Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Volpino Italiano is a robust and long-lived breed, which is why we have given it a solid B grade. Nevertheless, buyers should be aware of breed-specific risks such as Primary Lens Luxation (PLL), which can lead to blindness, and patellar luxation (knee cap instability). Since there are no official mandatory health tests registered for this breed, you must take the initiative to ask the breeder about the health of the parent dogs.
Lifespan
14–16 yrs
Height
25–30 cm
Weight
4–5 kg
Practical
Typical coat colors
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Volpino Italiano, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →The Volpino Italiano is a cheerful, extremely alert Wachspitz (watchdog spitz) — bred to announce any stranger early on, whether on Italian farms or in palazzi. He combines the self-confidence of a large dog in a compact, fluffy package.
The real vibes check
A Volpino Italiano is like a small, fluffy alarm system: nothing escapes him, and he takes his job as a guardian very seriously. You aren't getting a silent lapdog that sleeps the day away, but a bright-eyed, loyal partner who will accompany your life actively and vocally.
The Volpino Italiano is a small but very lively dog, characterized by its fluffy, lush coat and pointed, alert ears. With his bright dark eyes and happy facial expression, he enchants every viewer. The FCI (F"d"ration Cynologique Internationale) classifies the Volpino Italiano in Group 5, Section 4 of the European top. The Volpino Italiano breed is not divided into different lines as the focus of breeding is to maintain uniform breed standards and characteristics. It is therefore irrelevant whether a Volpino is kept for exhibitions or purely as a companion dog; the breeding goals remain the same.
The Volpino Italiano, which means 'little fox' in Italian. means is a very old breed of dog. Its ancestors are believed to have lived in Italy since ancient times and there is evidence that similar dogs existed in ancient Greece and Rome. Over the centuries, these dogs have often been used as guard dogs due to their alert and vigilant nature. Volpino Italiano was very popular and widespread in Italy until the 19th century. However, in the 20th century, the breed's popularity declined sharply and it was on the verge of extinction. Fortunately, an initiative to save the breed was launched in the 1980s and its population was stabilized again. The FCI officially recognized the breed in 1956.
The Volpino Italiano served as a guard dog on Italian farms and as a companion dog for nobles.
Italy
Antike
The Volpino Italiano is a very lively and bright dog. He is known for his loving and people-oriented nature, which makes him an ideal family dog. Because the breed has traditionally been used as a guard dog, Volpinos are very alert and attentive. They tend to be very attached to their family and can be a bit reserved around strangers at first. However, with proper socialization, they are very friendly and open. Although the Volpino Italiano is small, there is a great spirit within it. He is intelligent and curious, always ready to learn new things and have new experiences. With his playful and active nature, the Volpino needs a lot of activity to be happy and balanced. This can be done through games, walks or even by learning new tricks. The Volpino Italiano is a very adaptable dog that gets along well in both the city and the country. Although he enjoys living with his family, he can also learn to stay alone as long as this is not excessive. He needs to be close to his caregiver and should not be permanently isolated. Regarding its hunting behavior, it should be said that the Volpino Italiano does not have a strong hunting instinct due to its history as a guard dog. Nevertheless, like all dogs, he can exhibit prey-catching behavior, especially when small animals such as birds or squirrels move quickly. Good training and socialization can help control this behavior. Overall, the Volpino Italiano is a happy, loving and active dog who loves his family more than anything and enjoys keeping them company. With his intelligent and attentive nature, he can quickly adapt to new situations and is always ready to delight his family with his lively and charming nature.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that despite its small size, the Volpino Italiano was used as a guard dog and is known for having a courageous and alert character?
Volpino Italianos, also called Italian Pomeranians, are small, alert and barking dogs. Intelligent and independent, they cannot always be easily persuaded to cooperate.
The Volpino Italiano is an adaptable dog that gets along well in both the city and the country. He is small enough to live in an apartment but still needs enough exercise and mental stimulation. With its outgoing and friendly nature, the Volpino Italiano usually gets along well with children and other pets. However, he can be somewhat territorial and should therefore be socialized early and well.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Raising the Volpino Italiano can be a joy as he is intelligent, eager to please and eager to learn. Due to his history as a guard dog, he has a strong protective instinct and can tend to be a bit stubborn. Therefore, early, consistent and positive parenting is important. The Volpino Italiano benefits from activities that challenge both his body and his mind. This can be achieved through dog sports such as agility, obedience or trick training. It is important not to keep the dog overly busy, but also to allow him enough rest periods. Ball games should be enjoyed in moderation to avoid the risk of ball addiction. Promoting frustration tolerance and impulse control can help form a balanced and well-adjusted dog.
The Volpino Italiano's diet should be balanced and high quality. As with all dogs, it is important to maintain a good ratio of proteins, carbohydrates and fats and to ensure that the dog receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Because of their small size, Volpinos tend to gain weight more quickly if they are overfed. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the amount of food and the dog's weight status. In terms of care, the Volpino Italiano is a little more demanding. It has a dense undercoat and a long, straight top coat that should be brushed regularly to avoid matting. The Volpino Italiano is a year-round shedder and can shed more fur, especially during shedding in spring and autumn. Despite its thick fur, the Volpino Italiano copes well with the climate in Germany as long as it is protected from extreme temperatures.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Solid
The Volpino Italiano is a robust and long-lived breed, which is why we have given it a solid B grade. Nevertheless, buyers should be aware of breed-specific risks such as Primary Lens Luxation (PLL), which can lead to blindness, and patellar luxation (knee cap instability). Since there are no official mandatory health tests registered for this breed, you must take the initiative to ask the breeder about the health of the parent dogs.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
With consistent preventative care, joint-friendly upbringing, and regular eye check-ups, most of these dogs remain active well into old age.
Reputable breeders have the knees and eyes of the parent animals thoroughly examined to specifically reduce genetic risks in the lineage.
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Wir haben unseren kleinen weißen Wirbelwind nun seit fast zwei Jahren und er bereichert unser Leben ungemein. Er ist unheimlich kinderlieb, apportiert leidenschaftlich gerne Bälle und ist ein richtiger kleiner Lausbub, der uns jeden Tag zum Lachen bringt. In der Familie ist er extrem anhänglich und verschmust.
Allerdings muss man ehrlich sagen: Er ist ein schrecklicher Kläffer. Jedes Mal, wenn Besuch kommt oder er Kinder sieht, wird erst einmal lautstark losgelegt. Das kann manche Kinder anfangs ganz schön verschrecken, auch wenn er es eigentlich nur freundlich meint.
Zudem ist er beim Futter recht empfindlich. Er verträgt nur sehr hochwertiges, getreidefreies Futter, da er sonst schnell zu Durchfall neigt. Die Fellpflege ist dagegen überraschend unkompliziert und schnell erledigt, obwohl er so flauschig ist.
Als wir uns für einen Volpino entschieden haben, wussten wir, dass diese Rasse in Deutschland extrem selten ist. Unsere Hündin hat sich jedoch schnell als echter Traumhund entpuppt. Sie ist unglaublich robust, anpassungsfähig und bringt eine sehr lustige, charmante Art in unseren Alltag. Sie hat uns mit ihrem koboldhaften Blick sofort in ihren Bann gezogen.
Man darf diese Hunde trotz ihrer geringen Größe aber keinesfalls unterschätzen. In ihnen steckt ein 'Großer unter den Kleinen'. Sie ist extrem aufgeweckt, möchte geistig und körperlich gefordert werden und lernt blitzschnell. Wer einen reinen Schoßhund sucht, ist hier falsch – sie will die Welt erobern und aktiv am Familienleben teilhaben.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Volpino Italiano.
The Volpino Italiano is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Volpino Italiano is 14-16 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Volpino Italiano grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Volpino Italiano can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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