Volpino Italiano
vol-PEE-noh ee-tal-YAH-noh
Italy· Italy
The Volpino Italiano is a small, fluffy white or red Italian Spitz-type companion and watchdog.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Small
Exercise needs
30-60 minutes per day
Home size suited to
Any
Grooming frequency
2-3 times per week
Coat length
Long
Sheds
Moderate
Lifespan
14-16 years
Town or country
Either
Garden size needed
Small or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Volpino Italiano
Descended from ancient Spitz-type dogs kept across Italy for centuries, the Volpino Italiano became a favourite alarm dog for both farmhouses and noble households, valued for its sharp bark and alert nature. Its foxy appearance and small size made it equally at home guarding a cart or sitting in a lady's lap.
- Region
- Italy
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate Mediterranean
- Original job
- Watchdog and companion, favoured in aristocratic and working households alike
The long read
About the breed
Its long history as an alert household guardian shaped a lively, vocal and confident little dog, historically valued equally by farmers and aristocrats.
It makes an affectionate, entertaining companion, though its readiness to bark at anything unusual needs managing through training.
Once endangered, the breed has been carefully revived and is now a modestly popular companion breed in Italy with growing international interest.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Volpino Italiano greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Volpino Italiano is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Volpino Italiano's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
Ancient
Spitz ancestry
The breed descends from ancient Spitz-type dogs widespread in Italy since antiquity.
1800s
Aristocratic favourite
The Volpino became a fashionable companion among Italian noble households.
1965
Population decline
Numbers dropped sharply, bringing the breed close to extinction.
1984
Revival programme
Dedicated breeders launched a recovery programme to save the Volpino.
2000s
Renewed popularity
The breed's numbers steadily recovered thanks to breed club efforts.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact, square body with a curled tail carried over the back.
- coat
- Long, harsh outer coat with a soft undercoat.
- ears
- Small, triangular, erect.
- eyes
- Dark, almond-shaped, lively expression.
- head
- Small, fox-like head with a pointed muzzle.
- size
- 25-30cm at the withers
- colour
- White, red, champagne or black.
- temperament
- Lively, alert and affectionate, an enthusiastic watchdog.
- general appearance
- A small, square-built Spitz-type dog with a fox-like head and plumed tail.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Volpino Italianos added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Volpino Italiano
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Volpino Italiano illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Volpino Italiano Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Volpino Italiano illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Volpino Italiano Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Volpino Italiano illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Volpino Italiano Mug
Ceramic mug with the Volpino Italiano illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
LED Reflective Lead Light
Rechargeable clip-on light for dark walks.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Volpino Italiano video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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