Plummer Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy. Plummer Terrier may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Volpino Italiano. Both Plummer Terrier and Volpino Italiano are having almost same weight. Both Plummer Terrier and Volpino Italiano has almost same life span. Both Plummer Terrier and Volpino Italiano has almost same litter size. Plummer Terrier requires Low Maintenance. But Volpino Italiano requires High Maintenance
This purebred dog was developed by Dr David Brian Plummer in the UK. The whole idea for developing the dog was for it to be an all-purpose dog that could also hunt down vermin.
Developed in the 1960s, the Plummer Terrier combines Jack Russell Terrier, Beagle, and red Fell Terrier blood. Later on, a Bull Terrier was brought in too. This created some problems and certain characteristics were selectively bred out of the Plummer.
Today, as a working terrier, the dog is versatile and has many uses. He may not be recognized by any major organizations, but there is at least a well-established Plummer Terrier club in the UK.
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 Plummer Terrier is a small, working terrier standing at between 28 and 36cm both male and female and weighing between 5 and 8kg.
The ears of the dog are high set and are fairly short, being floppy. The Plummer Terrier has a white and red/orangey coat which is short. He is an average shedder.
The tail would traditionally be docked, giving him an attractive, compact look, but these days the tail tends to be left long. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark brown and alert.
Your Plummer Terrier is active, hardy and adaptable, making it that he can settle down into life in the city or in the countryside. They will however, require regular exercise.
They’re the kind of dogs which are at home inside or outside. They’re very intelligent and can easily be trained and socialized. They’re also loving and loyal towards their human family. He is good with kids too and is playful and energetic around them, giving as good as he gets. His alert, intelligent nature makes him a good watchdog.
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.
Your Plummer Terrier promises to be a great companion and family pet, getting on well with children.
They’re intelligent too, so they’re easy to train. Being low maintenance and being a healthy breed too, the Plummer Terrier has got everything that people want from a canine friend - love, devotion, action, low maintenance, health and a wonderfully companionable nature.
These feisty little dogs are known to be a robust, healthy breed and with good care can reach between 12 and 15 years of age, and maybe older.
Some common dog diseases that your Plummer Terrier might succumb too, but which is highly unlikely.
Distemper and parvovirus are two example of these infectious diseases. Parvovirus is deadly and can be picked up through contact with the feces of an infected dog. Your dog will be vomiting, won’t want to eat and will no doubt also have bloody diarrhea.
Distemper is transmitted through contact with an infected dog’s urine or blood. Symptoms include difficulty with breathing, fever and diarrhea. There are vaccines available for the prevention of these life-threatening diseases.
This disease can be debilitating for your pet and can include incontinence and bacterial infections. You’ll find your pet trying to urinate frequently but producing small drops of urine. Don’t hesitate – get your pet to the vet immediately.
You have to be careful with dental disease because many people think it affects just the teeth but it is linked to problems with the heart, kidneys and to diabetes. To prevent dental problems, look inside your dog’s mouth regularly and get him to a vet or professional dog groomer to attend to the tooth.
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.
He is an active, energetic little dog and loves nothing more than to be darting after a ball, going for long walks with you or jumping into a pool. He’s happiest when active and busy with his beloved family members.
With his short coat and being a moderate shedder, you’ll just have to give your Plummer a good brush twice a week to keep the coat free of loose hairs and dust.
Always aim to give your dogs the best food there is. Dogs are just like people when it comes to food – nutritious, quality food helps towards good health and longevity. Apart from a good quality commercially manufactured food, give him some homemade food as a treat too. Simple, tasty food is best appreciated by dogs. They don’t want spicy, exotic foods that can upset their stomachs.
They love boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and healthy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. You can add this into the dry kibble occasionally as a treat, and also some raw meat from time to time. Your pet will be healthy and happy with such a diet. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water within reach.