Volpino Italiano

The Volpino Italiano originated in Italy and descended from the ancient European Spitz, although exactly when is unclear. Spitz-type dogs have been around in Europe since at least 4000 BCE. Specimen of spitz-type dogs have been found preserved in peat moss from this time. The Volpino Italiano was popular amongst Italian nobles but also with common folk, as the dogs were effective guard animals. Michelangelo owned a Volpino Italiano and would often paint them in his paintings during the 16th century. In fact, there is a Volpino depicted in the Sistine Chapel. The breed gets its name from "vulpes", meaning "fox", as the dogs have a fox-like appearance. The Volpino Italiano is rare worldwide, with only approximately 6,000 dogs existing in the world. The breed is extremely rare in the United States and is not recognized with the American Kennel Club.