Volpino Italiano
The Volpino Italiano is a small spitz type of dog from Italy. It is related to other European spitz breeds such as the American Eskimo, and many of these breeds have developed side by side through the past 4,000 years. An average Volpino generally weighs between 9 and 12 lbs, so a small individual might get by with a Small PlexiDor dog door, but the majority will need a Medium PlexiDor dog door.
In the past, the Volpino would be used as guard dog. The dogs are too small to be much of a threat to an intruder, but they would work in pairs with mastiffs. If the alert Volpino sensed any danger they would bark to get help from the large dog.
The Volpino Italiano has been called the dog of Michelangelo and the breed was historically very popular in Italy, but almost died out during the mid 20th century. Today there are around 2,000 Volpinos around the world.
They are known for being energetic and friendly. These dogs get tightly attached to their families, and they are intelligent, happy, lively, and playful. It is a hardy and healthy breed with an average life expectancy of 14 to 16 years.
The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for a Volpino Italiano.