Bichonpoo is originated from Australia but Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy. Both Bichonpoo and Volpino Italiano are having almost same height. Both Bichonpoo and Volpino Italiano are having almost same weight. Both Bichonpoo and Volpino Italiano has almost same life span. Both Bichonpoo and Volpino Italiano has almost same litter size. Both Bichonpoo and Volpino Italiano requires High Maintenance.
This popular little dog was developed by crossing the Poodle with the Bichon Frise to create the Bichonpoo. They are also called the Poochon and sometimes called the Birchpoo. They are a soft, curly breed and they are extremely cute – a very cuddly breed. They are not recognized by the AKC, CKC or the UKC. Some other kennel clubs do accept them and welcome them into obedience and agility trials. The breed was originally developed in Australia as a household pet for those who want a “curly lap dog” that was hypoallergenic, did not shed and had a great temperament for life in families with children. They were first developed in the latter part of the 20th century.
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.
This Bichon Frise-Poodle cross is a small dog with big personality. The original hybrid is 50% Poodle and 50% Bichon Frise. This is considered a first-generation hybrid. The second-generation hybrid is 50% Bichonpoo and 50% purebred Bichon Frise or Poodle. Then third generation hybrids are a cross between two second generation dogs. There is no fourth generation and most breeders do not offer even a third generation. The original hybrid can be healthier than the parents, but any flaws tend to show up in 2nd generation hybrids and it gets worse with third generation. This dog should be hardy, well-proportioned and robust. They are small, sweet and sturdy. Because there are three different sizes of Poodles, there can be three different sizes of the Bichon Poo – Standard, Mini and Toy.
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.
The Bichonpoo is affectionate, intelligent and active just as you might expect from a Poodle/Bichon Frise cross. He loves people and lives well with other animals. He is particularly fond of children and loves to play with gentle older children. However, the temperament and characteristics of the hybrid are not as predictable as their parents. The characteristics of the Bichonpoo depends upon its lineage – if it is first generation, second generation or third generation. With each successive generation there is less predictability in the characteristics of the individual dog. Regardless of generation, the Bichonpoo will need exercise and mental stimulation. They are loving, good-natured and accommodating to their environment. They want to be with their owner and can get very attached.
Depending on their parents they can be anxious and high strung like the Poodle or nippiness and ‘small dog syndrome’ of the Bichon Frise. Separation anxiety can be a major issue with this breed. Do not let your Bichonpoo become dominate in your home or they will assume the alpha position and become very bossy, especially with children. He is easy to train and a good watchdog as well.
The Bichonpoo is usually healthier than either the Poodle or the Bichon Frise. At the same time, they could inherit any of health concerns of either of their parents in the first generation Bichonpoo. They are however likely to develop ear infections and skin allergies. Cleaning and grooming is essential, especially the ears, but also to prevent matting which could lead to skin infections.
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.
The Bichonpoo is an energetic little dog and needs enough nutrition to keep up with his needs. Feed a Bichonpoo at least twice a day – small meals- and dry food because of dental issues. A high-quality food will help to prevent allegories.
The Bichonpoo is the product of the poodle who is prone to bloat and Addison’s Disease and the Bichon Frise who is susceptible to Patella luxation, progressive retinal atrophy and liver shunts. The first generation Bichonpoo should be free of these health concerns. You should be aware that there is a possibility that the first-generation hybrid could contract any of its parents’ illnesses or deficiencies.
This hybrid is a high energy dog and needs daily exercise in the form of walks and play. They have the intelligence and skill of the Poodle with the energetic desire to play of the Bichon Frise. They need toys and a person to play with. She will need to be both mentally and physically stimulated. If she gets bored she will become destructive and noisy with barks and whines.