How to Identify a Volpino Italiano

Co-authored by Lauren Novack

Last Updated: February 24, 2023

The Volpino Italiano is assigned to the toy dog breed group.^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} They are relatives of the German Spitz, and the meaning of their name in Italian is "little fox". ^{[2]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} Even though they do share a few characteristics with other dog breeds, they have several unique ones as well. This wikiHow will help you figure out whether a dog is a Volpino Italiano.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Considering the Body Structure

Both male and female Volpini are usually anywhere from 10.5 to 12 inches (27 to 30 cm) tall. Males typically weigh somewhere between 10 to 16 pounds (4.5 to 7.3 kg), while females usually weigh anywhere from 8 to 12 pounds (3.6 to 5.4 kg). ^{[3]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

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The head of a Volpino Italiano should have a length that is close to 4/10 of the dog's height at their withers and in the shape of a pyramid. ^{[4]
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Volpini should have pricked ears in the shape of triangles, set high, and close to each other, along with cartilage that is rigid, and the lobe's inside surface appearing to be forwards. ^{[5]
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Volpini should have eyes that are average in size, opened well, and kind of round, though the eyeball should not be very noticeable. The dog's irises are dark brown in color, and you should also notice that their eyes are sub-frontally set. ^{[6]
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The Volpino Italiano should have a tail that is set high and extends their croup, and you should also notice that the tail curls over the dog's back, and it reaches as close to the neck as it can. It should have a length that is slightly smaller than 1/2 the dog's height at their withers. You should also notice that the dog's tail has base that is strong, and going towards its tip, the tail should narrow. ^{[7]
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Overall, Volpini should appear in harmony and compact, with a trot gait which is normal, and you should not notice that the dog hops. ^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Viewing the Coat

1
Take note of the dog's coat color. A Volpino Italiano should have a coat that is either red or white in color. If the dog's coat is white, it should be entirely white, appearing similar to milk, though you may also notice shading on the dog's ears that is pale biscuit in color. If the dog is red, they should be strong deer red in color, though on the dog's trousers and tail, you may notice shading that is lighter in color. The dog may also have an overlay that is kind of dark on their shoulders and collar area, along with possibly white coloring on their feet, in a small amount. ^{[9]
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- Although it is not ideal, the dog may also be champagne in color. ^{[10]
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Volpini should have a coat that feels harsh, along with guard hairs that have a stiff texture to them. You should also notice smooth and quite fine-feeling hairs on the dog's ears. ^{[11]
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Overall, the Volpino Italiano should have a dense coat that is quite straight and long, and it should also stand off. The dog's guard hairs should also be straight and not fall flat, instead standing up even if the dog does not have a large amount of coat. The dog's body should appear as though it is wrapped up in a muff, especially on their neck, where you should notice a collar that is plentiful, though does not appear similar to a mane. You should also notice hairs that are kind of long on the dog's skull, which are also hiding the ear bases, along with short hair on the dog's muzzle and hair that is quite long on the dog's tail. The dog also has trousers created from the coat on the back of their hindquarters. ^{[12]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Examining Temperament

Volpini are known to be mischievous dogs with a lot of character. ^{[13]
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The Volpino Italiano is known to be devoted to their family. They tend to form a good bond with adults and have a playful personality towards children. ^{[14]
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Volpini tend to do well with cats and dogs they've known from a young age. ^{[15]
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The Volpino Italiano has a bark that is high-pitched, and they tend to bark often if they are unhappy with something or if someone unfamiliar arrives, so this is something to be aware of. ^{[16]
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5
Be aware of "Small Dog Syndrome". Though this is more common in other dog breeds that are small, Volpini may be prone to "Small Dog Syndrome", which means that they may end up showing aggression, not paying attention to commands and rules, and attempting to be the leader in the house. It is important that bad behavior isn't allowed and that the dog doesn't get spoiled. ^{[17]
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- If your dog develops "Small Dog Syndrome", and for more information on it, read this article for some more advice on curbing the behavior and learning more about it.
- Make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise and enrichment. Some people incorrectly believe that small dogs don't need as much exercise, training, enrichment, and mental outlets as big dogs.
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Tips

If you would like to know your dog's breed, consider dog DNA testing. This can help confirm whether or not your dog is a Volpino Italiano.

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