Volpino Italiano's appearance, dog's temperament and health, how to look after: walking, which includes diet, training, interesting facts. Puppy cost. Volpino-Italiano, dogs are very favorite in Italy to this day. Representatives of the breed are considered the descendants of the ancient European Spitz dogs. Despite their size, pets were originally used as watchdogs on Tuscan farms. And soon, because of their beautiful appearance, small size and pleasant disposition, the dogs became the favorites of the noble ladies of the royal court. There was a period when the breed was on the verge of extinction, but fortunately it was revived. Today, Volpino-Italiano is little known outside of Italy.
Description of the appearance of Volpino-Italiano
"Volpino" - small, fluffy dogs similar to the Pomeranian. They are compact, well-formed and very beautiful. Height at the withers in males is 27–30 cm and bitches 25–28 cm. The weight of males is 4, 5–5, 5 kg and bitches 4–4, 5 kg.
- Head - wedge-shaped, small, like a fox. The skull is not wide. The frontal part is slightly rounded. The brows are smoothed. The cheekbones are rounded.
- Muzzle - straight and very thin, slightly shorter than the skull. The bridge of the nose is narrow, straight. The stop is clearly formed. The lips are closed tightly, dark-colored. The teeth are white, joined like scissors or pliers.
- Nose - small and black, harmonious with the muzzle.
- Eyes volpino-italiano dark or black, clearly outlined with black eyelids. They are round in shape and medium in size. Placed just above the stop.
- Ears - pointed, triangular, standing shape. They are rather short, located at the top of the head, close to each other.
- Neck - short, widened at the base, hidden behind thick hair.
- Frame - square in shape, compact with a strong waist. The back is straight, not long. The croup is rounded. The ribcage is quite deep and oval, its front part is developed. The ribs are not pronounced. The lower abdomen is not well tucked up.
- Tail - set high. The Volpino-Italiano has a recognizable curved tail in a ring, placed on the back, covered with a very thick guard hair.
- Front limbs - thin and short, parallel. They look a little inadequate on this "living bush" because the coat does not cover them. The hind ones have a rather graceful bone. Upper and lower thighs are equal in length.
- Paws - small, rounded. The fingers are tightly pressed against one another. Tufts of wool grow between them.
- Coat Volpino Italiano is very thick, long and straight. Guard hair of a rigid structure. The undercoat hairs are soft and dense, giving it a fluffy appearance. The dog looks like a living plush toy. On the muzzle, limbs and ears, the hair is of the shortest length. Neck, head, body and tail are decorated with a long fringe.
- Color - usually white, but dogs can also be red in color. However, red Volpinoes are very rare today. Dogs have a champagne-colored coat. These colors are permitted but not quoted.
Volpino Italiano dog temperament
In its home country, this breed is very popular and respected among people of all classes. This is understandable, since Volpino-Italiano is very loyal to the family in which she lives. The pet always tries to draw attention to the game and entertainment. And it will be happy to do it with the owner and other family members. Activity and attentiveness makes him an excellent watchdog, who will always warn his family when someone is approaching a home.
Although the dog is very loyal, this Italian Spitz requires a dominant leader like all other primitive dog breeds. Early socialization and learning is a must, otherwise the Volpino can be very stubborn and uncontrollable. It is also important for the pet to get along well with children and other pets, as all small dogs are difficult in such relationships. The Italian Spitz can be successfully trained as a gun dog, which is why in Italy, they are sometimes companions of hunters.
Volpino Italiano dogs can be very noisy. Like most small breeds, this dog has a fiery disposition, which is the reason that he often barks continuously and loudly in a high-pitched "soprano" voice. Yes, it can be very frustrating for your neighbors, but nothing is perfect, is it? Well, at least you will have someone telling you something all the time. The animal can claim to own the master's things. This little dog will always have a little creep about this. He is very territorial and shows courage in protecting things considered his property, can behave aggressively with other dogs, so you will have to make some adjustments to his behavior while the pet is still young. Fortunately, the Volpino Italiano is very smart and once you teach him the necessary commands, the dog will literally read them in your eyes. That is why it is so dear and loved by its owners.
Health and predispositions of Volpino-Italiano
The average life span of an Italian Spitz is fourteen, sixteen years. The general health and wellness of the Volpino breed is much better than that of most dogs of this type. However, they are not immune to genetic and other diseases.
Currently, the greatest threat to this canine species is a genetic mutation in the lens of the eye called the primary lens (PLL). This is a very painful disease in which the pet completely loses its sight. It occurs when the zonal cords holding the lens loosen and break at a predetermined genetically determined time (usually 4 to 8 years).
When the zonal cords break, the lens begins to move towards the inside of the eye, increasing pressure in the eyeball and causing severe pain in the animal. In this case, the lens may fall out or be displaced from its normal position. With this diagnosis, the animal must be operated on immediately. Then the lens is replaced with an artificial one, setting it in the correct position. This can prevent glaucoma, pain and blindness in your dog.
It should be noted that routine vaccination will protect your Volpino Italiano from many diseases, including distemper, shingles, rabies, and so on. The dog must be subjected to systematic treatment for parasites. These unpleasant "enemies" of dogs parasitize and feel great not only on the skin of the animal, but also inside its body, thereby sometimes causing irreparable harm to its health.
It is always necessary to get rid of this "zoo" immediately, and then carry out preventive treatment every three months. For this, there are tablets, spray drops and collars. Tablets for helminthic invasions are given to the dog on an empty stomach, every three months. With the same interval drops from fleas and ticks drip into the withers. The spray is applied before going into forest park areas where there are many such parasites. Also, in this case, you can put a deterrent collar on the dog. It is impregnated with a special agent.
What are the peculiarities of caring for Volpino Italiano?
- Wool the representatives of the breed are very fluffy, which is why these "plush toys" have been so popular with the ladies at all times. But in order for this beautiful pet to look great, and the owners could boast of its appearance, a lot of work is needed on this. In order to avoid tangles, his coat must be brushed regularly, and especially during periods of moulting. Volpino Italiano owners are obliged to buy a professional instrument. First, they must have a metal comb with sparse teeth in order to comb through tangles. Secondly, you need a slicker. Its teeth should not be prickly so as not to scratch the dog's skin. Place the slicker on your palm and press down a little. If you feel uncomfortable or painful, then this tool is of poor quality. It shouldn't bring any discomfort. A slicker comb out the dead undercoat of pets. During molting, manipulation is carried out one to two times a day. During normal periods, pets are combed every two to three days, after applying a spray to moisturize and facilitate the procedure. Bathing Volpino Italiano is necessary weekly. Before applying a specialized shampoo, the coat must be combed well with a comb and completely wet. Buy only high-quality professional cosmetics with herbal natural supplements. Rinse off the soap well and apply an emollient conditioner. A dog in a wet state is not combed so as not to pull out the guard hair. After all, as we know, wet hair stretches more easily than dry hair. Otherwise, bald spots may appear on the fur coat - bald and rare areas. First, the wool must be dried with the warm air of a hair dryer, and only after sprinkling it with a moisturizing spray, you can start combing it.
- Teeth - Volpino needs cleaning. Otherwise, the dog will have a stone on its teeth, and in it there is an accumulation of bacteria, due to which bleeding of the gums and loss of teeth occurs. This provokes diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The manipulation is carried out every other day, and preferably every day. Taste pastes are selected according to your dog's preferences, and comfortable brushes made of silicone materials that are worn on the owner's finger. The teeth are cleaned in a circular motion from different sides. Chewing pressed, safe bones and eating dry food will serve as an excellent prevention. Its granules, in contact with the zooms, mechanically remove plaque.
- Ears Inspect the Volpino weekly. There should be no cracked, red skin, unpleasant odor or other abnormalities. They need to be cleaned once a week. Inject the lotion by pushing back the fur from the inside of the ear while holding the head to avoid reflex shaking. Then gently massage the base to allow the product to penetrate further. When the pet is released, it shakes itself off, and so all the softened sulfur flies out. Wipe it with a clean napkin. If you are in doubt about the normal condition of your Volpino Italiano ears, take your dog to a veterinarian for a check-up.
- Eyes such dogs sometimes flow. This is especially ugly and noticeable on white breed individuals. The occurrence of such a flaw is due to infection with helminthic infestations, food intolerance, allergic reactions, or dirt in the eyes. The dog must be examined by a veterinarian to make an accurate diagnosis. Common clogging requires rubbing the eyes with herbal lotion. A cotton sponge is moistened with the product and, pressing it slightly, lead it towards the corner of the eyeball. The sponge, with each subsequent wiping, is changed to a new one.
- Claws cut every week. Before manipulation, the hair on the paws must be trimmed with scissors. Try to do this carefully so as not to cut your skin. The length of the claws is shortened with special scissors called a guillotine. When cutting the length, do not grab the living area of the nail plate, otherwise blood will flow. Always, for such unpleasant moments, you should have hydrogen peroxide or a special antiseptic powder.
- Feeding Volpino Italiano must be dietary in order to avoid allergies. In this case, it is quite difficult to find natural products. It is best to resort to ready-made feed. But, they are selected of high quality - super-premium class for small breeds of dogs. They should not contain too much protein because small dogs have a slightly different metabolism than large dogs. Fatty foods are also unacceptable. Access to drinking water must be unlimited. If in doubt about your dog's food choice, consult your veterinarian or breed breeder. Experts will advise you on how to choose a natural diet if you decide to focus on it. Observe the portions and regimen for any meal. First, Volpino is prone to gaining excess weight. Secondly, uncontrolled eating will upset the pet's digestive tract. He may have frequent urge to use the toilet and bloating.
- Walking these little pets require a moderate amount of exercise. A regular daily walk is enough to keep them in good physical shape. Volpino Italiano likes to have fun. All kinds of games will add to their mood and health. It will be just great if they have an active company for fun entertainment on a walk. When the weather is rainy and muddy, then your pet should be dressed in protective overalls. Clothes should not be warm. Convenience is more important here, the composition of thin materials. After all, it is necessary to protect the dog from dirt, and not to warm it. Volpino-Italiano has a warm, thick fur coat without it.
Volpino-italiano training
Dogs like these are very independent in nature, but with their intelligence and human-centered nature, Volpino is generally not difficult to train. Harsh training methods are not suitable for this breed. They should be taught in a firm yet gentle, rewarding manner. Knowing that these dogs love to play and eat, you can use these features.
Make your activities fun for Volpino Italiano. Praise and taste rewards for each correctly executed command will only enhance the effect. If you do not want your dog to bark constantly, then do not encourage, but correct this behavior from childhood. Each owner brings up his four-legged friend purely for himself.
Many people believe that small decorative dogs do not need training. This is a common mistake. As a result, would-be owners get a mini-monster. Such dogs are difficult to correct their behavior and are extremely difficult to maintain. Volpino-Italiano can perfectly participate in dog competitions such as agility. There are many interesting obstacles that smart and active dogs overcome with pleasure. And most importantly, this can be done together with their owner, whom they love so much.
Interesting facts about Volpino-Italiano
During the Renaissance, dogs were very popular throughout Italy, especially in the palaces of the lords. These dogs often sat on the lap of royal ladies for a long time, and they stroked their fluffy coats. In addition, throughout history, many famous people have owned these dogs. Even the legendary artist Michelangelo had Volpino-Italiano pets, which he painted. The Italian painter of the early Renaissance Vittore Carpaccio, in 1502, depicted Volpino Italiano in his painting "The Vision of St. Augustine".
Volpino-italiano puppy price
If you have children, they will love this pet. This dog will be their ideal companion. Yes, he will make them happy for sure. In addition, Volpino can be an excellent companion for the elderly, as its natural behavior becomes an “antidepressant”. If you choose to have one of these, know that you will have the perfect dog, no matter where you live.
However, proper care is necessary for the fur of such pets. These are active dogs, despite their small size. Therefore, they need to provide appropriate physical activity. If you cannot do this, then Volpino Italiano is not for you. The price of a puppy is $ 600-1000.
What a dog looks like, see the following video:
