Breed History:

The Italian Spitz, better known as the Volpino Italiano, is an ancient spitz-type breed that originated in Italy over 2,000 years ago. Descended from European Spitz dogs, it was a popular companion among both Italian nobility and commoners. During the Renaissance, the breed was often depicted in paintings and was favoured by aristocrats, while farmers and tradespeople valued it as an alert watchdog capable of guarding homes, livestock, and workshops despite its small size.

The breed's popularity declined during the 20th century, and it came close to extinction by the 1960s. Dedicated Italian breeders launched conservation efforts to revive the Volpino Italiano, preserving its lively temperament and distinctive appearance. Today, although still relatively rare outside Italy, the breed is admired as an affectionate companion, vigilant watchdog, and one of Italy's oldest native dog breeds.

Today, the Italian Spitz is valued as a loyal family companion, alert watchdog, and adaptable companion breed known for its intelligence, cheerful personality, and beautiful fluffy coat.

If you want to learn about other spitz breeds, check out our page "Different Spitz Dog Breeds".

Size – Small

Life Expectancy: 14–16 years

Breed Appearance:

The Italian Spitz is a compact, elegant, and well-proportioned dog with a classic fox-like spitz appearance.

The breed commonly features:

• Wedge-shaped head
• Short, pointed muzzle
• Dark, round expressive eyes
• Small, erect triangular ears
• Compact, square body
• Strong, well-balanced limbs
• Thick, bushy tail tightly curled over the back

Its dense double coat consists of a long, straight outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat that forms a prominent ruff around the neck and shoulders.

Common coat colours include:

• White
• Red
• Champagne (rare)

The breed's abundant coat, plumed tail, and bright expression create a lively and elegant appearance.

Breed Type – Companion Dog:

The Italian Spitz is an intelligent, affectionate, and lively companion breed.

It is known for being:

• Loyal
• Friendly
• Intelligent
• Alert
• Playful
• Affectionate

The breed forms close bonds with its family and is generally excellent with children and other pets when properly socialised. It is naturally watchful and quick to alert its owners to unfamiliar visitors.

Training:

The Italian Spitz is highly intelligent and eager to please.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation
• Positive reinforcement methods
• Basic obedience training
• Recall training
• Trick training
• Mental enrichment activities

The breed excels in:

• Obedience
• Agility
• Rally
• Trick training
• Nose work

Short, reward-based training sessions help maintain the breed's enthusiasm and responsiveness.

Health & Care:

The Italian Spitz is generally healthy but may be prone to certain health concerns, including:

• Patellar luxation
• Primary lens luxation
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Dental disease
• Obesity if under-exercised

Routine veterinary care, regular exercise, and a balanced diet help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Italian Spitz adapts well to a variety of living environments.

Ideal environments include:

• Apartments
• Houses with securely fenced yards
• Families with children
• First-time dog owners
• Active individuals or seniors

The breed prefers living indoors with its family and thrives on companionship. It should not be left alone for extended periods.

Exercise:

The Italian Spitz has moderate exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Daily walks
• Interactive games
• Fetch
• Agility
• Puzzle toys
• Mental enrichment activities

Around 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise helps keep the breed physically fit and mentally stimulated.

Grooming:

The dense double coat requires regular maintenance.

• Brushing two to three times per week
• Daily brushing during seasonal shedding periods
• Occasional bathing
• Nail trimming
• Regular ear cleaning
• Routine dental care

The breed sheds moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes.

Advantages:

• Loyal and affectionate family companion
• Highly intelligent and easy to train
• Excellent watchdog despite its small size
• Adaptable to apartment and urban living
• Long lifespan and generally healthy
• Cheerful and lively personality

Disadvantages:

• Can bark excessively if not properly trained
• Requires regular coat maintenance
• Moderate to heavy seasonal shedding
• May develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
• Needs daily exercise and mental stimulation
• Can be reserved around strangers without early socialisation