Volpino Italiano vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison

Volpino Italiano vs Bichon Frise - Breed ComparisonBichon Frise is originated from Spain but Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy. Both Bichon Frise and Volpino Italiano are of same height. Both Bichon Frise and Volpino Italiano are having almost same weight. Bichon Frise may live 3 years more than Volpino Italiano. Both Bichon Frise and Volpino Italiano has same litter size. Bichon Frise requires Low Maintenance. But Volpino Italiano requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Toy dog
undefined
Spain
Italy
Height Male:
23 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
21 - 29 cm
8 - 12 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
9 - 12 kg
19 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 19 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Small
Toy
Other Names:
Bichón Tenerife • Bichon à poil frisé Bichon
Cane del Quirinale Florentine Spitz Italian Spitz Pom Spitz Volpino
Colors Available:
white
fawn, mostly white in past were black, honey, sable, champagne, red
Coat:
Medium length, silky texture with corkscrew curls
long and bushy coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Playful, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Curious, Energetic, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

bichon friseContrary to the myths and many of the tales of the history of the Bichon Frise, the breed was originally developed in Spain. Later specific trait development occurred in France to give us the lap dog Bichon Frise that we know today. The original Spanish dog – the Bichon – was a water – sailing dog. It was descended from the poodle breeds crossed with either the water spaniels or the Barbet. These early dogs were friendly and happy and because of this, sailors carried them with them on their ships and even bartered them for supplies. Prior to the 14th century the Spanish probably brought them to the Canary Islands. Later in the 14th century they we discovered again by Italian sailors who returned them to Europe where they lived in the courts of the nobility. During the Renaissance and after the French fell in love with the breed while the Spanish continue to enjoy their presence.

In the late 19th century in France the breed fell out of popularity and became street dogs and circus and fair dogs. They also worked with organ grinders and assisted the blind. In the early 20th century, the Societe Centrale Canine, the National Kennel Club of France, adopted the breed’s official standard – while they were still known as both the Bichon and the Tenerife. The popularity of the breed at this time is heavily attributed to “The Adventures of TinTIn” , by Herge, which featured a small, white, fluffy fox terrier. Then the president of the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale presented a new name for the breed based on its characteristics. The name Bichon Frise kept the Bichon heritage and added “curly” the meaning of Frise. Under this name the breed was admitted to the Societe Centrale Canine stud book in October of 1934.

The Bichon Frise came to the United States for the first time in 19554 and was admitted to the American Kennel Club Stud Book in 1972. They entered the non-sporting group of the AKC in 1973. By 2001 the Bichon Frise, J.R., won the Westminster Dog Show. In 1976, the Bichon Frise came to Australia, imported by Harry and Margaret Begg who oversaw the growth of the breed there. Today there are 4 separate breeds believed to be descended from the original Bichon/Tenerife breeds – the Bichon Frise, the Bichon Bolognaise, the Maltese and the Havanese.

volpino italianoThis 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.

Description

bichon frise puppy - descriptionThe modern Bichon Frise is a white, small dog with a round skull and muzzle. The nose should be black and the eyes round and dark. Depending on the size of the dog, the legs and head are proportionate to the body, while the tail should be curly and long. Both the tail and the ears must not be docked. Their coat is as hypoallergenic as a dog gets. It is white, dense and for most Bichon Frise, it is curly. They should have black lips as well.

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.

Characteristics

bichon frise dog - characteristicsThe Bichon Frise, according to the American Kennel Club is a cheerful and merry dog. They are gentle, playful, sensitive and affectionate. These dogs love people, are very social and like other dogs as well. They love to play with children and they are intelligent and affectionate. They were developed in their latter stages by the French to be “lap dogs” or companion animals. They are not territorial by nature but can become so if confined and encouraged. Start obedience training early and be consistent throughout their lives. They take to training easily if positive techniques are used. They do however, have a reputation for not taking well to housetraining. Be persistent

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

Health Problems

bichon frise puppies - health problemsThe coat of the Bichon Frise can easily become matted if not brushed or combed every day. Severe matting can lead to a hematoma in their ears. They are also very prone to ear infections so paying a lot of attention to their ears is imperative. They are will chew and scratch themselves if not groomed well and this can cause skin infections and conditions. They might have allergies to fleas, pollen, chemicals, and dust. The patella (knee cap) can be loose, diabetes, cataracts and heart disease also affect the Bichon Frise. In the United Kingdom the number one cause of death for the breed is old age -13 plus years, with 21% dying of cancer. In North America cancer is the number one killer as it is for most dogs. The Bichon might also be afflicted with hematologic disorders such as AIHA (Autoimmune hemolytic anemia) and ITP (Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia) which while less common than cancer will kill the dog much earlier in life than cancer. The other condition that the Bichon Frise is prone to are liver shunts. If found early they can be surgically corrected but most are not, and liver failure is eventually the cause of death.

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

Caring The Pet

Feeding

bichon frise dogs - caringBeing a small dog, the Bichon Frise is susceptible to obesity and that condition will be terminal in the end for this breed. So make sure you do not overfeed your Bichon Frise. The same is true with the use of treats. The Bichon loves treats and loves the association with treats of having pleased you. They should be fed small meals – about ¼ cup of good high quality dry food twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the Bichon Frise is susceptible to:

Hematomas and infections of the ear if not groomed well and consistently.

Cancer is number one killer.

Hematological Issues are deadlier than cancer.

Liver shunts are a very serious concern.

Exercise and games

Though the Bichon Frise is not an overly active dog, they do love to play. They are characterized by short bursts of activity followed by long periods of rest. They can be worn out just by running around the house. You must play with them everyday as well as take them on a walk each day. Bichons are fast and agile and do well in agility trials. They also like to compete in rally and obedience trials. Most of all they love to and need to play with their people every day.

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

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Volpino Italiano vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Volpino Italiano vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Volpino Italiano vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Volpino Italiano vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Volpino Italiano vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Volpino Italiano vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Volpino Italiano vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Volpino Italiano vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Volpino Italiano vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Volpino Italiano vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Volpino Italiano vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Volpino Italiano vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Volpino Italiano vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Volpino Italiano vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Volpino Italiano vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Volpino Italiano vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Volpino Italiano vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Volpino Italiano vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Volpino Italiano vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Volpino Italiano vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Volpino Italiano vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Volpino Italiano vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Volpino Italiano vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Volpino Italiano vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Volpino Italiano vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Bichon Frise vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Bichon Frise vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Bichon Frise vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Bichon Frise vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Bichon Frise vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bichon Frise vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Bichon Frise vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Bichon Frise vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bichon Frise vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Bichon Frise vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Bichon Frise vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Bichon Frise vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Bichon Frise vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Bichon Frise vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Bichon Frise vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Bichon Frise vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Bichon Frise vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Bichon Frise vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Bichon Frise vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Bichon Frise vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Bichon Frise vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Bichon Frise vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Bichon Frise vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Bichon Frise vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Bichon Frise vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison