Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy but Chilean Fox Terrier is originated from Chile. Volpino Italiano may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Chilean Fox Terrier. Both Volpino Italiano and Chilean Fox Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Volpino Italiano and Chilean Fox Terrier has almost same life span. Both Volpino Italiano and Chilean Fox Terrier has almost same litter size. Volpino Italiano requires High maintenance. But Chilean Fox Terrier requires Low maintenance
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 Chilean Fox Terrier, developed in Chile, is a dog breed which comes from crossing the British Fox Terrier with some of the local Chilean dogs.
The dog is thought to have been developed in the 19th century already, some time between 1790 and 1850.
The dog is known for its skills in catching rats and mice. Known also as the Chilean Rat Terrier, Terrier Chileno or Ratonero, the Chilean Fox Terrier hasn’t achieved formal recognition with any of the leading canine organizations.
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 Chilean Fox Terrier looks almost identical to his ancestors. He stands between 30 – 40cm and weighs between 5 to 9kg.
He is squarely proportioned, he is athletic looking and well muscled with long, slender legs. Many of these dogs are born with naturally short tails, but if not, then the tail is usually docked after the first or second vertebrae. Now that docking is falling out of favor, the breed is losing that distinctive look.
The head of the Chilean Fox Terrier is triangular with the muzzle being somewhat shorter than the Smooth Fox Terrier. The ears of the Chilean Fox Terrier are smallish and high set, being partially erect. The coat of the dog is short and thick and essentially white while the face is usually tan and black.
The Chilean Fox Terrier is loyal with his human family and can fit in well with a family where there are children and other pets.
Training and socialization become necessary for the dog so that he becomes obedient and amicable around his family and with strangers. He isn’t an aggressive dog but he is alert and can make an excellent watch dog.
He is dominant and confident and also intelligent and easily trainable. He is an active dog so he will require exercise every day, whether he lives in the city or in the country.
The Chilean Fox Terrier is a lively dog with an alert expression. He has become a popular companion dog, being less aggressive than other Terriers.
When you treat him well he becomes a loyal friend and forms a strong bond with his human owners. He gets on well with children who have been taught to respect animals, but he tends to become a bit aggressive around other dogs of the same sex.
Socialization and training however can make him much more relaxed around other dogs.
He is an attractive little dog with his short coat, giving the appearance of being well groomed. He can adapt to country- or city life too. He is such an easy dog to keep too so why not choose him as your 4-legged family member? He promises to make the perfect family companion.
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 Chilean Fox Terrier is a healthy breed who doesn’t appear to have any particular health issues. It doesn’t mean that your dog will be free from disease, but it is worth knowing that a quality diet, fresh water and lots of love and attention does enhance longevity in a pet.
It is to your benefit to know about one or two common diseases that your dog could get.
You’ll notice your pet’s stomach being swollen. Bloat is a disease which can become dangerous because the stomach can twist. Once this happens, gas can’t escape from the stomach and your pet will want to vomit, he’ll salivate and you’ll notice unusual restless kind of behavior. You need to get him to the vet as soon as possible.
This is also a disease that any dog can develop and can be a complication of another pet disease such as Lyme disease. One of the first signs of kidney disease in dogs is drinking more often than usual and also urinating more often.
He’ll lose his appetite and be lethargic and likely lose weight. Kidney disease is a serious disease and you will need to get your pet to the vet as soon as possible.
1Feeding the puppy small meals 3-4 times day don’t overfeed feed small breed food
The Chilean Fox Terrier is a low maintenance breed and this means you won’t be having to part with any money on grooming sessions for him. He’ll basically require a brushing twice a week.
The Chilean Fox Terrier, as a smaller dog breed, will also require regular dental brushing, as neglecting this can result in dental problems as well as a host of diseases that are associated with gum disease and tooth decay.
Make sure to feed him a quality diet full of vitamins and minerals and ensure he always has fresh, cool water available.