Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Italian Volpino is an ancient decorative breed with a history spanning several centuries. These dogs descend from Spitz-type breeds common throughout Europe, but it was in Italy that they acquired their distinctive appearance and temperament. As early as the Middle Ages, the Volpino was popular among both nobility and commoners; it was kept in homes, monasteries, and on farms. Its white coat gave it special charm and was considered a symbol of purity. The breed was a favorite of artists and musicians, mentioned in old chronicles and depicted in paintings by Italian masters. In the 18th–19th centuries, the Volpino became known outside Italy but later nearly disappeared. Thanks to the efforts of Italian breeders, it was preserved and revived. Today, the Italian Volpino is considered a national treasure and a cultural symbol of Italy.
General Appearance
The Italian Volpino is a compact decorative dog of square format with a strong build and expressive appearance. The body is harmonious, muscular yet light and agile, reflecting its ancient working origins. The head is wedge-shaped and proportionate to the body, resembling that of a fox, which is reflected in the breed’s name. The eyes are medium-sized, round, dark, and expressive, with an intelligent and alert look. The ears are small, triangular, and erect, emphasizing alertness and attentiveness. The neck is dry, of medium length, and set high. The back is straight, the loin short and strong, the chest deep, and the ribs rounded. The tail is thickly covered with fur and curled over the back. The coat is long, straight, and dense, forming a mane and collar. The acceptable coat color is white, less commonly reddish. The overall impression combines elegance, liveliness, and ornamentality.
Important Proportions
The Italian Volpino has a square format: the body length from shoulder to croup equals the height at the withers. The wedge-shaped head is about one-third of the dog's height, with the muzzle shorter than the skull and harmoniously fitting the overall type. The skull is broad and slightly convex, the forehead moderately rounded. The muzzle is pointed and dry, with a black nose and tight lips. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows; ribs are well arched but not barrel-shaped. The height at the elbows equals half the dog’s total height, emphasizing the balanced outline. The limbs are straight and strong, the paws compact and round. The tail is set high, always carried over the back, and densely covered with long fur. All proportions must emphasize compactness, energy, and harmony of build.
Temperament and Character
The Italian Volpino is lively, friendly, and loyal. Despite its decorative appearance, it retains guarding qualities—it is observant, alert, and warns of strangers with a loud bark. At the same time, it is affectionate and sociable with its family and sensitive to the owner’s mood. The Volpino is active, enjoys walks and games, and adapts easily to both city and country life. Intelligent and quick to learn, it easily remembers commands and can participate in basic dog sports. It is friendly with children but requires respectful handling. With proper socialization, it gets along well with other animals. The breed is emotional, cheerful, and expressive, making it an ideal companion that combines playfulness with ornamental beauty.
Head
The head of the Italian Volpino is wedge-shaped and proportionate to the body, with a moderately broad skull. The skull is slightly convex, the forehead moderately rounded, and the stop distinct but not abrupt. The silhouette is light and elegant, emphasizing breed expression. The abundant coat gives the head a rounder appearance, enhancing ornamentality. The head conveys liveliness, attentiveness, and expressiveness.
Muzzle
The muzzle is dry and pointed, about one-third the length of the head. The profile is straight, the lines clean and refined. The nose is large, black, with well-developed open nostrils. The lips are thin, tight, and fully pigmented. The jaws are strong, teeth white and even, with a scissor bite that reflects the breed’s working origins. The muzzle harmonizes with the head’s shape, creating a balanced silhouette.
Eyes
The eyes are medium-sized, round, and slightly prominent, with a glossy iris. The color is dark, from deep hazel to nearly black. They are set straight and wide apart, giving an alert and intelligent expression. The eyelids fit tightly and are fully pigmented. The gaze is smart, friendly, and observant, highlighting the dog’s temperament. Light eyes, strabismus, excessive protrusion, or lack of pigmentation are undesirable.
Ears
The ears are small, erect, and triangular with pointed tips. They are set high and fairly wide apart, emphasizing the wedge-shaped head. The cartilage is firm, and the ears stand erect with tips directed upward. The hair on the ears is short and without tufts. The ear set accentuates alertness and liveliness. Ears that are too large, long, or low-set are considered faults.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, strong, and muscular, harmonizing with the body and head. It is set high, giving a proud posture and highlighting the square format. The transition to the body is smooth and harmonious. The skin fits tightly without dewlap. The dense coat forms an elegant collar and mane, enhancing expression. The neck must be strong enough to support the head and movement.
Body
The body of the Italian Volpino is square, compact, and solid, with well-developed muscles. The back is straight, strong, and of medium length. The loin is short, firm, and slightly arched. The chest is deep and broad, reaching the elbows. The ribs are well arched but not barrel-shaped. The abdomen is tucked up, emphasizing lightness of silhouette. The croup is short and slightly sloping. Overall, the body gives an impression of strength, harmony, and vitality.
Tail
The tail is set high, of medium length, thickly covered with long straight fur. It is always curled over the back, forming a graceful curve and emphasizing the square outline. The tail is carried cheerfully and harmoniously with the topline. Low set, excessive length, shortness, or drooping carriage are undesirable. The tail is an important element of the breed’s silhouette.
Forequarters
The forelegs are straight, parallel, with strong bone and dry muscles. The shoulder blades are long and well laid back, fitting close to the body. The shoulders are well developed, with correct angulation. The elbows are tight and directed backward, without turning out or in. The pasterns are short, firm, and slightly sloping. The feet are small, round, compact, with strong pads and black nails.
Hindquarters
The hind legs are strong, muscular, and parallel when viewed from behind. The thighs are of medium length, broad, and well developed. The stifles are well defined with correct angulation. The hocks are low set, strong, and elastic. The feet are compact, round, with firm pads and black nails. Cow-hocked or overly straight hindquarters are faults. The limbs ensure balanced and light movement.
Movement
The gait is light, lively, and free. The movements are confident and rhythmic, with good reach in the forelegs and strong drive from the hindquarters. The back remains straight, the body steady, maintaining balance even at higher speed. The gait should give an impression of liveliness and harmony. Stiffness, wobbling, or cow-hocked movement are unacceptable.
Coat
The coat is long, dense, and straight, forming a mane and collar. The undercoat is soft and thick, protecting against cold and moisture. The guard hairs are stiff and stand off from the body. The coat must not hang flat or curl. Coat quality is a key breed feature. Thin, short, soft, overly long, or sparse coats that distort the body outline are faults.
Acceptable Colors
The most typical and historically established color of the Italian Volpino is pure white. Red, beige-red, and cream shades are also accepted. White is preferred and enhances the breed’s ornamental appearance. Spotted, black-marked, gray, or fawn shades are disallowed. The white must be clean and bright without admixture. Color is judged strictly, as it is a key breed characteristic.
Size
Height at the withers: males 27–30 cm, females 25–28 cm. Adult weight ranges from 4 to 6 kg. Males have stronger bones and more muscular build; females are lighter and more refined but must not appear fragile. Excessive or insufficient height and weight are serious faults affecting harmony.
Faults
Faults include any deviations from the standard that reduce type but do not disqualify the dog. These include an elongated body, shallow or narrow chest, weak loin, disproportionate head, muzzle too long or coarse, insufficient stop, light or incompletely pigmented nose, light or protruding eyes, depigmented eyelids, large or low-set ears, low-set or short tail, soft or wavy coat lacking dense undercoat, and off-color or spotted coat. Behavioral faults include excessive shyness, excitability, or instability.
Disqualifying Faults
Serious deviations that make the dog unsuitable for breeding or shows include size or weight outside standard limits, lack of breed type, excessively long or short muzzle, pink or liver-colored nose, complete depigmentation of lips or eyelids, blue, yellow, or odd-colored eyes, pronounced strabismus, incorrect bite (undershot, overshot, jaw asymmetry), missing multiple teeth, non-erect or cropped ears, docked or missing tail, short or silky coat lacking undercoat, or any color other than white or red. Behavioral defects such as aggression, panic fear, or instability are disqualifying. Hereditary diseases or congenital defects affecting health also lead to disqualification.
Important Notes
The Italian Volpino is a national treasure of Italy and a rare breed requiring careful breeding management. Emphasis should be placed on maintaining coat quality and color purity. The coat must be dense, straight, with a characteristic collar and feathering. Evaluation focuses on compact build, square format, and correct tail carriage. Cropping of ears or tail is prohibited. Temperament must be friendly and stable; shyness or aggression are unacceptable. Breeding must prioritize health and avoid excessive inbreeding or hereditary disorders. Participation in shows and breeding is allowed only with official ICCF documents confirming pedigree and conformity to the standard. This ensures preservation of the breed’s unique qualities, historical value, and proper development within the international system.
Conclusion
The Italian Volpino is a miniature yet proud breed with a rich historical heritage. It is distinguished by compact structure, dense decorative coat, expressive head, and lively temperament. Despite its ornamental appearance, it retains guarding instincts and remains alert, energetic, and loyal. Under the ICCF system, evaluation strictly follows the standard, considering exterior, proportions, and temperament. Shyness or aggression are unacceptable; the breed must display a balanced and friendly character. Participation in shows and breeding requires official ICCF documents verifying pedigree and conformity. This guarantees the preservation of purity, health, and traditional type. The Italian Volpino embodies elegance, devotion, and joy—a true symbol of Italian culture and a valuable modern companion breed.
