meet the...Volpino Italiano
Breed Summary
Breed Group Group 2: Spitz and Nordic Breeds
Sub-group 2-B: European Spitz Breeds
Origin Country Italy
Weight Males: 9-12 pounds. Females: 9-12 pounds.
Height Males: 10-12 inches. Females: 9-11 inches.
Other Name(s) Cane De Quirinale, Florentine Spitz, Italian Spitz, Italian Volpino
Breed Type Pure
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Origins
The Volpino Italiano breed is an old breed descended from the ancient European Spitz dogs that were found throughout Europe. These dogs were the progenitors of many modern-day breeds, including the German Spitz, Pomeranian, and American Eskimos. This breed was developed in Italy, where it was a favorite of Italian royalty and peasant farmers alike. The dogs were prized for their loyalty, companionship, and their keep watchdog qualities. The breed was also witness to the creation of some of the world’s most famous artwork, as Michaelangelo was said to have enjoyed the company of a Volpino.
The breed went from the most favored dog to facing extinction for some unknown reason. In 1965, only five dogs remained. The breed was once again revived in the 1980s by bringing in related breeds to infuse new blood into the dwindled gene pool and provide valuable genetic diversity. Today, the breed is well on the rebound but is not well-known outside of its home country.Breed Characteristics
Head: Mesaticephalic skull-type, moderate in size, wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is the widest between the ears, being as wide (from one side to the other measured in front of the ears) as it is long (from occiput to stop). In the profile or from the front, it appears slightly arched. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles.
Eyes: The eyes are medium in size, set well apart, and medium to dark brown in color. They may be almond or oval in shape with tight-fitting eye rims that are pigmented black or dark brown. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Dogs should not be penalized for tear stains unless tear stains are indicative of an underlying problem.
Ears: The ears are proportionate to the head, triangular in shape, and firmly erect. They are set high and well apart. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken.
Muzzle: It is equal to or shorter than the topskull. The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The muzzle is broad and tapers gently toward the nose. The upper and lower jaws have good bone substance. The upper and lower jaws are strong and well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or dark brown in color. Fading of the nose (snow nose) is permissible. The nostrils are well-opened.
Neck: It is moderate in length to allow for a proud head carriage and is strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Body: Compact, solid, and good substance. The body is never racy, refined, long, or cobby. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Oval to round and compact with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: Set high on the croup, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail may be carried over the back when moving or alert, or it may be carried downward in a natural position (never tucked) when in repose. The tail is of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved.
Movement: The movement is energetic, agile, effortless, and efficient. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: The Volpino Italiano breed’s endearing and watchful temperament makes them one of the most popular Spitz breeds. They are intelligent, keen, watchful, alert, and devoted to their family. They will sound an alarm bark at the sight or sound of any strange person. They are also capable of learning many tasks, tricks, and disciplines, including agility, obedience, and search and rescue. Adult individuals may become reserved or indifferent toward people outside their family, but this should not be considered a fault in a dog. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 2: Spitz and Nordic Breeds
Proportions: The Volipino Italiano is a slightly off-square to somewhat rectangular dog. From the point of the shoulder to the point of the rump, it is equal to the height at the withers. The length of the body measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump is just greater than the height at the withers with a preferred ratio of 4:5 or 9:10. Females may be slightly longer. The body is well put together. The substance is sturdy and medium-boned. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. The weight of males and females is always proportionate to height.
Head
General Appearance: Mesaticephalic skull-type, moderate in size, wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is the widest between the ears, being as wide (from one side to the other measured in front of the ears) as it is long (from occiput to stop). In the profile or from the front, it appears slightly arched. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles.
Expression: The expression is engaging, intelligent, and lively.
Stop: The stop is definite, yet not overly abrupt to detract from the wedge-shaped head.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio can range from 1:1 to 2:3, being equal in proportions, or with the topskull being just longer than the muzzle.
The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is either parallel or slightly convergent.
Muzzle: It is equal to or shorter than the topskull. The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The muzzle is broad and tapers gently toward the nose. The upper and lower jaws have good bone substance. The upper and lower jaws are strong and well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak.
Lips or Flews: The lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or dark brown in color. Fading of the nose (snow nose) is permissible. The nostrils are well-opened.
Cheeks: The cheeks may be flat or exhibit some slight padding. They should not appear chiseled or coarse.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level or scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors.
Eyes: The eyes are medium in size, set well apart, and medium to dark brown in color. They may be almond or oval in shape with tight-fitting eye rims that are pigmented black or dark brown. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Dogs should not be penalized for tear stains unless tear stains are indicative of an underlying problem.
Ears: The ears are proportionate to the head, triangular in shape, and firmly erect. They are set high and well apart. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken.
Body and Tail
General Description: Compact, solid, and good substance. The body is never racy, refined, long, or cobby. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: It is moderate in length to allow for a proud head carriage and is strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Topline: Level from prominent withers to tail. The back is broad, well-muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat, and level. The topline is never swayed or roached.
Croup: Flat and level with the back or gently sloped.
Underline: A slight tuck-up starting from behind the ribs may be present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set high on the croup, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail may be carried over the back when moving or alert, or it may be carried downward in a natural position (never tucked) when in repose. The tail is of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. The shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle and bone, and parallel to one another.
Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, good bone, and well-muscled.
Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round and compact with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: Long, straight outer coat, free of any wave, with thick, dense, short undercoat. A thicker main and neck ruff is present. Front of legs covered with shorter smooth hair, back sides of legs, rump, well-feathered with trousers, tail richly plumed. It’s important to note that there is no preference in coat length, and coat length may vary from dog to dog, so long as the coat doesn’t appear sparse or overly abundant.
Coat Color or Pattern: Solid white or white with tinges of cream, biscuit, or ivory, red, or champagne.
Movement
The movement is energetic, agile, effortless, and efficient. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
The Volpino Italiano breed’s endearing and watchful temperament makes them one of the most popular Spitz breeds. They are intelligent, keen, watchful, alert, and devoted to their family. They will sound an alarm bark at the sight or sound of any strange person. They are also capable of learning many tasks, tricks, and disciplines, including agility, obedience, and search and rescue. Adult individuals may become reserved or indifferent toward people outside their family, but this should not be considered a fault in a dog. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper, healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
