this breed did not leave indifferent the famous sculptor and artist Michelangelo Buonarroti, who got a Volpino Italiano puppy. Now the little Spitz continues to charm its owners, although the breed is considered rare.

Origin story

The Italian Spitz (volpino italiano) has quite ancient roots.
According to archaeologists, on objects from the 9th century BC. they were depicted for the first time. This breed is very attentive and vigilant, promptly warning its owners with a ringing bark about the approach of strangers, which is why the ancients valued them very much. It is a well-known fact that Michelangelo, a famous sculptor and artist of the Renaissance, had a favorite pet of the Italian Volpino breed.

The breed was officially recognized only in 1901. Over time, interest in these cute animals began to wane, and they were on the verge of extinction. In 1965, only 5 dogs of this species were recorded. 20 years later, cynologists from Italy began the fight to preserve the breed. Strong and healthy dogs that were preserved in rural areas were selected.

Italian Spitz

At the moment, the population of these animals numbers approximately 2 thousand specimens. Although there has been a renewed interest in them, breeding is not happening as quickly.

History of the breed

The ancestor of the Volpino Italiano is considered to be the European Spitz. Unlike the “Italian fox,” a representative of this breed was preserved only in the form of remains. The bones were found in excavations of ancient people dating back to the Bronze Age. A representative of Volpino Italiano is present in the painting “The Vision of St. Augustine” by artist Vittore Carpaccio, painted in the 16th century.

A small pet with light fur was valued by people of art, aristocrats, and commoners for its good sense of smell and hunting skills. The pretty, defenseless appearance is deceptive: Volpino Italiano always gives a voice if a stranger approaches the house.

The advantage of the animal was its compact size. Feeding a miniature dog was not difficult for both wealthy and non-wealthy people.

There was no targeted selection; development occurred on its own, in the form of natural selection. Thanks to this, mostly healthy representatives of the breed survived. The standard was introduced late: the species existed for several centuries, and the list of requirements for the exterior was approved only in 1913.

Care and maintenance

The main advantage for many novice breeders is that the dog can be kept in an apartment. Volpino Italiano quickly adapt to any conditions. Even an adult can be mistaken by many unknowing owners for a teenage dog - this is the opinion they form about the dog when looking at a photo of a Volpino. The dimensions help the dog adapt to living in an apartment. The Italian Spitz does not damage furniture and does not take up much space.

An adult dog will not need a long walk; all the dog needs to do is relieve himself and run around the yard for half an hour. But it is recommended to spend more time with the puppy, otherwise the Volpino will suffer from lack of attention.

You should adhere to the diet plan:

• When the dog reaches 3 months, the owner reduces the number of servings to 5 per day.
• A 10-month-old Italian Spitz is given 2 meals a day: in the morning and in the evening.
• Then the number of feedings is reduced to 3 times a day.
• The puppy is fed 6 times a day in small portions.
• From 4-6 months the puppy eats 4 times a day.

The pet is distinguished by cleanliness, when walking it avoids puddles and dirt, and does not go into unfamiliar places. Due to the activity of the four-legged friend, it is better for the owner to purchase a harness or leash so that the animal does not jump out onto the roads under cars. In bad weather, overalls will come in handy, otherwise the fur will quickly get dirty. The dog is accustomed to it from an early age.

There is no need to bathe your dog often, with the exception of dirty fur after a walk without special clothing. Volpino sheds actively in spring and autumn; at this time of year, the owner will need a brush with soft teeth. Maintaining a healthy, beautiful exterior is not difficult, since the dog's coat has a special structure. Thanks to it, the fur coat almost does not get dirty under normal conditions.

Training and education

Volpinos learn very quickly and the dogs are easy to train. The educational process must begin at an early age. Training should be carried out with persistence, but without the use of brute force. The dog reacts negatively to a raised voice, may become offended and refuse to follow commands.

Daily classes should last about an hour. During this time, the Spitz can learn new material and will not get very tired. It takes the breed an average of 3 days to learn one command. New commands and an increase in their complexity should be introduced gradually.

Dog character

Volpino Italiano dogs are friendly and good-natured towards children; they enjoy playing “fetch the ball” and perform various physical activities.

Due to its mobility, the pet rarely sits in one place. Gets along well with other pets, perceives them as friends and playmates. If you do not train your pet in time, the animal will become timid and disobedient. The dog is not prone to dominance and is perfect for novice owners.

You should patiently teach your dog to commands. The training process is based on praise; the dog reads the mood of its owner well. Also, the pet will be happy if you treat it with a treat - this way the skills will be reinforced even faster and easier.

The dog is recognized as so cheerful that it is used in cinema therapy. Games and conversations with a Florentine Spitz have a positive effect on the human nervous system.

Proper care of a Volpino Italiano dog

For proper care, you need to give your Volpino Italiano dog enough time. Grooming long hair takes up a large part of it. The Italian Spitz sheds frequently and profusely. Dog hair can be all over the floor, so you need to wash the floors as often as possible to prevent the dog from walking on its own hair. Long hair should be combed all over the body using a fine comb. You need to brush your pet daily. And during the molting period more than once a day. If you don't comb long hair, it instantly rolls into clumps, collects dirt and the snow-white color becomes less bright.

Breed standard

If the pet's appearance does not correspond to one of the following points, it will be grounds for rejection at the exhibition. In this case, the dog can be healthy.

• Head . The skull is wedge-shaped, the forehead is dome-shaped. In proportions, the head is 2/5 of the dog’s height. The back of the head protrudes slightly, there is a frontal groove.
• Muzzle . The shape of the muzzle tapers greatly towards the nose.
• Jaws . Scissor bite, jaws moderately developed. The lips fit tightly to the teeth and have a black edging.
• Eyes . The dog has black eyelids, round eyes, and dark brown or dark golden irises. The eyes are set wide. Individuals with light eyes are subject to rejection.
• Ears . Standing, small in size. The shape of the ears is similar to the letter V. They are located close to each other. Directed straight, length - ½ head. Drop ears are considered a defect and such dogs do not participate in competitions.
• Nose . Straight, black, small, open nostrils. Does not protrude beyond the lip line.
• Neck . The size of the neck is equal to the length of the head, the position is vertical.
• Torso . The Volpino Italiano has a straight, straight back and a moderately tucked belly. The withers are weakly expressed. The chest is elongated, round in shape. Coat color – white, red-red. Sometimes there is a champagne tint, it is considered unlucky for competitions. Other colors are rejected.
• Tail . Smooth transition from the sacrum, the shape of the tail is round, ring-shaped. Located above the back. The length is slightly less than the height of the dog.
• Limbs . They are characterized as straight lines, parallel to each other. The paws are oval in shape, the toes are tightly clenched. Pads and claws are only black; any other color is grounds for disqualification.

Common diseases

The dog is famous for its good health, especially if the puppy was bought from a trusted breeder. Life expectancy is 13-16 years. The list of common diseases is small. The following ailments are found in the Italian Spitz :

• Addison's disease (disease of the endocrine gland).
• Allergy to certain food.
• Oral disease – gingivitis.
• Displacement of the lens of the eye.
• Dislocation of the kneecap.
• Cryptorchidism.

To prevent gastrointestinal diseases, the pet is fed natural or dry food; the combination is unacceptable. It is not advisable to save on dry food; buy premium products. In addition, the owner must check the composition. Beetroot or its components are undesirable in the feed, otherwise the fur will acquire an unsightly shade.

Advantages and disadvantages

Volpino Italiano has many advantages; the temperament of the Florentine Spitz attracts people. And yet there is no ideal breed; this dog has shortcomings.

Pros:

• Exterior – luxurious fur coat, graceful muzzle.
• Good, good health.
• It is easy to care for.
• A wonderful companion.
• Affectionate, dear friend.

Minuses:

• In the absence of education, he becomes disobedient and often barks.
• You can’t leave him alone for a long time, he needs communication.
• High cost of a puppy.

Puppy cost

A puppy with a good pedigree and vaccination card costs a considerable amount - from 50,000 to 200,000 rubles. It is the cost that explains the low popularity and prevalence of the Italian Spitz. The price varies depending on gender and pedigree.

On the Internet you can find advertisements where the cost of an Italian Spitz is only 15-20 thousand rubles (or less). These puppies are considered rejected, they do not participate in matings. The owners do not prepare the pet for exhibition events. And yet, even such a puppy will become a wonderful pet if there is no goal of participating in exhibitions or competitions.

How much do Volpino Italiano puppies cost?

The price for a small Italian Volpino varies from 50 thousand rubles to 200 thousand rubles. Price formation is influenced by factors such as the puppy’s gender, prospects, and pedigree. You can find advertisements for the sale of Italian Volpino puppies in the range of 3-15 thousand rubles. These are puppies with signs of rejection; they are not allowed for breeding and have no exhibition future. But as a pet, it is no worse than its titled relatives.

To select a purebred puppy, contact nurseries. Buying a puppy secondhand, through private advertisements, does not provide a guarantee of purebredness. Under the guise of an Italian Spitz Volpino, scammers can sell a dog of another breed. When contacting professional breeders, the future owner can be sure of the purebred Florentine Spitz. Accompanying documents - a puppy card, a certificate of vaccinations - a guarantee of the quality of the dog breed.

In Russia, Volpino is bred at the El Dolce Amico (Dear Friend) nursery, located in the Moscow region. https://volpino.club/

The Volpino Italiano is an unusual dog with a bright appearance and a cheerful disposition. Capable of becoming a friend and faithful companion to both elderly single people and families with small children. Playful and friendly, but at the same time unobtrusive, sensitive to the mood of its owners, the dog will bring joy to the house.