Volpino Italiano
Temperament:
The Volpino Italiano is a bundle of energy and is always up for a bit of fun. The breed is considered to be spirited and cheerful. The dogs are very alert and very affectionate. They are suitable as guard and companion dogs for active dog owners.
Characteristics
As the name suggests, the Volpino Italiano comes from Italy. It is small and compact in build. It is about as long as it is tall and looks very voluminous due to its dense, long coat that stands away from the body and forms a distinct collar on the neck.
The breeding colors are white and red, champagne is tolerated. The dogs carry the tail curled up behind the back. The head is pyramid-shaped. The ears are triangular and set erect. The eyes should have a lively and alert expression.
The Volpino Italiano is a guard and companion dog. In the past, it was the companion of the nobility and carters.
As an alert and attentive dog, he has a strong tendency to bark at strangers in order to protect his pack and his territory.
It is affectionate and loyal and is well suited as a family dog. As these dogs are very playful and full of energy, they also feel at home with children. They are considered friendly towards other pets, provided they have become accustomed to them.
However, this breed can be very stubborn. The strong and distinctive personality of these dogs must be guided in the right direction through consistent training. You should establish a clear hierarchy right from the start and show the little Italian that you can handle any situation. Otherwise he may guard you too much and barking may get out of hand.
Dogs of this breed enjoy all kinds of play and dog sports. They learn quickly and respond well to spoken commands and body language. Daily exercise is important to give this dog the mental and physical activity it needs.
This active and playful dog adapts quickly to new situations. Due to its small size, it can also live in a small city apartment.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.
Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.
Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.
Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.
Health & Care
This breed is very high maintenance. The coat must be brushed daily and the undercoat combed out well. This prevents matting and skin diseases. Due to hair loss during the shedding period, it may be necessary to vacuum several times a day.
Check the skin surface for parasites such as ticks or fleas every time you groom your dog.
The Volpino Italiano does not need to be bathed regularly unless it is very dirty. The breed's coat is self-cleaning and the dogs patiently gnaw the dirt out of their hair themselves.
The claws of the Volpino Italiano should be checked and trimmed regularly if they do not wear off by themselves.
Regular dental care with a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste prevents tartar.
Eyes and ears should be checked regularly and cleaned with a clean, damp cloth. Especially the fur around the eyes, as eye tears can lead to discoloration of the fur. If the ears smell unpleasant, you should visit your vet as the smell can be a sign of infection.
Start grooming rituals when your dog is a puppy so that he gets used to them more easily.
Suitable accessories
If you want to buy a Volpino Italiano, you should make a list of all the things you need for the initial equipment.
You will need a food and water bowl, a lead and a collar or harness. You will also need a bed and blankets. You will also need tick tweezers, claw clippers, mild dog shampoo, brush and comb or rubber curry comb, toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs, a transport box for transportation in the car and a first aid kit. It's best to ask your vet what should be in the first aid kit.
It is also important that your dog has enough toys to encourage exercise and intelligence.
Origin & History
The Volpino Italiano has the same ancestors as the German Spitz. The breed has been bred in Italy for centuries. The nobility and the people kept these dogs because of their pronounced alertness. Carters and traders took the dogs with them on their journeys. Any stranger was loudly reported.
The painter Vittore Carpaccio immortalized a Volpino Italiano in 1502 in his painting "The Vision of Saint Augustine". Michelangelo also owned a Volpino Italiano.
The breed standard was established in 1913 and the dogs were very popular at the time. After that, the breed lost interest for some time. White specimens reappeared in the 1960s. The breed was finally recognized by the FCI in 1956.
