Diseases and recommendations for the Italian Spitz breed

Spitz are one of the most beloved breeds of Europeans. They are very active, loyal, and not very demanding to care for. Among the most attractive are the Italian Spitz (Volpino Italiano). This is a decorative fluffy dog that is ideal for keeping in an apartment.

Despite its doll-like appearance, this is a determined, courageous breed and an excellent watchdog. The Italian Spitz gets along well with children and is easy to train. Unfortunately, this breed is quite rare both in its homeland - Italy and in other countries. But its true connoisseurs are ready to pay a lot of money for this dog in order to have a wonderful friend and companion at home.

Origin and history of the breed

Volpino has very ancient roots. The formation of the breed occurred back in the Bronze Age. Archaeologists have found excavations of ceramics from Etruscan tribes from the 9th century BC. with images of Spitz-like dogs. Spitz dogs, common on the Apennine Peninsula, have always been popular. More often they served as guards, warning their owners of approaching danger. Italian aristocrats kept Volpino in their homes as pets.

In 1901, the Italian Spitz was first included in the stud book. It is from this period that the official history of the breed dates back. 12 years later, its standard was developed. The Italian Spitz was officially recognized by the FCI in 1956.

History of the origin of the breed

The Volpino Italiano breed is believed to have originated from the Italian Pomeranian back in ancient times. In the Middle Ages, these fluffy dogs were very popular among the nobility of Florence. They were bred as decorative room companions and watchmen.

The breed standard was determined in 1913. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Volpino Italiano as an official breed in 1956.

Today these small decorative dogs are quite rare; there are several thousand of them all over the world (in 2000 there were 2 thousand individuals). They are bred as indoor pets - friendly, playful dogs love all family members and pets, and are tolerant of neighbors' dogs and cats. They have a friendly and balanced character.

Volpino is distinguished by great intelligence and intelligence, is easy to educate, and with good training, they understand the owner literally from one word. Volpino is a favorite of children, he shares their games and fun, but in case of danger he always comes to the defense of his little friends.

A good educational video talks about the features and character of the breed. You will learn how an animal behaves in society from the video review:

Characteristics and standards

The Italian Spitz is a small dog with a harmonious build and thick coat. The height at the withers for males is 27-30 cm, for females – 25-28 cm. Weight ranges from 4.5-5.4 kg.

Breed standards:

Frame	Square in shape, proportionally built. The back is straight with a slightly convex loin. The chest is rounded, descending towards the elbow joints. The stomach is tucked.
Head	Wedge-shaped, the skull is ovoid, the size corresponds to 2/5 of the length of the body. The frontal part is convex, the muzzle is noticeably narrowed towards the nose, reminiscent of a fox.
Eyes	Medium, round in shape. The look is alert, animated. The iris is dark brown, the eyelids are black.
Ears	Triangular, sharp, sticking out high. Planted close to each other.
Tail	Curved in a ring over the back. The length is equal to half the height of the dog at the withers.
Limbs	Vertical, parallel to each other. The feet are oval, the claws and pads are black.
Coat and color	Thick, dense, long. The texture is hard. There is a short dense undercoat. The neck is wrapped in a fur muff. Very long hair on the limbs and tail, short on the muzzle. Acceptable colors: white and red. Possible, but not desirable, champagne color.

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Dossier

Adult height: male – 27-30 cm, female – 25-28 cm. Weight: male – 4-5.5 kg, female – 3.5-4.5 kg. Characteristic colors: snow-white, red, champagne (fawn), black. Coat length: up to 15 cm. Life expectancy: from 12 to 14 years. Advantages of the breed: the Italian Volpino is a very energetic and cheerful dog. She has a cheerful and noisy character, which does not prevent her from perfectly guarding her owner and his property and being always on the alert. Difficulties of the breed: disadvantages include the dog’s noisiness and loud voice. Average price: about 1500-1800 US dollars. Classification: small breed, decorative, indoor.

Character, intelligence and behavior

The Italian Spitz's diminutive size is compensated by its bold character. This is an excellent watchman, ready at any time to notify its owner of the approach of strangers with a loud bark. Volpinos are naturally good-natured, curious, and love active games. Among all Spitz dogs, this is probably the most active breed. Dogs get along well with children. They have virtually no aggression. Therefore, they tend to get along with other pets.

The Italian Spitz is intellectually developed. He is easy to train, quickly socializes, and gets used to new surroundings. This breed is very loyal to its owner. If a dog is left alone for a long time, it becomes bored and may get sick. She really needs company. With great devotion, Volpino is not intrusive, and can always adapt to the owner’s way of life.

Advantages and disadvantages

Care and conditions of detention

Although Volpino Italiano is easy to care for, some rules for its maintenance will have to be followed. This dog is ideal for keeping in the house, as well as in open-air cages, if the animals are given enough time for walks and communication.

How to train to a litter box and to go out for a walk

Toilet training a Pomeranian is a long process. On average, this can take up to 4 months. Therefore, you need to start learning from early childhood. First, organize space for the toilet in the form of disposable diapers. Lay out diapers where the puppy often runs. A week later, when he decides on the location of the toilet, install a tray with low sides. You can put a diaper there that smells like dog urine. The pet will understand exactly where to relieve itself. After another week, remove all diapers. The puppy should only defecate in the litter box. There should be only one place left for the toilet. If the place chosen is not very convenient, then gradually every 2 days the tray needs to be moved in the right direction. It is important to praise your pet if he relieves himself in the right place.

When the quarantine ends after vaccinations, you can gradually accustom the puppy to the toilet outside. Take him out for a walk after every meal and after sleep. At first, you can take with you a tray or diaper with the smell of puppy urine. The animal must understand that the toilet is now outside.

Nutrition

Italian Spitz are unpretentious to food. Most breeders advise feeding them dry food for active breeds with a high meat content. A balanced diet is the key to a healthy dog. Therefore, the food must be of super premium class. As a rule, when feeding high-quality food, there is no need to give the dog additional vitamin supplements.

When eating natural products, the basis of the diet should be meat. Puppies can be given boneless sea fish once a week. Cereals in the diet may include rice, buckwheat, and oatmeal. You can give the yolk once a week.

On a note! The animal must be fed strictly according to the clock, observing the amount of food appropriate for its age. Volpino should not be overfed; they are prone to overeating and obesity.

Place to sleep

You need to take care of a place for the dog in advance. Select a cozy corner away from drafts and direct sunlight. It should be located away from excessive attention so that the animal can retire there. At the same time, the Spitz should have a view of the room so that he does not feel lonely. You can purchase a special house or make a dog bed with your own hands.

Hygiene

The Volpino Italiano's long, thick coat requires special care. It is combed at least once a week. During periods of intense shedding, this should be done daily. The fur coat should be cut only in case of emergency and only with scissors, giving it a spherical shape. Under no circumstances should the undercoat be cut.

You need to bathe your Spitz as needed. Very often this is not recommended. Bath with shampoo no more than 2-3 times a year. It is advisable to wash your paws after every walk; for this purpose you can purchase an original device - a paw washer for dogs.

Regularly inspect your dog's ears for ear mites, dirt and inflammation. If dirt accumulates, you need to clean your ears with a cotton pad soaked in a special solution. Examine your eyes daily. Clean the corners from time to time with sterile wipes. Nails should be trimmed once a month using a nail clipper. Although during active walks they can wear off on their own.

Your dog's teeth should be brushed several times a week using special tools. Volpino needs to be taught this procedure from childhood. Then the dog will treat her patiently. Have an ultrasonic cleaning done annually to remove plaque and tartar from a specialist.

Walks

This breed needs regular, long walks. Although the Italian Spitz is a lap dog, it can withstand long distances. You need to devote at least 1.5-2 hours a day to a walk with your pet.

It is better to walk your dog with a collar and leash. Volpino are very curious, trying to sniff out everything in their path. To distract your pet, you need to provide it with enough physical activity. The dog will try to compensate for low energy consumption outdoors at home.

Vaccinations and treatment against worms

To help the Volpino Italiano resist dangerous infections, after weaning from the mother's breast, puppies are vaccinated according to their age.

Vaccination schedule:

A week before vaccination, it is necessary to remove worms using special antihelminthic drugs, as well as get rid of other parasites (fleas, lice, ticks, lice). At the time of vaccination, the animal must be absolutely healthy. It is advisable to give the dog an antihistamine 20 minutes before the injection to avoid an allergic reaction.

Toys

The Italian Spitz is very playful and inquisitive. To prevent your dog from getting bored at home, he needs to purchase several toys of different types. These can be balls, ropes, imitators of bones, birds. Feeder balls, the game “Tower”, “Solitaire” also contribute well to the development of intelligence. Frisbees and fetch sticks are suitable for the street.

It is not recommended to give all toys at once. It is better to alternate them so that the dog does not quickly get bored with them. The size of the toys should be such that the Spitz can easily grab them with his paws. They should fit in the mouth without causing discomfort. Items should not contain small parts that could be swallowed.

Features of maintenance and care

The Italian Volpino is suitable for keeping in an apartment. The pet quickly gets accustomed to using the diaper on the toilet, which eliminates the need to go outside with it in bad weather.

The breed is distinguished by its cleanliness. It lacks the characteristic dog smell.

Grooming

The thick coat of the Italian Spitz is perhaps the main concern of the owner. Even a beginner can handle grooming. The dog does not need frequent washing. Thorough brushing with a soft-toothed brush will help keep your Volpino looking well-groomed. Carrying out the procedure twice a day will only be necessary during seasonal molting: in autumn and spring.

The coat of the Italian Spitz has the property of self-cleaning; dirt hardly sticks.

Walk

The Italian Spitz does not require long walking. To satisfy its natural needs, it is enough to take the dog outside in the morning and evening.

In slushy weather, it is advisable to wear a dog overall for your pet. This can avoid contamination and eliminate frequent washing. Volpino are taught to wear street clothes from an early age.

Feeding

Volpino Italiano is not picky about food and will happily eat any food offered. The main rule: the animal is fed either natural food or dried food. Combining both types of food is unacceptable.

If the owner prefers dry granules, then you should not save money and buy cheap brands. Super premium and holistic foods are suitable for these dogs.

For those with a white fur coat, feeds that use beet pulp are contraindicated in their production. It can give the fur an unsightly pink tint.

Natural food does not mean that the pet is fed with leftovers from the owner’s table. The table suggests that you familiarize yourself with the list of harmful and healthy products.

Table No. 1

Prohibited	Allowed
Smoked meats	Lean meat (beef)
Marinades and pickles	Lean sea fish once a week
Sweet pastries	Boiled chicken egg once a week
Chocolate	Dairy products
Citrus	By-products
Semolina	Fresh and boiled vegetables
Tubular chicken bones	Fruits
Fat meat	Cereal products
River fish	Beef bones, raw

Health

Spitz-shaped animals are distinguished by good health. During the formation of the breed, human influence was minimal. The Italian Volpino has retained its original appearance. Therefore, they do not have genetic diseases. They have a high life expectancy, which is typical for small dogs.

Diseases

Like any living creature, the Italian Volpino can get sick. The main signs of incipient malaise are lack of appetite and lethargic state of the pet. In this case, you need to contact a veterinarian. Self-medication is prohibited. Owners of Florentine Spitz note the following diseases: Allergies are usually the body’s reaction to unsuitable food products or industrial food for the breed.

Vaccinations

Mandatory vaccination will protect your pet from infectious diseases: hepatitis, enteritis, parainfluenza, distemper. Particular attention should be paid to vaccination against rabies. After all, this disease is incurable and can be fatal. Moreover, rabies is dangerous not only for animals, but also for humans.

Training and education

Volpinos learn very quickly and the dogs are easy to train. The educational process must begin at an early age. Training should be carried out with persistence, but without the use of brute force. The dog reacts negatively to a raised voice, may become offended and refuse to follow commands.

Daily classes should last about an hour. During this time, the Spitz can learn new material and will not get very tired. It takes the breed an average of 3 days to learn one command. New commands and an increase in their complexity should be introduced gradually.

Training and education

The beautiful Volpino Italiano is easy to train. Every dog breeder can handle training this pet. Thanks to the presence of such a quality as intelligence, representatives of the breed immediately understand what the owner wants from them.

It is interesting that dogs brought from Italy understand Russian after 2 months. During training, the owner should be persistent and affectionate. Representatives of the breed react negatively to a raised voice. Dogs do not need special physical activity, they can spend the whole day lying on the sofa, and this will in no way affect their health, since the very next day the dogs will behave differently.

Individuals of the breed independently provide themselves with the necessary loads. But they will not give up long walks and outdoor entertainment.

The character of the Italian Spitz allows him to become the breeder's first dog. Smart and quick-witted, the dog is incredibly sensitive and responsive. He has an excellent memory, allowing him to easily remember and reproduce commands. Therefore, the dog can be trained by teaching it guard skills.

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