The word volpino is italian for 'tiny fox'. This is believed to be an ancient breed, possibly related to the german spitzes, but not directly. More likely, it is related to old mediterranean dogs. It was once particularly common on south-italian farms, kept as watchdogs.
The breed was seen in paintings during the 1800s, kept as royal lap dogs. In Rome, it was known as 'Cane del Quirinale' after one of the seven hills the city was found upon. The breed was recognized in 1901 and got its breed standard in 1913.

The volpino should have a square body with rather fine boning and appearing elegant. It has a rounded head with a very well marked stop. The eyes are quite round, the ears small and set high on the head. The back is plane, the tail curled over the back. The paws are oval. The coat is long and coarse, except on the head and frontsides of the legs, where it is short.