Recently there has been a fashion for small dog breeds. Italian Spitz is one of such pets. This cheerful active doggie does not let its owners get bored. In addition to playfulness, the animal has a lively mind and quick wit. And thanks to the sonorous voice, Spitz is able to protect even the largest house.
Origin of breed
During archaeological excavations of the Bronze Age, 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, seekers found images that resembled modern pets in appearance. But the breed gained great popularity in Florence in the 14-15th century. Then, luxurious little dogs were the favorites of both nobles and commoners. Noble ladies and gentlemen took their pets to balls and receptions and spoiled their four-footed pupils in every possible way. It got to the point that the collars and other accessories for dogs, seniors and senorites were decorated with precious stones and noble metals.
Ordinary villagers used Italian volpino spitzes as excellent watchmen for their estates.
In 1901, the breed received official confirmation. Spitz were entered in the studbook. And in 1913, the Turin Solaro outlined the breed standards.
In 1965, the breed was on the verge of extinction. Only five representatives of the species remain in the world. The search began for Volpino settlements. The result was that since 1984, breeding of small companions has resumed.
Breed exterior
A photo of an Italian Spitz displays a small dog with fluffy hair. Doggie is harmoniously complex, its height at the withers is almost equal to the length of the body. Male dogs are slightly larger than females and reach a height of 27-30 centimeters. The back of the doggie is straight and strong, the croup and withers are slightly elevated above the common line. The tail of the spitz is long, twisted to the back with a perky ring and decorated with long thick wool. The head is wedge-shaped with a short sharp muzzle.
Ears are erect, triangular. The nose of the dog is large and usually black. In some cases, a brownish color is allowed. The lips of the Italian Spitz are full and well-defined.
The eyes of the pet are medium-sized, lively, cheerful, dark brown.
The animal has strong jaws with strong white teeth.
The coat of the dog is thick, straight. On the whole surface of the body, the fur of the pet is long, on the head, muzzle and ears short hair predominates.
The suit of a doggie can range from snowy white to reddish. Fawn and red color are allowed.
The content of volpino italiano
Italian Spitz needs daily care. Despite the fact that frequent bathing of the animal is undesirable, combing thick hair is recommended 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 a doggie, it is recommended to use shampoo and conditioner, which will prevent the appearance of tangles.
Pet claws should be trimmed as they grow. Usually the procedure is performed every 2-3 weeks. In order to prevent damage to small capillaries located in the claws, it is better to have a hair cut by a specialist. Also, between the pads and fingers, it is necessary to cut at least once every one and a half to two weeks.
It’s recommended that you clean your 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.
It is not recommended to cut volpino italiano. To facilitate the dog in the hot season and in order to give it a neat appearance, you can profile the hair on the collar and throughout the body. When forced to cut, it is important not to cut the undercoat. It will grow for a long time, and the doggie can freeze on cool days.
In order for the dog to be fun and healthy, it must be systematically walked. Walking should be done at a specific time. Then the dog will get used to the regime. On the street, the animal not only fulfills its natural needs, but also communicates with its own kind. This is the socialization of the Italian Spitz. In addition, on walks you can do training your pet.
Pet feeding
In food, the animal is quite unpretentious. However, the owners of the Italian Spitz kennel recommend from the young claws to accustom the animal to dry food. Only it contains all the useful vitamins and minerals necessary for the harmonious development of the pet.
When choosing food for Spitz, it is recommended to use the advice of experienced breeders, dog handlers and a veterinarian.
As a reward and as a reward for obedience, you can give the dog some fruits and vegetables that are allowed to be consumed. A variety of dog biscuits, bones from dried veins and other goodies can also be purchased at any pet store. They will not only please the pet, but also take part in cleaning and strengthening the teeth.
Italian Spitz: breed character
A fluffy pet has a cheerful, cheerful character. Her resounding 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 to strangers. When an alien tries to stroke, caress a dog, he is able to bite his teeth, growl, bark, and even bite a stranger. The watchdog skills of a dog allows her to distinguish her from a stranger.
Severe with strangers, the Spitz is dramatically transformed in contact with domestic, especially with small owners. Together with the children, the dog is able to start a noisy, funny 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 starting an Italian Spitz, you need to be prepared that a charming hyperactive creature comes into the house, capable of defending its owner with dignity on occasion.
Training and training
The character of the Italian Spitz allows him to become the first dog of the breeder. Smart and quick-witted, the doggie is incredibly sensitive and responsive. He has an excellent memory, allowing him to easily memorize and play commands. Therefore, the dog can be trained, accustoming her to the skills of protection. However, taking into account the tendency to stubbornness of an animal, one should be patient and persistent in training. 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, diet. It is strongly not recommended to feed the dog from the table during family dinner. 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. The dog is able to take rather high barriers, bring diarrhea, warn of a possible danger, be near the owner. These classes can be carried out in the presence of an experienced dog handler, following his recommendations.
Characteristic diseases
Since volpino comes from the countryside, he has pretty good health. 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, this concerns the proportions of the skull of the dog. 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, you should remember. That the slightest deviation from the norm is considered a flaw. Deviations from the norm include light-colored eyes and nose, spineless tail or uneven color. Long legs with non-rounded legs are also a defect. Sluggish, inactive puppies should also be alarming. Such behavior may indicate an ailment of the animal. small spitz - creatures are very temperamental and friendly. The leadership character may be evidenced by the intention to get out from under the arm of a person who slightly presses 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
The description of the breed Italian Spitz indicates that the active cheerful doggie was popular at all times. For example, Volpino Italiano was with the great sculptor and artist Michelangelo. The master never parted with his favorite, and his death was a real tragedy of the architect.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Spitz began to disappear and were listed in the Red Book as an endangered species.
The Italian villagers greatly respected these dogs 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 a loud, ringing bark.
Today the breed is again at the peak of popularity. Compact dogs are increasingly seen on social gatherings as four-legged companions. The most prominent fan of the breed is Queen Victoria, who even took a sweet couple of dogs to the UK.