There isn’t much difference between a Volpino Italiano and a Pomeranian. Both are Spitz-type dogs with similar origins. The Volpino Italiano is one of the few dog breeds that start with ‘v’. These lively dogs make great family pets. Let us take a look at the breed’s characteristics:
Cool and interesting facts
- The Volpino Italiano is known by other names such as the Florentine Spitz or Cane de Quirinale. Volpino is actually translated as ‘wolf-like’, so the Volpino Italiano may have been a wolf-dog or a wolf spitz. The Keeshond is also known as Lupino and Volpino in Italian, which shows the wolf-spitz link in the case of Volpino Italiano.
- This breed isn’t recognized by any major club as it is almost extinct.
- In America, the North American Volpino Club and the Volpino Club of America are striving for the breed’s maintenance.
- There is often a comparison between the American Eskimo Dog and the Volpino Italiano. The Volpino Italiano and the Japanese Spitz may be the primary ancestors of the American Eskimo Dog.
- Spitz-type dogs have been around for thousands of years. Scientists have found remains of Spitz dogs in peat bogs dating back to nearly 4000 years. In Greece, similar dogs have been seen in engravings dating back to about 400 BC.
- The Volpino Italiano was loved by royalty and, like the Pomeranian, was extremely popular with the ladies. Even today, it is primarily used as a companion breed.
Physical description
- Volpino Italiano is very similar to a Pomeranian, measures about 11-12 inches at withers and weighs up to 9 lb or 4 kg. Compared to a Pomeranian, the Volpino has a slightly more robust head and larger eyes.
- Coat colors in Volpino Italiano are usually white or red whereas the Pomeranian comes in many different colors like red, orange, black, brown, white, and gray.
- Volpinos has a pyramid-shaped head, damp black nose, and an accentuated stop.
- Their ears are triangular and erect.
- The tail is about 14 cm long covered with long hair and carried rolled up on the back.
Where to find a Volpino Italiano
Your search for a Volpino Italiano puppy begins by finding good breeders. Start the process by speaking to vets or visiting dog show circuits. You can also visit the Volpino Italiano Club of America Website that has a list of registered breeders of the Volpino. Avoid sources such as newspaper ads, fancy online ads, or ads in national dog magazines. Anyone can buy such advertising space. A good breeder can be found through word-of-mouth and his/her sole intention is to find good homes for their pups.
Once you shortlist a few breeders of interest, plan to visit their kennels. Ask to see the litters and also meet the dam or the mother of the puppies. Good breeders will also ask you to come down to their kennels; they won’t sell to someone whom they haven’t met. Be prepared to answer several questions about your household and as well as about your prior experience in taking care of dogs. Various factors can impact the price of your Volpino Italiano puppy including its age, pedigree, the breeder, and also your location. Be prepared to shell out anywhere between 700 USD – 1500 USD for a good Volpino Italiano puppy.
Temperament
This is a lively and exuberant dog. They are affectionate with their family members but wary of strangers. Volpinos, like the Pomeranians, tend to be noisy barkers. They are fearless dogs that are often unaware of their small sizes and even take on large dogs! Early socialization is a must if you want your Volpino to get along well with other dogs or household pets.
Most Volpinos get along well with kids. As with any dog breed, you must always supervise very young kids around dogs. All in all, this is an alert, energetic, and intelligent breed. They train easily but you must invest time and energy into training, right from his puppy days.
Training your Volpino Italiano
Start training your Volpino as soon as you bring him home. In the first few days, your pet will miss his litter and cry and whine. Get him used to crate training. A crate provides a safe, den-like atmosphere for your dog. It also teaches him to settle down for the night. House-training and crate training should be done simultaneously.
As soon as your pet is about 4-6 months old, begin teaching him some basic commands. The Volpino learns quickly provided you keep training positive and reward-based. End each training session with plenty of praise, treats, and playtime. This will help your pet look forward to training. Keep training sessions short, especially in the beginning. You can slowly increase the duration.
Exercise
The Volpino is an active breed and needs to be walked at least twice a day. Avoid over-exerting your young puppy and especially prevent him from jumping from a height. This could cause permanent damage to his joints. You can slowly increase the duration of exercise as your pet grows. In general, walk or play with your dog twice a day for about 30 minutes. This will keep him physically fit and mentally active as well. Without exercise and mental stimulation, your dog could get bored and indulge in destructive behaviors like chewing the furniture, excessive barking, etc.
Grooming tips
Like the Pomeranian, grooming a Volpino Italiano is no easy matter. You will need plenty of patience, elbow grease, and also good eyesight. Your Volpino will shed his coat twice a year, so you must brush his coat daily to remove the dead skin and loose hairs. In general, a Volpino’s grooming session should include:
- Coat – fortnightly bathing and daily brushing
- Eyes and ears – Check them to ensure there is no infection or foul odor in the ears
- Nails – trim them from time to time
- Teeth – Brush his teeth at least 2-3 times a week or give him a daily rawhide treat to keep plaque at bay.
If you do not have time for the above steps, then you must at least schedule professional grooming every few weeks. Baths and trimmings, as such, are best left to a professional. Things like daily coat brushing and dental cleaning, you are going to have to find time for. Fortunately, since your Volpino is quite small, these things do not take too much time.
Health concerns
This hardy breed is generally resistant to illnesses. Some genetic issues seen in the breed are eye problems like PLL as well as orthopedic problems like patellar luxation. Volpino Italiano lives, on average, for up to 12-16 years.