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Many Italians appreciate the finer things in life: wine, opera, fashion ... the Volpino. A watchdog and companion, the Volpino is active, intelligent and intensely loyal, devoted to its family and home. And it has retained the classic good looks of its Spitz ancestors: alert foxy ears, an intently curled tail and a luxurious thick coat.

During the Italian Renaissance this clever little dog decorated the laps of royalty and kept company with Michelangelo, according to its breed club. But to see one today, you may have to hop a plane to Italy. These dogs are rare outside their homeland.

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