Volpino Italiano

The Volpino Italiano is a very old breed that is thought to date back to the 15^th century. He descends from various Spitz-type breeds found throughout Europe. His exact ancestry is unknown. Researchers believe that the Volpino Italiano contributed his DNA to several modern day breeds such as the Pomeranian, American Eskimo and German Spitz. At the height of his popularity the Volpino Italiano was a favored companion of the Italian royalty as well as peasant farmers. It is said that Michelangelo enjoyed the company of the Volpino Italiano and had several throughout his life. Italian immigrants brought the Volpino Italiano with them when they came to North America in the late 19^th century and early 20^th century. However, because he came mainly with peasant immigrants, his value was virtually unknown and he was never recognized as an independent breed. There was a sharp decline in popularity during the 20^th century and the Volpino Italiano was on the verge of extinction. Researchers are not certain why the beloved little dog lost his popularity, but in 1965 it was thought that there were only five purebred Volpino Italiano remaining. A few breeders took notice of the alarmingly small numbers of this lovable breed and worked diligently to revive the breed. In the 1980s the breed started gaining popularity again in Italy. The first kennel club to recognize the Volpino Italiano was the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) in 1903. The Federation Cynologique International was the next club to recognize him in 1956. In 2006, the United Kennel Club accepted the Volpino Italiano into their registry. The American Kennel Club has yet to fully recognize him; however, breeders are diligently working to have him accepted.