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
Colourswhiteredblackchampagne (UKC, less preferred)245
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
These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.
You need
100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
a little water (as needed)
How
Preheat your oven to 175°C.
Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.
How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.
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