Volpino Italiano
The Volpino Italiano is an ancient Italian spitz — one of the oldest toy breeds in existence, depicted in Italian art from the 15th century and kept by Michelangelo and other Renaissance luminaries.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Italy
Lifespan
14–16 years
Weight
4–5 kg (8–12 lbs)
Height
25–30 cm (10–12 in)
Exercise
20 to 30 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality toy breed food.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Volpino Italiano is an ancient Italian spitz — one of the oldest toy breeds in existence, depicted in Italian art from the 15th century and kept by Michelangelo and other Renaissance luminaries. It is the Italian equivalent of the Pomeranian and Spitz type dogs — a tiny, foxy-faced, profusely coated companion spitz that served as palace companion, alert dog, and fashionable accessory of the Italian nobility. The breed went from being Italy's most fashionable companion dog to near-total obscurity in the 20th century, when the Pomeranian and other northern European spitz types eclipsed it in popularity. By the 1960s fewer than five Volpinos were registered annually in Italy.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A tiny, fox-faced spitz with a very dense, profuse, stand-off white or red coat that makes it look larger than it is. The pointed muzzle, large dark eyes, and erect ears give it a distinctly alert, foxy expression. The plumed tail curls over the back. White is the most common and prized colour.
Grooming
High
Shedding
High
Brushing
3-4x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Lively, alert, and loyal — the Volpino is a devoted, energetic companion with a surprisingly loud voice for its size. Bonds closely with its person. Can be vocal.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
20 to 30 min/day
Ideal Weather
5°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive barking, spinning, clinginess, attention-seeking
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Moderate exercise — indoor play and short walks. The profuse coat requires daily brushing during moult and 3–4 times weekly otherwise. Dental care critical.
Nutrition Notes
Very healthy breed. Few dietary restrictions. PLL in some lines. Small-breed formula.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
PLL (primary lens luxation). Luxating patella. Dental disease. Very few other issues. Italian "little fox." Michelangelo owned one. Nearly extinct by 1960s (only 5 dogs remained). Rebuilt breed. 14-16 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
450 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
300 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Generally very healthy and long-lived. Patellar luxation. Lens luxation (elevated in the breed). Dental disease.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Michelangelo's dog. Rebuilt from 5 dogs. India: unavailable.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Volpino Italiano was a favourite of Michelangelo — the Renaissance master is documented as having kept Volpinos at his home in Florence.
The Volpino was traditionally kept by Florentine cart-drivers who used the little dogs as alert dogs — the Volpino would ride on the cart and bark at approaching strangers, alerting the larger mastiff-type guard dog underneath the cart to respond.
