Volpino Italiano

Volpino Italianos live 14 to 16 years, an excellent lifespan. Primary lens luxation is the most significant hereditary health concern and breeders should test for it. Patellar luxation and dental crowding also occur given their small size. Source from health tested breeders and schedule annual eye exams. Overall this is a hardy, long lived small breed.

Your Volpino Italiano has a long, fluffy white coat that needs brushing three to four times a week to prevent mats. Shedding increases during seasonal coat blows. Bathe every four to six weeks. Their small mouth needs regular dental care to prevent crowding and periodontal disease. Trim nails every three weeks.

Your Volpino Italiano needs 20 to 30 minutes of active exercise daily. Short walks and indoor play sessions suit their moderate energy well. Mental stimulation through trick training matters as much as physical movement. They adapt well to apartment life when given consistent daily activity.

Volpino Italianos are intelligent and can be vocal so teaching a quiet command early matters. Use positive reinforcement with food and praise. Start socialization early since they can be reserved with strangers. They respond well to consistent training and enjoy learning tricks. Keep sessions short and fun.

Feed a quality small breed formula twice daily with measured portions. Monitor body condition monthly. Keep treats minimal and use them primarily as training rewards. Two meals per day works better than free feeding. Fresh water should always be available.

The Volpino Italiano is one of the oldest Italian dog breeds, with history stretching back thousands of years. Ancient Romans kept similar small Spitz type dogs as companions and watch dogs. Italian nobility and artists treasured the breed for centuries and Michelangelo reportedly owned one. The breed nearly went extinct in the early 20th century as the Italian Spitz fell out of fashion. Italian breeders revived the Volpino in the 1960s from surviving farm dogs. The breed remains rare outside Italy today.