Volpino Italiano
義大利狐狸犬
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Volpino Italiano descends from the ancient European spitz and has been bred in Italy for centuries, idolised in noblemen's palaces and valued in ordinary households for its guarding instinct; the breed nearly died out when Italian interest faded, and was revived by Italian breeders from the 1960s. It is a small, very compact, square spitz of about 24–30 cm and 3.6–7.3 kg with a long, harsh, stand-off coat that gives the impression of a dog wrapped in a muff. The UKC standard describes it as lively, gay and playful, and very attached to its home and family.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 24.1–30.5cm |
| Weight | 3.6–7.3kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15years |
| Breed group | AKC: fss |
| Role | Companion |
| Coat | Long coat |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Primary lens luxation (PLL)
The AKC breed page states that Volpini born in America have parents tested clear for primary lens luxation (PLL) through OFA, and that dogs are not tested in Italy. Ask your breeder for the parents' PLL results and your vet about eye checks.
Behaviour
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
United Kennel Club — Volpino Italiano breed standard
UKC Northern Breed Group standard: descent from the ancient European spitz, characteristics, the stand-off coat, and ideal height (males 10.5–12 in, females 9.5–11 in).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
American Kennel Club — Volpino Italiano (Foundation Stock Service)
AKC FSS breed page: height 10.5–12 in, weight 10–16 lb (males) / 8–12 lb (females), life expectancy 12–15 years, breed revival history and the PLL testing note.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Volpino Italiano — Official UKC Breed Standard — United Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Volpino Italiano — breed page — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.