Volpino Italiano vs Shiba Inu - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Volpino Italiano vs Shiba Inu - Breed ComparisonVolpino Italiano is originated from Italy but Shiba Inu is originated from Japan. Volpino Italiano may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Shiba Inu. Both Volpino Italiano and Shiba Inu are having almost same weight. Both Volpino Italiano and Shiba Inu has almost same life span. Both Volpino Italiano and Shiba Inu has same litter size. Volpino Italiano requires High maintenance. But Shiba Inu requires Low maintenance

History

volpino italiano - historyThis 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.

shiba inu - historyThe Shiba Inu hails from Japan and was a dog bred to hunt birds and small game. The dog is one of 6 native breeds in Japan. Today he is essentially a companion dog in both Japan and the United States.

He is actually one of the smaller spitz dogs in the country but known for his boldness.

The first Shiba Inu was imported into the United States in 1954 and was recognized by their Kennel Club in the Miscellaneous Class and also the Non-Sporting Group.

Description

volpino italiano puppy - descriptionThe 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.

shiba inu puppy - descriptionThe Shiba Inu is a medium sized, athletic dog standing at between 33cm and 43cm in height both male and female and weighing in the region of 6 to 11kg.

He is an agile dog, known for his feline agility. He has the typical spitz dog erect ears and slanted eyes with the tail curling over the back.

The coat is available in a number of colors – cream, red, sesame, black and tan.The double coat is thick and is made up of straight, stiff kind of hair.

Temperament:

This is an intelligent, independent, alert, strong willed dog who has a calm aura about him. He is stubborn too, so it will be best to have him trained or socialized just to make him more amicable to get along with.

As he is a dog that just loves his human family, this training helps him to get along with other dogs too. He is possessive with his human family, wanting to guard them and everything he regards as his territory.

Characteristics

Characteristics

1Children friendliness yes but better with older children than young ones

2.Special talents – loyalty and playfulness – people are his specialty

3.Adaptability very could live anywhere

4.Learning ability high loves to learn, very intelligent

The Shiba Inu looks like a large fox and he is just as bright and alert.

shiba inu dog - characteristicsHe is the smallest of several spitz dogs that originated in Japan. He is known for his bold, feisty personality and for being so good natured as well. Other excellent characteristics are intelligence, strong-willed, loyal and loving and he has a calm, confident dignity around him.

He will get on well with kids and other dogs he has grown up with but he can be a bit aggressive towards dogs he doesn’t know.

Always ensure good exercise. Getting outside and active is important for this dog.

You can certainly benefit from having this wonderful dog in your life as he has some excellent characteristics.

Health Problems

Health Problems

volpino italiano puppies - health problemsThe 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.

  • Cardiac Issues

shiba inu puppies - health problemsShiba Inus are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Look out for things such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, bloat, cancer, eye diseases and skin allergies.

Skin Allergies:

Skin allergies can come about because of being allergic to food, fleas, too much shampooing and some medications. It can be traumatic for your pet who will sometimes chew and bite to get relief. Treatment varies but get your pet to the vet.

Glaucoma: 

There is pressure in the eye, and symptoms can include vision loss and pain. Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops but sometimes surgery is required.

Caring The Pet

Caring for Pet

volpino italiano dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy small meals 3-4 times day don’t overfeed feed small breed food

2.Feeding the adult small meals 2x day don’t overfeed small breed food

3.Points for Good Health general excellent health

4. Games and Exercises

don’t require much Agility, nose work, and rally

Exercise:

shiba inu dogs - caringA nice long walk out and about in the neighborhood is good for this dog. Apart from a daily workout, he will love to come running with you or if you go cycling, he will run next to you. He will require exercise every day.

Grooming:

Brushing your Shiba Inu will be required at least twice a week as he is a dog that sheds quite a bit throughout the year. You want to get rid of those loose hairs to keep him looking nice and groomed.

Diet:

Never pop sugary treats into your pets mouth and avoid feeding him spicy, toxic foods. It can drastically upset his digestion.

You can feed your Shiba Inu commercially manufactured food but it should be the best quality ones. Give him some tasty homemade food too. Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week.

Try and also give him some raw meat occasionally. Ensure that there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
Origin:
Italy
Japan
Height Male:
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
33 - 43 cm
12 - 17 inches
Height Female:
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
33 - 43 cm
12 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 12 kg
19 - 27 pounds
6 - 11 kg
13 - 25 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
6 - 11 kg
13 - 25 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
2 - 6
Size:
Toy dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Cane del Quirinale Florentine Spitz Italian Spitz Pom Spitz Volpino
Japanese Shiba Inu, Shiba-Ken
Colors Available:
fawn, mostly white in past were black, honey, sable, champagne, red
Cream, red, sesame, black and tan.
Coat:
long and bushy coat
 Double coat - thick and straight
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Curious, Energetic, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Volpino Italiano vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Volpino Italiano vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  3. Volpino Italiano vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  4. Volpino Italiano vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  5. Volpino Italiano vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  6. Volpino Italiano vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  7. Volpino Italiano vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Volpino Italiano vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  9. Volpino Italiano vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  10. Volpino Italiano vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Volpino Italiano vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  12. Volpino Italiano vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Volpino Italiano vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  14. Volpino Italiano vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  15. Volpino Italiano vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  16. Volpino Italiano vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  17. Volpino Italiano vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Volpino Italiano vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  19. Volpino Italiano vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  20. Volpino Italiano vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  21. Volpino Italiano vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Volpino Italiano vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  23. Volpino Italiano vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Volpino Italiano vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison
  25. Volpino Italiano vs Toy Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  26. Shiba Inu vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Shiba Inu vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  28. Shiba Inu vs Sakhalin Husky - Breed Comparison
  29. Shiba Inu vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Shiba Inu vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  31. Shiba Inu vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Shiba Inu vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Shiba Inu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  34. Shiba Inu vs Puli - Breed Comparison
  35. Shiba Inu vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  36. Shiba Inu vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  37. Shiba Inu vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Shiba Inu vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Shiba Inu vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  40. Shiba Inu vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  41. Shiba Inu vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  42. Shiba Inu vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  43. Shiba Inu vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  44. Shiba Inu vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  45. Shiba Inu vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  46. Shiba Inu vs Pumi - Breed Comparison
  47. Shiba Inu vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  48. Shiba Inu vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  49. Shiba Inu vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Shiba Inu vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds