MyDogBreeds
Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy but Pug is originated from China. Volpino Italiano may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Pug. Both Volpino Italiano and Pug are having almost same weight. Both Volpino Italiano and Pug has almost same life span. Both Volpino Italiano and Pug has same litter size. Volpino Italiano requires High maintenance. But Pug requires Low maintenance
This Italian bred dog is Spitz-type and very ancient. The Spitz breeds have been around since at least 4000BC. Archeologists have found remains that match the Spitz heritage of fox like heads, curly tails, erect small ears. In Greece in 400BC there were engravings of these dogs. Michelangelo painted the breed as he lived with one. In 1888, the Queen of England – Victoria – brought 6 back to England from Florence.
The Italians have loved the Volpino for centuries. These little dogs that resemble the Pomeranian so much but existed much before them. It was very early in the history of the domesticated dog that the Volpino moved from north to south. The Italians called them Volpino because it means foxy dog. They also called them Lupino which means wolfy dog.
The breed was never seen outside of its home range in Italy until the 1880’s and it is still a rare breed. However since the 1980’s the breeders of the American Eskimo brought some from Italy to the US and claimed they were American Ekimo runts. They interbred the Volpino with the American Eskimo creating the toy and mini Eskimo.
The Volpino was a guard dog alerting the Mastiffs to the presence of intruders. The Mastiff would then respond to the intruder. The Volpino was also a popular companion animal due to their easy temperament and their high intelligence level. However they grew less popular and by 1965 there were only a few registered dogs left. There was an attempt to revive the breed in 1984 when dogs that still lived on farms were used as new stock. Even with this, they remain a rare breed and only about 4000 are alive throughout the world.
The Volpino have been denied AKC registration or stock registration as they are considered to be too much like the American Eskimo Dog. However they are recognized by the FCI, the UKC, the ENCI (Italian National Kennel Club), the North American Volpino Club, the Volpino Italiano Health and Genealogy Club and the Volpino Club of America.
It is believed that Pugs originated in China, but not much is known about the early history of these dogs. There are some dog experts who believe that the dogs were brought to Holland by Portuguese traders in the 16th century.
These dogs then went from Holland to England in 1689. The American Kennel Club registered the Pugs in 1885.
In 1931, the Pug Dog Club of America was established.
The Volpino is about the same size as the Pomeranian and smaller than the American Eskimo Dog. They are a rare breed and they have a soft, thick coat and they can be red, white or champagne. With the pointed ears and muzzles, they do look like a fox. They have large thick tails curling over their back and they have double coats.
Pugs are small dogs standing at roughly 25cm and 36cm in height and weighing between 6 and 8.5kg. They are categorized as a toy breed.
The head is large in size compared to the body. It’s the eyes which are quite distinct – being particularly large and prominent, almost bulging. The face is fairly wrinkled too with the muzzle being short or blunt and black in color.
The coat of the dog is smooth and short with colors mainly being fawn, but black is also seen. The ears are medium sized and floppy while the tail curls up tightly over the back.
The Pug is unusual to look at and also has an unusual personality. He is an entertaining dog with his clownish antics but he happens to be intelligent too, and will respond well to training and socialization.
With their short coats they are regarded as low-maintenance dogs, although the short, double coat does shed quite a bit. They’re also not your typical live-wire and can quite easily be found lounging around.
Of course they can’t be left to do this too often as obesity can easily set it. Pugs will certainly need some physical exercise and mental stimulation. They’re playful dogs and get on well with children and other pets, especially if there are games to be enjoyed.
They are loyal, affectionate pets with their human owners and make a good pet for those living in the city or in the countryside.
The Pug just loves spending time with his human family. They’re good with other dogs too and with children.
They’re even tempered and will make anyone a splendid family pet, so long as they’re not heavy into things like jogging and cycling.
He is alert and can make you a good watchdog. With all the love he comes with, the comical Pug can make you a most wonderful pet and friend.
The Italian Volpino has better health than most dogs due to so much isolation for so many years. However they are susceptible to some diseases and genetic issues.
• PLL Primary Lens Luxation – Genetic mutation of the eye. Very painful and usually occurs between 4 and 8 years of age. Usually results in euthanasia.
• Patellar Luxation – moving knee cap – can result in lameness and/or arthritis.
Every dog, regardless of breed, can develop health problems. Good nutrition, exercise and love and care go a long way to ward off diseases and ensure your pet has a healthy, happy life.
The Pug can also develop certain health problems and we look at one or two -
This is inflammation of the brain and it causes seizures. Unfortunately there isn’t a cure. This neurological disease is luckily rare. Usually it attacks young Pugs of 2 or 3 years of age. Seizures, neck stiffness, loss of co-ordination, lethargy are all signs of this disease.
Sad though it may be, the best way forward would be to put your dog to sleep, but in any case your vet will discuss all options with you.
With this disease, your Pug can have breathing problems, which can be aggravated if the Pug is overweight or the weather particularly hot. Don’t exercise your Pug too vigorously on a hot day.
Stenoic nares is a medical term for narrow nostrils in a dog, and this is precisely what the Pug battles with. If the Pug battles too much with breathing problems, corrective surgery is possible.
Pugs often have to contend with some serious dental problems, and this is because their teeth are crowded. He may require more dental attention than other dogs.
1Feeding the puppy small meals 3-4 times day don’t overfeed feed small breed food
Grooming your Pug’s coat will simply require a brush twice a week. They’re fairly heavy shedders these Pugs so you can’t neglect the brushing.
It’s your chance to check the inside of his ears for signs of redness and to also check that his eyes are alright. You’ll also need a damp cloth to wipe his face and get rid of debris caught in the wrinkles. Run your hands over his body and make sure there aren’t any unusual new lumps. Keep his nails trimmed too.
Your Pug will need the best food there is to give his health the best chance. Remember that if you buy commercially manufactured dog food, to buy the very best one there is. Some of the poorer quality ones don’t come with the right balance of vitamins and minerals, and they also have lots of bad colorants and preservatives.
Also, be careful to read the packaging. Your Pug is a toy breed so you can’t be buying him food for large breed dogs such as Mastiffs or German Shepherds.
Consistency and simplicity is what your Pug wants from you. Home-made food is always an excellent choice for your pet’s diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots can be very healthy for him. For your Pug, chop it all up and maybe twice a week add it into the dry kibble.
Some raw meat added in occasionally will also ensure his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.