Volpino Italiano vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Volpino Italiano vs Chow Chow - Breed ComparisonChow Chow is originated from China but Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy. Chow Chow may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Volpino Italiano. Chow Chow may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Volpino Italiano. Chow Chow may live 3 years less than Volpino Italiano. Both Chow Chow and Volpino Italiano has almost same litter size. Both Chow Chow and Volpino Italiano requires High Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Toy dog
undefined
China
Italy
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
41 - 60 cm
16 - 24 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
9 - 12 kg
19 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
chowhound, chow, chowdren
Cane del Quirinale Florentine Spitz Italian Spitz Pom Spitz Volpino
Colors Available:
cream and blue, Red (light gold to deep red-brown) • Cinnamon (light tan to brown) • Black
fawn, mostly white in past were black, honey, sable, champagne, red
Coat:
double thick and coarse
long and bushy coat
Shedding:
Seasonal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Curious, Energetic, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
High Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

chow chowNorthern China is the original home of the Chow Chow. In that region of China, the breed was known as the Songshi Quan – “the puffy-lion” dog. They have also been known in China as the “Dog of the Tang Empire” or the Tang Quan. The Chow is believed to be an ancient breed that the Foo Dog, or stone dog guardians of Buddhist palaces and temples, is modeled after. It is one of the most ancient of dog breeds that are still around today.

It is believed that they have existed for around 2000 years or perhaps even as far back as 3000 years, starting out in Mongolia and migrating to China. The ancientness of the Chow Chow has been validated through DNA testing. In China all those centuries ago, the Chow Chow was born to be a working dog. They hunted, herded, guarded and pulled carts. They went on quests with the Mongolian armies when China was invaded, as well as when the Mongolians invaded the Middle East and Europe later on.

Today’s Canadian Kennel Club has about 350 Chows registered while the AKC gets 10,000 new registrations every year.

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

chow chow puppy - descriptionThe Chow really does look like a small lion with a black tongue. The dog is sturdy and square with erect, small ears on a broad skull. They have a very dense double coat. Their eyes are deep set and look like almonds, while they all have that very distinctive purple or black tongue. Their lips are also distinctive with their blue color. The nose is black, but some Chows might have a blue nose. The tail is curly.

These are medium size dogs when it comes to height and weight, but they are powerfully built for their size. Their power is in their compact body holding the energy and strength of a much larger dog. Its hind legs are almost entirely straight, unusual for any dog. They get their lion appearance from the huge ruff that stands behind their heads. Their chest is broad and deep.

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

chow chow dog - characteristicsLoyal and true to their family and those they know; the Chow Chow is a little standoffish with strangers. They are very protective and usually attach themselves to one or two people. They are intelligent but stubborn, which can affect your training with them. They need to respect their people and Chows respect hose who take care of them. They can be aggressive toward dogs of their same sex especially if those dogs are the same breed as well.

They are known to be very clean and many have compared them to cats in that regard. They appear to be dignified and refined. They are usually very quiet but very adaptable dogs.

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

chow chow puppies - health problemsAlthough an ancient breed that obviously has survived many centuries of trials, the Cho Chow of today is prone to several different health conditions. These include:

Eyelid Entropion

This condition can require surgery to keep the turning eyelid from injuring the eye ball.

Hip Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Stomach Cancer

Ear Infections

Make sure you keep the ears clean and keep an eye on them.

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

chow chow dogs - caringDon’t overfeed a Chow Chow as they are hard workers and big eaters. Feed them at least twice a day.

Health issues

Additional health issues include:

Glaucoma

This eye disease can lead to blindness if not checked and treated.

Juvenile Cataracts

These can be removed from an adolescent puppy.

Lymphoma

Again, the Chow is susceptible to cancer.

Diabetes

Can lead to heart or kidney problems if left untreated.

Hot Spots/Allergies/Melanoma

Keep a close eye on your Chow Chow skin.

Exercise and games

The Chow Chow was developed as working dog, but today’s version is more laid back and doesn’t need excessive exercise. Daily walks will suffice. They live very happily in the city if walked regularly. They are not really a competitive breed outside of obedience and confirmation. They are seldom seen in sports like agility or frisbee.

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. Chow Chow vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Chow Chow vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Chow Chow vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Chow Chow vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Chow Chow vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Chow Chow vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Chow Chow vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Chow Chow vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Chow Chow vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Chow Chow vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Chow Chow vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Chow Chow vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Chow Chow vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Chow Chow vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Chow Chow vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Chow Chow vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Chow Chow vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Chow Chow vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Chow Chow vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Chow Chow vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Chow Chow vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Chow Chow vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Chow Chow vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Chow Chow vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Chow Chow vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison