Description
Small, square-built Volpino Italianos have long, velvety coats and a graceful gait. The long, straight coat of the volpino protrudes from the body. Particularly around the neck, where the fur forms a fluffy collar, the breed’s hair gives the image that it is enveloped in a muff. White or deep, solid crimson coats are both acceptable options, though white is typically more common. On the ears, there can be a hint of pale orange colouring. The heads of volpinos are pyramid-shaped, and their round, dark-brown eyes have a watchful expression. They also have prickly, upright ears. Their lengthy tails curve over their backs, and the fur on their hind legs resembles trousers.
Origin/History
The old European Spitz gave rise to the Italian Volpino. Volpinos, a breed of dog native to Italy, date back to the fifteenth century and are members of the Spitz family. This vivacious toy breed was a favourite in both regular people’s homes and the palaces of Italian nobility. Due to their strong instinct for protection, volpinos made both adoring lap dogs and superb watchdogs.
It is said that Michelangelo owned a Volpino. He was only one of several artists that were drawn to the upbeat species. In artworks from as early as 1502, dogs that resemble modern Volpinos can be seen. The Italian Volpino was approved by the United Kennel Club in 2006. They are currently a very uncommon breed, with only a few thousand dogs registered globally.
Temperament
Volpino Italianos are affectionate, lively, and playful dogs. They make great family dogs since they develop strong attachments to their owners and homes.
These playful canines are often wonderful playmates in households with kids (as long as there is adequate adult supervision), as they are typically sociable around children. However, they are frequently suspicious of outsiders.
Care
Nutrition
Volpino Italianos need a diet that is tailored to their particular life stage (such as puppy, adult, or senior). Compared to larger dogs, little dogs like Volpino Italianos require more calories per pound of body weight. As a result, experts advise using a dog meal made specifically for small-breed dogs. The right nutrients are included in these diets, and the smaller kibble size makes them easier for small-breed dogs to chew and digest.
All dogs are susceptible to weight gain if they consume too many calories. Use a measuring cup to measure out their food and prevent unintentional overfeeding. And don’t forget to take goodies into consideration when calculating their daily calorie intake. Even a few additional goodies might make a small dog like the Volpino gain weight.
Grooming
Brushing the Volpino’s long double coat a few times a week is necessary to eradicate lank hair. If your dog doesn’t get into anything messy, of course, you can choose how often to bathe them. But make sure to comb out any knots or mats before bathing your Volpino.
Their grooming regimens should also include home dental care, ear cleanings, and nail trimmings. Dental disease is very common in little dogs. Therefore, discuss the idea of commencing your Volpino’s professional dental cleanings early with your veterinarian.
Exercise
Given their energy and playfulness, Volpino Italianos require a lot of daily exercise. Their best options for exercising are brisk walks and backyard games. Additionally, this breed enjoys musical canine freestyle, which combines obedience training, dancing, and stunts, agility, tracking, rally, and competitive obedience.
Training
When trained with food or their preferred toys, volpinos respond well to reward-based methods. Start a consistent training regimen when the puppy stage arrives to combat this breed’s stubborn characteristics.
Volpinos benefit from early socialization like other dogs do. Young puppies can become well-behaved adult dogs by being exposed to a variety of people, locations, and animals.
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