Lhasapoo is originated from United States but Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy. Both Lhasapoo and Volpino Italiano are having almost same height. Lhasapoo may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Volpino Italiano. Both Lhasapoo and Volpino Italiano has almost same life span. Both Lhasapoo and Volpino Italiano has same litter size. Lhasapoo requires Moderate Maintenance. But Volpino Italiano requires High Maintenance
Such a cute, cuddly teddy bear of a dog is popular with everyone who just wants a wonderful canine companion.
Both the Lhasa Apso and the Poodle are ancient dog breeds and they are the two breeds that have been used to bring about the Lhasapoo. The Poo has been bred to essentially be an indoor dog.
It would appear as though the Lhasapoo was developed in the United States of America, as in 1933, a pair was given to an American traveler who developed a kennel.
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.
The Lhasapoo is a mix of Poodle and Lhasa Apso. He is a small dog standing between 25–28 cm in height and weighing 4 – 6kg.
Known as a designer breed, his small size allows him to adapt to life in the city or to the countryside. He is such a cute little dog with his alert face, his bright brown eyes, short legs and floppy ears.
His coat is thick and dense and can be curly or fairly straight. It comes in a number of solid colors – apricot, tan, cream, brown, white and black or he can be bi-color – any of these colors mixed with white. In fact, as a crossbreed he can inherit the looks of either dogs – the Poodle or Lhasa Poo. Because he has poodle in him, these dogs are sometimes spoken about as being hypoallergenic.
Small and gentle in nature, the Lhasapoo makes a splendid pet and companion for everyone. He is such an amicable small dog, getting on well with both children and other pets in the home.
You can’t really tell what kind of a dog he’ll turn out to be in terms of his character, because he can be quite aloof if the Lhasa side of him is stronger or he could be playful and friendly if the Poodle side of him is stronger.
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 Lhasapoo is a crossbreed, so you never know what you’re actually going to get – a little bit of Lhasa or a little bit of Poodle.
One thing is for sure though – you’re going to get the cutest little pet ever. He is a friendly, affectionate dog, but the Lhasa side of him makes him wary of strangers, making him an excellent watchdog.
They have a moderate activity levels and will adapt easily to life in the city or in the countryside, but they will need a walk every day to ensure he doesn’t become unfit and obese.
Lhasapoo puppies are adorable but every cute puppy grows into an adult. Then it’s time to show you’re a responsible dog owner by continuing to love and care for your adult Lhasapoo so that he becomes the wonderful companion he is designed to be.
All dogs have the potential to become ill but when you give your dog the best chance to eat well and he is loved and cherished, he can live a long life.
The Lhasapoo can live to be 15 years of age if you treat him well and ensure that he has a healthy diet. Of course as a crossbreed, his chances of developing inherited diseases is limited.
Watch out for Bloat, particularly if your pet gobbles up a large bowl of food. It is better to feed him 2 smaller meals a day. There are some time-releasing food bowls available for pets to encourage slower eating.
With Bloat, you’ll notice your pet’s stomach is swollen up. Complications set in when the stomach turns or twists as fluid and air can’t escape. Your dog will also be restless, drooling and trying to vomit. Bloat is a life-threatening illness.
This can be a complication from disease or medications even. It is important to keep your pet’s teeth healthy as chronic kidney disease can be caused by dental disease too. Bacteria from the diseased teeth and gums enters bloodstream and damages vital organs like the kidneys.
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 Lhasapoo is a dog breed that likes to spend time indoors. Because of his looks, his human family members will no doubt be vying for his attention and playing indoor games with him. It will do him good to get out for a walk every day as this gives him the chance to sniff around and smell different things and experience life outside his home.
The Lhasapoo isn’t a big eater and he will require top quality food for small breeds. He isn’t a big meat eater so a tiny bit of cooked chicken, rice and vegetables chopped up nicely and added to his kibble from time to time will keep him healthy and happy.
Being the crossbreed that he is, you can’t be too sure about the type of coat your Lhasapoo will have. It can be curly, wavy or straight. Most inherit curls.
A Lhasapoo coat looks wonderful when it has been professionally groomed, and then in between grooming, his coat will need to be brushed to prevent tangling. While you’re brushing him, check his eyes too. Sometimes he can develop tear stains beneath the eyes and you can wipe gently around his eyes.
Other grooming for your cute little dog includes having his nails clipped as well as checking inside the ears for infection. Excess wax and dirt can result in an ear infection. You’ll notice your pet shaking his head, the insides of his ears might be red and he wants to scratch his ears. Get him to the vet who will show you how to keep his ears clean and dry.
Also, brush his teeth with special canine toothbrush and toothpaste. Dental disease won’t only damage his teeth, it can cause problems with other parts of the body too.