Italian Spitz: breed description, character and photo

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Recently there has been a fashion for small breed dogs. The Italian Spitz is one of those pets. This cheerful active dog does not let his owners get bored. In addition to playfulness, the animal has a lively mind and quick wits. And thanks to the sonorous voice, the Spitz is able to protect even the largest house.

Origin of the breed

During the archaeological excavations of the Bronze Age, the bones of the ancestors of the Italian Spitz were found next to the remains of a man. On the walls of the sites of the Etruscan tribes, the seekers found images that in appearance resemble modern pets. But the breed gained great popularity in Florence in the 14-15th century. Then luxurious little dogs were favorites of both the nobility and commoners. Noble ladies and gentlemen took their pets to balls and receptions and spoiled their four-legged pupils in every possible way. It got to the point that seniors and senoritas decorated collars and other accessories for dogs with precious stones and precious metals.

Ordinary villagers used the Italian Volpino Spitz as excellent guardians of their estates.

In 1901 the breed was officially confirmed. Spitz were entered in the stud book. And in 1913, the Turinian Solaro designated the breed standards.

In 1965, the breed was on the brink of extinction. There are only five representatives of the species left in the world. The search for Volpino began in the settlements. The result was that breeding of small companions resumed in 1984.

Breed Exterior

A photo of an Italian Spitz shows a small dog with fluffy fur. The dog is harmoniously complex, its height at the withers is almost equal to the length of the body. Males are somewhat larger than females and reach a height of 27-30 centimeters. The back of the dog is straight and strong, the croup and withers are somewhat raised above the general line. The tail of the spitz is long, twisted on the back with a perky ring and decorated with long thick hair. The head is wedge-shaped with a short, sharp muzzle.

Ears erect, triangular. The dog's nose is large and usually black. In some cases, a brownish color is allowed. The lips of the Italian Spitz are plump and well defined.

The eyes of the pet are medium in size, lively, cheerful, painted in dark brown.

The animal has strong jaws with strong white teeth.

The dog's coat is thick and straight. On the entire surface of the body, the pet's fur is long, short hair prevails on the head, muzzle and ears.

The color of the dog can vary from snow-white to reddish. Fawn and red are allowed.

Volpino Italiano content

The Italian Spitz needs daily care. Despite the fact that frequent bathing of the animal is undesirable, it is recommended to comb the thick coat at least 2-3 times a week. This procedure allows you to get rid of dead hair and reduce shedding of the dog. When bathing your dog, it is recommended to use shampoo and conditioner to prevent tangles.

Your pet's nails should be trimmed as they grow. Usually the procedure is performed every 2-3 weeks. In order to prevent damage to the small capillaries located in the claws, it is better to ask a specialist to cut them. Also, between the pads and toes of the paws, it is necessary to cut at least once every one and a half to two weeks.

It is recommended to clean your pet's ears and teeth once a week. The eyes should be dry, so it is advisable to wipe them with sterile wipes. If necessary, it is advisable to use a special lotion for cleaning the eyes. It is the eyes of the animal that indicate the proper nutrition of the pet and the general physical condition.

Cutting Volpino Italiano is not recommended. To relieve the dog in hot weather and to give it a neat appearance, you can profile the coat on the collar and all over the body. With a forced haircut, it is important not to cut the undercoat. It will take a long time to grow, and the dog may freeze on cool days.

In order for the dog to be cheerful and he althy, it must be systematically walked. Walks should be done at a certaintime. Then the dog will get used to the regime. On the street, the animal not only relieves its natural need, but also communicates with its own kind. This is how the socialization of the Italian Spitz occurs. In addition, you can train your pet during walks.

Feeding the pet

In food, the animal is quite unpretentious. However, the owners of the Italian Spitz cattery recommend accustoming the animal to dry food from the young claws. Only it contains all the useful vitamins and minerals necessary for the harmonious development of the pet.

When choosing food for a Spitz, it is recommended to take the advice of experienced breeders, dog handlers and a veterinarian.

As a reward and as a reward for obedience, you can give your dog some fruits and vegetables that are allowed for consumption. You can also buy a variety of dog biscuits, dried sinew bones, and other treats at any pet store. They will not only please the pet, but also take part in cleaning and strengthening the teeth.

Italian Spitz: nature of the breed

Fluffy pet has a cheerful cheerful disposition. Her sonorous loud voice is heard far beyond its habitat. The dog is a good watchman, able to warn the owner of a possible threat and scare the ill-wisher.

Friendly to its owners and their environment, the animal can show aggressive intentions towards strangers. When trying to stroke a stranger, caress a dog, he is able to bare his teeth, growl, bark and even bite a stranger. Watchdog skills allowher to distinguish her from the stranger.

Severe with strangers, the Pomeranian is strikingly transformed when in contact with home, especially with small owners. Together with children, the dog is able to start a noisy, fun and a little crazy game, demolishing everything in its path. He loves to play catch-up, hide and seek, bring all kinds of things. In a word, when getting an Italian Spitz, you need to be prepared that a charming hyperactive creature comes into the house, capable of protecting its owner with dignity on occasion.

Training and education

The character of the Italian Spitz allows him to become the first dog from the breeder. Smart and quick-witted, the dog is incredibly sensitive and responsive. He has an excellent memory, allowing him to easily memorize and reproduce commands. Therefore, the dog can be trained, accustoming it to the skills of protection. However, given the animal's tendency to stubbornness, training should be patient and persistent. Consistent commands and systematic encouragement can turn a little stubborn into an ideal of obedience.

It is necessary to raise a puppy from an early age, as soon as the pet fell into the hands of the owner. Gradually, the animal should be accustomed to hygiene skills, the ability to declare their physiological needs, and diet. It is strongly not recommended to feed the dog from the table during family dinners. So you risk getting an eternal beggar, ready to take the last piece from the owner.

On a walk, you can start training in a playful way. Dogable to take fairly high barriers, bring diarrhea, warn of possible danger, be close to the owner. These classes can be carried out in the presence of an experienced dog handler, following his recommendations.

Characteristic diseases

Because the volpino comes from the countryside, he is in fairly good he alth. A characteristic feature of the breed is that its representatives are not prone to genetic diseases. Spitz suffers from ailments common to all dogs. It is extremely rare for a dog to develop epilepsy or hip dysplasia. However, with proper care, these diseases can bypass the pet.

How to choose a puppy

The excellent breed of the Italian Spitz is indicated, first of all, by the peculiarity of the dog's physique. First of all, it concerns the proportions of the dog's skull. It should be slightly elongated both in width and in length. The forehead and muzzle should form a right angle, the lower jaw should be pronounced. There should be no skin folds in the corners of the mouth.

When purchasing a pet should be remembered. That the slightest deviation from the norm is considered a flaw. Deviations from the norm include eyes and a nose of light tones, a limp tail or an uneven color. Long legs with rounded feet are also a fault. Lethargic, inactive puppies should also be a concern. This behavior may indicate that the animal is unwell. little Spitz are very temperamental and friendly creatures. The leadership character may be indicated by the intention to get out from under the hand of a person who is slightlypresses the dog to the floor. A weak-willed puppy will surrender to the mercy of the winner, while the future leader is more likely to show aggression and perseverance to achieve freedom.

Interesting facts

Description of the Italian Spitz breed indicates that an active cheerful dog has been popular at all times. For example, the great sculptor and artist Michelangelo had Volpino Italiano. The master did not part with his pet for a minute, and his death became a real tragedy for the architect.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Spitz began to disappear and were listed in the Red Book as an endangered species.

Italian villagers respected these dogs very much for their lively mind and dedication. In Italy, there was even a legend that Spitz saved a whole herd of cows from wolves, who were scared away by loud, sonorous barking.

Today the breed is again at the peak of popularity. Compact dogs can be increasingly found at social gatherings as four-legged companions. The most striking fan of the breed is Queen Victoria, who even took a sweet couple of dogs to the UK.