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About
Breed information
Length range : 33-43 cm
Height range : 23-30cm
Weight range : 4-6kg
Coat : long straight dense double coat with dense undercoat and protective outer coat
Life expectancy years : 14-16
Colors: white|deep red|red|champagne|fawn|black.
Activitity Level : Medium
Origin: Italy
Similar Breeds : Pomeranian|American Eskimo Dog|German Spitz
History
The breed is very old and has existed since at least the 15th century with roots linked to ancient Spitz-type dogs in Italy and possibly earlier Mediterranean dogs. It was favored by nobles and farmers alike , declined sharply by the mid-20th century , and was revived in Italy in the 1980s after nearing extinction.
Temperament
cheerful|extremely alert|affectionate|watchful|confident|sometimes stubborn
Personality
lively|alert|playful|loving|intelligent|watchful|family-oriented|reserved with strangers
Needs
daily exercise|mental stimulation|early socialization|regular grooming|close family contact|bark management
Social Needs
bonds closely with family|can do well with older children and other pets if socialized|often reserved or wary with strangers and strange dogs
Grooming
Brush the dense double coat at least weekly and more often during shedding seasons to prevent mats and remove loose hair. Clean ears and eyes regularly , trim nails , and brush teeth often with dog-safe toothpaste.
Nutrition
Feed a balanced high-quality diet with attention to portion control because this small breed may gain weight if overfed. Maintain a healthy body condition and provide all essential nutrients appropriate for size , age and activity.
Breed Standard
small square Spitz with wedge-shaped head|pointed ears|prominent black nose|round dark brown eyes|tail carried over the back|solid-colored thick coat
Did you know?
The name Volpino means little fox in Italian. The breed nearly disappeared by 1965 with only a few dogs remaining and later recovered through revival efforts in Italy.
Most Common / iconic illnesses
Primary Lens Luxation, Luxating Patella, Cataracts, Mitral Valve Disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Symptoms
Primary Lens Luxation
1. Red , teary or cloudy eye
2. Squinting and pain
3. Sudden pupil shape change may occur
4. Pawing at the eye or blinking may increase
5. Vision loss or blindness may develop.
Luxating Patella
1. Sudden skipping gait
2. Brief hopping on three legs
3. Limp that comes and goes
4. Knee popping sounds or stiffness may occur
5. Reluctance to jump or climb may develop.
Cataracts
1. Cloudy or bluish-white lens appearance
2. White spot , streak or icy look may appear
3. Vision loss may worsen
4. Bumping into objects may occur
5. Hesitation in dim light may develop.
Mitral Valve Disease
1. Heart murmur may be the first sign
2. Exercise intolerance
3. Cough
4. Rapid or labored breathing
5. Weakness , decreased appetite or collapse may occur.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
1. Night blindness
2. Dilated pupils
3. Reflective eye shine
4. Hesitation in dark spaces or on stairs
5. Eventual daytime vision loss may occur.
Onset of symptoms
Primary Lens Luxation
It most commonly develops between 3 and 8 years of age and structural eye changes may be visible by about 20 months.
Probability Of Onset:
High breed-specific risk is described and inherited ADAMTS17-associated predisposition is specifically noted.
Luxating Patella
Signs often become noticeable between 4 and 12 months of age although mild cases may not be recognized until adulthood.
Probability Of Onset:
High breed-specific risk is described and small dogs are commonly predisposed.
Cataracts
Juvenile inherited forms may appear between 1 and 4 years of age while age-related cataracts may appear later in mature or senior dogs.
Probability Of Onset:
Moderate to high risk is described and dogs can develop cataracts at any age depending on cause.
Mitral Valve Disease
It typically manifests in middle-aged to senior dogs and is often recognized between 6 and 10 years of age.
Probability Of Onset:
Moderate risk is described and the condition is common in older small companion breeds.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
It usually presents in young adulthood to middle age and is often recognized between 3 and 6 years of age depending on the mutation line.
Probability Of Onset:
Moderate risk is described and inherited retinal degeneration can progress slowly to blindness.
Reasons
Primary Lens Luxation
Structural stability of the lens support is lacking because the zonular ligaments weaken and break down. The ADAMTS17 variant is linked to this inherited weakness in the supplied text. Normal support for the lens is therefore lost and the lens may shift forward or backward. When the lens moves forward , glaucoma risk and blinding pressure may develop rapidly.
Cataracts
Lens transparency is lacking because the lens becomes opaque and no longer passes light normally to the retina. The supplied text links this to inherited factors and also to diabetes , trauma or chronic eye disease in some dogs. No specific nutrient deficiency is identified as the direct cause. As opacity progresses , visual clarity can decline to blindness.
Luxating Patella
Normal alignment of the kneecap support system is lacking because the quadriceps mechanism and trochlear groove do not hold the patella securely. Joint stability is therefore reduced and the kneecap can slip from position. No single nutrient deficiency is identified as the direct cause in the supplied texts. Obesity can worsen strain and arthritis progression even though it does not directly cause the condition.
Mitral Valve Disease
Proper valve sealing is lacking because the mitral valve becomes thickened , weakened or misshapen with degenerative change. This loss of normal valve competence allows blood to leak backward into the left atrium. No chemical deficiency is identified as the direct cause in the supplied texts. Progressive backflow can enlarge the heart and eventually contribute to pulmonary edema or heart failure.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Functional retinal photoreceptor cells are progressively lacking because rods and cones degenerate over time. Rod function for night vision is lost first in true PRA and cone loss follows. No nutrient deficiency is identified as the direct cause because inherited retinal degeneration is the core problem. Progressive cellular loss can culminate in complete blindness.
Primary Lens Luxation:
- Prompt eye examination and pressure checks may be needed and early anterior lens luxation may require emergency lens removal surgery by an ophthalmology specialist. Topical medications may be needed long-term and rapid intervention is recommended because untreated anterior luxation may lead to blindness.
Luxating Patella:
- Mild cases may be managed with weight control , temporary exercise restriction , anti-inflammatory medication , joint support and physical therapy. More severe or painful cases may require surgical correction and healthy weight maintenance is advised.
Cataracts
- Early cataracts may only need monitoring while vision-limiting cataracts may be evaluated by a veterinary ophthalmologist with electroretinogram and ultrasound before surgery. Surgical lens removal may restore vision in many dogs and ongoing eye disease control may be needed if surgery is not pursued.
Mitral Valve Disease:
- Stage A and B1 disease may only need monitoring while later stages may require medications such as pimobendan , diuretics , spironolactone or ACE inhibitors with chest imaging and echocardiographic follow-up. Rest , cardiac diet support and regular rechecks may be helpful and dogs should not overexercise.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy:
- No approved cure is available and management may focus on environmental adaptation , safety , stable furniture placement , added lighting , leash guidance in unfamiliar areas and verbal cue training before vision loss progresses. Gene therapy is not widely available and breeding affected dogs is not recommended. Ask professional vets for detailed information.
Primary Lens Luxation :
1. Lutein can,might be helpful for general ocular tissue support.
2. Zeaxanthin can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support.
3. Astaxanthin can,might be helpful for oxidative stress support.
4. Vitamin C can,might be helpful for eye tissue support.
5. Vitamin E can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support.
Luxating Patella
1. Glucosamine hydrochloride can,might be helpful for cartilage support.
2. Chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful for joint support.
3. MSM can,might be helpful for joint comfort support.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA can,might be helpful for inflammation support.
Cataracts
1. Lutein can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support.
2. Zeaxanthin can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support.
3. Astaxanthin can,might be helpful for oxidative stress support.
4. Vitamin C can,might be helpful for eye tissue support.
5. Vitamin E can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support.
Mitral Valve Disease
1. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for myocardial support.
2. L-carnitine can,might be helpful for cardiac energy metabolism support.
3. Taurine can,might be helpful for heart muscle support.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA can,might be helpful for cardiac support.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
1. Lutein can,might be helpful for retinal support.
2. Zeaxanthin can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support.
3. Vitamin A can,might be helpful for retinal cellular support.
4. Vitamin E can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support.
5. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for retinal cellular support.
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+852 9160 8619
+852 9160 8619