MyDogBreeds
Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy but Deutsch Drahthaar is originated from Germany. Volpino Italiano may grow 38 cm / 14 inches shorter than Deutsch Drahthaar. Volpino Italiano may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Deutsch Drahthaar. Both Volpino Italiano and Deutsch Drahthaar has almost same life span. Both Volpino Italiano and Deutsch Drahthaar has same litter size. Volpino Italiano requires High maintenance. But Deutsch Drahthaar requires Moderate 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.
Hailing from Germany in the 20th century, the Deutsch Drahthaar, also known as the German wirehaired Pointer, has always been a hunting dog. He was developed to take part in hunting in field or water.
Breeders of this dog were successful in developing a skilled and versatile hunting dog that took its traits from the best coarse haired dogs.
It was in 1902 that the German breed club for the Deutsch-Drahthaar was founded.
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 Deutsch-Drahthaar is a medium sized well muscled sporting dog standing at 61 to 68 cm and weighing 27-32kg.
He is very distinguishable with his wiry water-resistant coat which comes in different colors such as liver, grey or black patches with a speckled or ticked background.
He has strong, straight legs with rounded paws which are webbed for strong swimming abilities. He has dark eyes with floppy, high set ears and a long tail. Many people still want the dog to have that distinctive look and they opt to have the tail docked.
The Deutsch-Drahthaar is a fantastic hunting companion, loving nothing more than to be working at running across fields and plunging into water to retrieve prey.
Its the kind of dog that will fit well into family life but he will require exercise. Failing to give him exercise and attention will make him bored, frustrated and destructive.
He is a friendly, gentle dog yet he becomes protective when he feels his family is threatened. Training and socialization turn him into an excellent pet as he is a strong-willed dog that will take advantage of an owner who isn’t firm with him.
The German Wirehaired Pointer is an active, energetic dog who is happiest when performing a task or getting some exercise in. He is also a social dog, who loves spending time with his human family. It is important for him to get noticed by his human family, and he is a dog that gets on well with children in the home as well as pets.
Never just put your Pointer in the back yard and expect him to entertain himself. He wants to be included in all your activities, whether you’re walking, jogging or cycling.
A happy Deutsch Drahthaar will make sure that he gives you your full quota of love, loyalty, protection and companionship.
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.
When you start doing research on these German wirehairs, you see that they are far more prone to hip- and elbow dysplasia than the short-haired breed.
Also, von Willebrand’s blood-clotting disease is something that you should know about. Your German wirehair is a healthy, robust dog and is highly unlikely to get sick, but you need to be aware of these common dog ailments so that you can help him and know what to watch for.
This Von Willebrand’s disease for instance is a blood disease brought about by a deficiency of von Willebrand Factor (vWF). A lack of this vWF impairs platelet stickiness and clumping and can lead to excessive bleeding after an injury.
You may notice bleeding from the gums, bruising of skin, prolonged bleeding after an injury as well as blood in the urine for instance. Get your pet to the vet who will perform a physical exam on your dog.
1Feeding the puppy small meals 3-4 times day don’t overfeed feed small breed food
Your Deutsch Drahthaar does shed, and because of his wiry coat, he won’t only require a brush twice a week, but also stripping by a professional doggy parlor.
There are several other grooming processes that are essential for your dog. The first is to check that his nails don’t get too long. This often happens when he spends all his time on soft grass. Running on a hard surface trims them down naturally.
Also, because he has floppy ears, they will need to be checked and cleaned regularly so he doesn’t get an ear infection. His teeth will also need to be brushed twice a week as tartar and plaque build-up can cause problems with the teeth but also with other areas of the body.
If in doubt about how to groom your pet the right way, speak to your vet or a dog expert.
There is so much conflicting information on caring for dogs, even from so-called dog experts. While there are some excellent dog food manufacturers around, some experts will say that you should be feeding your dog based on what his digestive system was designed to eat and steer clear of these.
If you do feed your German wirehaired Pointer with manufactured dog food, make sure it is the very best one, because after all, nutrition plays a vital role in your pet’s health.
Try to include some cooked vegetables, brown rice and some chicken into his diet. These can be mixed into his kibble. It is expensive, but try to include some raw meat into your dog’s diet from time to time. Ensure a constant supply of cool, fresh water.
If your Deutsch Drahthaar isn’t going to be used for breeding, make sure that your have him or her neutered or spayed as this is advisable to promote good health. Not doing it can cause health issues later on.