Chesapeake Bay Retriever is originated from United States but Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy. Chesapeake Bay Retriever may grow 36 cm / 15 inches higher than Volpino Italiano. Chesapeake Bay Retriever may weigh 33 kg / 73 pounds more than Volpino Italiano. Chesapeake Bay Retriever may live 3 years less than Volpino Italiano. Chesapeake Bay Retriever may have more litter size than Volpino Italiano. Chesapeake Bay Retriever requires Low Maintenance. But Volpino Italiano requires High Maintenance
Fondly referred to as the Chessie, the ‘Labrador-look-alike’ Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s history extends to St. Johns Newfoundland pups which were rescued off a ship off the coast of Maryland in 1807. The Chesapeake is an American breed.
It is believed that the Newfoundland puppies as they grew, were bred with area dogs, with there being few records of the early dogs, but it is believed that spaniels and dogs were included.
In 1918 the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was recognized by the American Kennel Club and in 1964 the dog was declared the official dog of Maryland.
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 Chesapeake is a large dog belonging to the Sporting breed group. Perhaps one of the more distinctive features of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the yellowish eyes.
This is a strong, well muscled dog that stands anywhere from 61 – 66cm and weighs between 30 – 45kg. The short, thick coat of the dog is waterproof and comes in colors ranging from brown to reddish yellow to chestnut shades.
The head of the Chesapeake is broad and roundish with medium length floppy ears. The tail is long. The toes are webbed which helps makes the dog an excellent swimmer as well.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a happy kind of dog with a bright, alert, intelligent expression. He loves water and is guaranteed to make a wonderful pet for any family.
With his wonderful characteristics, it is worth training him and socializing him as this training sets parameters for him so that he becomes a wonderfully obedient dog that gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.
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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever is ready to be your best friend and companion. This dog breed is highly active and he’ll fit easily into a family that is active and can ensure he is involved in all their activities.
The beauty about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is that he is generally an even tempered dog, and once trained and socialized, becomes a truly splendid pet, one that will be loving and loyal with his owners.
By taking good care of your Chesapeake, you can ensure his teeth remain strong, his nose is wet and his coat glossy and healthy. He is a robust breed as it is, but there are always some common dog diseases to watch out for -
Obesity is an ailment that is afflicting many humans and their pets. Being overweight can bring on a host of unwanted diseases. Obesity is a serious disease that can contribute to digestive disorders, back pain, heart disease and joint problems.
Instead of showering him with little treats to show him how much you love him, rather stroke him or play a game with him – it’s the ultimate treat for him – your attention.
Remember that if you aren’t going to let your Chessie become a parent, the best thing you can do for your male or female is to have them spayed or neutered. In fact, spaying or neutering can decrease the likelihood of your pet getting certain types of cancers as well as other illnesses. Speak to your vet and discover how these procedures can be very beneficial for your pet.
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 Chesapeake Bay Retriever sheds fairly heavily throughout the year. The coat should be brushed at least twice a week to remove dead hair. Brushing is good for the dog too as it distributes the oils of the skin, making his coat shinier.
Because the Chesapeake has floppy ears, the ears will need to be checked on a weekly basis for signs of infection. This is of particular importance if your Chessie loves to spend time splashing around in water. The veterinarian can recommend and also advise on cleaners for your dog’s ears.
An excellent diet and plenty of exercise will ensure your Chessie can live to be 11, 12 or 13 years of age. You want to keep his diet of kibble, rice, vegetables and meat consistent so as not to upset his stomach.
Avoid giving him foods such as chocolates. Do research on the harm you can do to your pet when you feed him some human foods that are entirely not meant for a dog’s digestive system.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has always loved to be active - hunting for- and retrieving birds from rivers and lakes. He is used to being active and will require a good supply of exercise. Take him for long walks and let him join you on your runs or your cycling.