Spitz is the collective name for the group of dog breeds that were developed in northern climates. They are usually characterized by thick, heavy coats and their overall physical resemblance to foxes or wolves. The Italian spitz, also called the volpino Italiano, was developed in Italy over 5,000 years ago and adored by Italian royalty. The little dogs served as cherished pets and as watchdogs to alert guards and larger dogs of impending intruders. The Italian spitz also became popular among farmers, artists and other members of the working class. By the 1960s, however, the dog was nearly extinct. During the 1980s, an effort was made to breed the remaining few dogs, and the breed still remains a rare gem today. The American Kennel Club has not recognized the Italian spitz, but the breed was welcomed into the United Kennel Club in 2006.
The Italian spitz is a small, squarely shaped dog with an average height of 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder. He weighs 9 to 12 pounds, and his voluminous coat may be white, champagne, red or black in color. The Italian spitz has pointy ears that stand erect, and his fluffy tail curls up over his back.
Personality
If you love the appearance of a Pomeranian, but prefer to seek out a rare breed, consider the Italian spitz. This playful and energetic little dog will not disappoint when it comes to loyalty, affection and creating a loving bond with his family. The Italian spitz is vigilant, loyal and protective, barking at anything that he finds suspect and serving as an excellent watchdog. The dog can be stubborn, but he is intelligent and easily trained. He is highly energetic and requires daily exercise and interactive indoor play to expend some of that energy. He bonds strongly with his family and gets along well with children. Although he is not a clingy dog and he can be independent at times, he is affectionate and craves attention. His playful nature and trainability result in delightful entertainment when he is taught to perform new tricks.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 14 - 16 years |
| Nicknames: | Volpino Italiano, Cane de Quirinale, and Florentine Spitz. |
Italian Spitz Build Information
The Italian spitz is a small, squarely shaped dog with an average height of 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder. He weighs 9 to 12 pounds, and his voluminous coat may be white, champagne, red or black in color. The Italian spitz has pointy ears that stand erect, and his fluffy tail curls up over his back.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
If you love the appearance of a Pomeranian, but prefer to seek out a rare breed, consider the Italian spitz. This playful and energetic little dog will not disappoint when it comes to loyalty, affection and creating a loving bond with his family. The Italian spitz is vigilant, loyal and protective, barking at anything that he finds suspect and serving as an excellent watchdog. The dog can be stubborn, but he is intelligent and easily trained. He is highly energetic and requires daily exercise and interactive indoor play to expend some of that energy. He bonds strongly with his family and gets along well with children. Although he is not a clingy dog and he can be independent at times, he is affectionate and craves attention. His playful nature and trainability result in delightful entertainment when he is taught to perform new tricks.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
The thick, fluffy, long coat requires a regular brushing routine every other day in order to prevent matting and minimize shedding. Brushing his teeth should be part of the grooming routine in order to maintain dental and overall health. His ears should also be inspected and kept clean to prevent infections, and his nails should be trimmed once each month.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Italian Spitz Common Health Conditions
The Italian spitz is very hardy, living an average lifespan of 14 to 16 years. A couple of health conditions to which the breed is prone are cataracts and heart disease.
Italian Spitz Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Italian spitz originated in Italy. The Italian spitz is also called a volpino Italiano and a Florentine spitz. The Italian spitz is an intelligent, loyal and playful companion. The Italian spitz stands 10 to 12 inches tall and weighs 9 to 12 pounds. The Italian spitz is a dog with a high energy level. The Italian spitz requires moderate grooming. The average lifespan for the Italian spitz is 14 to 16 years.
| Training: | Easy |