At a glance the quick version
PetMD gives 9–12 lb; the FCI standard only asks for weight in proportion to height.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long stand-off coat
A compact, square little spitz whose dense, very straight coat stands out from the body, forming a big ruff around the neck and feathering on the tail and hind legs.24
Personality what they are like
A cheerful, bouncy companion that loves its home and people and is quick to let you know when something is going on.243
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Energetic and playful, but a moderate amount of daily exercise and play keeps it content.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The dense coat should be brushed weekly, with occasional bathing.3
Home where they are happiest
Small enough for apartment life and happiest living indoors close to its family.32
Company who they like around
Forms very strong bonds with its household and prefers to be included in daily life.23
The story where it all began
The Volpino descends from the ancient European spitz dogs and was a favourite in Italy for centuries, kept by nobles and ordinary families alike as a watchful companion. Numbers fell so low in the 1960s that the breed almost vanished, but surviving dogs were found and registrations restarted in 1972.25
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Michelangelo is said to have kept a Volpino as a companion.2
- 2
A dog resembling the Volpino appears in Vittore Carpaccio's painting of St Augustine, made in Venice in 1502.5
- 3
Queen Victoria bought four similar dogs during a visit to Florence in 1888.5
- 4
In Lazio it was nicknamed the Cane del Quirinale, after the Quirinal Palace in Rome.5
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 4 European Spitz, standard no. 195; recognised on a definitive basis since 19561
- UKC
- Recognised 2006, Northern Breed Group4
- ENCI (Italy)
- National breed; first standard 19135
Popularity About 160 new registrations a year in Italy between 2011 and 20195
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Volpino Italiano. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Volpino Italiano, and at what times?
Feed your Volpino Italiano at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent times, such as morning and evening, help regulate digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.6
What should a Volpino Italiano eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to its age and size is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always ask your vet for specific dietary advice.7
How often should I bathe a Volpino Italiano?
Bathe your Volpino Italiano about every 70 days, or roughly every two to three months, as Furry Diary suggests. More frequent baths are fine if it gets dirty, but use a dog-safe shampoo. Its dense coat only needs occasional bathing.38 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Volpino Italiano need brushing?
Brush your Volpino Italiano at least weekly, but Furry Diary recommends every three days, with daily brushing during heavy shedding. This keeps its long, dense coat healthy and reduces loose hair. Regular brushing also strengthens your bond.38 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Volpino Italiano's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer, cutting a little at a time and stopping before the quick. If you're unsure, your vet or groomer can show you how.8 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Volpino Italiano need?
Your Volpino Italiano needs moderate daily exercise, such as walks and playtime. It's energetic and playful but content with a reasonable amount. Daily walks and interactive games will keep it happy and healthy.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Volpino Italiano's teeth and ears?
Brush its teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or odor, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never insert anything into the ear canal.8 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Volpino Italiano live?
A Volpino Italiano typically lives 14 to 16 years, giving you many wonderful years together. With proper care, nutrition, and regular vet visits, it can enjoy a long, happy life.3
Is a Volpino Italiano good with children and other pets?
This cheerful, bouncy companion loves its home and people, so with proper socialization it can be wonderful with children and other pets. It bonds strongly with its household. Always supervise early interactions and ask your breeder for guidance.243
Can a Volpino Italiano be left alone?
The Volpino Italiano forms very strong bonds and prefers to be included in daily life, so it may struggle when left alone for long periods. It's happiest indoors close to its family. If you must leave it, provide toys and a comfortable space, but consider a pet sitter.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI nomenclature: Volpino Italiano (195) fci.beused for recognition
- FCI Standard No. 195 Volpino Italiano fci.beused for history, height, coat, colours, temperament
- PetMD: Volpino Italiano petmd.comused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming
- UKC Volpino Italiano breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament
- Wikipedia: Volpino Italiano en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history dates, facts, registrations
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.