MyDogBreeds
Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy but Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is originated from France. Volpino Italiano may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Volpino Italiano may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Both Volpino Italiano and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has almost same life span. Both Volpino Italiano and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has same litter size. Volpino Italiano requires High maintenance. But Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen hails from France. They have always been used to hunt game by scent. This dog has always been appreciated for its independence and the fact that is is mentally focused and fit.
These dogs, referred to as the PBGV descend from the larger Griffon Vendeen, which comes in four distinct sizes. The first official French standard for this dog was published in 1898. It was in 1909 that a revised standard for the dog recognized two distinct varieties.
The first PBGVs were imported to the United States in 1983 and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America was founded in 1984.
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.
Both male and female dogs are much the same in size, standing at between 32 and 40cm and weighing between 15 to 20 kilograms.
These are solid dogs with fairly short legs and a harsh double coat that is medium length and rough. The coloring is essentially white with patches of orange, lemon, tan or black. The dog has a general tousled appearance with quite a bit of hair around the face. The ears are set low and are floppy while the tail is medium length and held high.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a friendly, social, outgoing dog that is good with children and other dogs. He is stubborn and should be trained and socialized so that he is well mannered around people and so that he also obeys simple commands.
They are quite noisy dogs, ‘talking’ to other dogs with a howl and bark.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is known for his amicable characteristics. They’re also intelligent, curious dogs and will respond well to training and socialization.
Apart from getting on well with children in the home, they also get on well with other dogs. They’re independent and strong willed and can be inclined to bark a bit to make himself known. It is why he is best suited to a home in the suburbs or countryside where his barking won’t disturb close-living neighbors, although training and socialization should change this habit. With training, this dog can become a most wonderful friend and 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.
Average longevity of these dogs is about 12, 13, or 14 years if he gets looked after well.
Eyes and joints are always a problem with the Petit and several of the eye diseases dogs get can actually lead to blindness.
Corneal wounds are fairly common in dogs. The cornea can be injured and lacerations can damage the eye. You’ll see your pet rubbing at the affected eye.
Hip joints can cause lameness and pain. Dogs can develop hip and joint problems at any age. Joint problems can be better eliminated by providing the dog with good nutrition and exercise. If your dog is obese, joint problems can be more severe. Weight loss can reduce the signs of joint pain in dogs.
1Feeding the puppy small meals 3-4 times day don’t overfeed feed small breed food
These are active dogs and they will like a daily walk to burn off some of their excess energy. They can adapt to living in the city or the countryside but they will certainly need to receive exercise wherever they are. Buy him some toys and a ball and throw it for him – this can be a wonderful form of exercise for your 4-legged friend.
They need to be brushed at least twice a week to avoid matting and tangles. Some people opt to have the coat stripped. This is either done by hand or with a special stripping tool. Some dog owners prefer to hand the dog in for a professional cut, but this can alter the texture of the coat.
Because of the floppy ears, they will need regular ear cleanings to prevent ear infections brought about by dirt, wax and moisture within the ear.
He will also need to have his paw nails clipped. He can’t tell you about aching teeth, so do your canine friend a favor and check inside his mouth to ensure that all his teeth are still in tip top condition. Bad teeth can cause all kinds of illnesses and even affect the heart and kidneys.
The nutritional needs of your Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are very important if your want your pet to enjoy good health.
Vitamins and minerals are an essential part of his nutrition, and luckily the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods see to it that the food has essential nutrients in them. With the best ones, your pet can expect a balanced diet.
Try and avoid the lower quality foods as these have toxic fillers and unhealthy ingredients in them that can make your pet sick.
Give him some home-made food too. You can chop this food up and mix it into his kibble occasionally to give him a healthy tasty treat. The best thing about dogs as pets is that they love their food to be simple and nutritious. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some healthy vegetables such as spinach, carrots and sweet potato will do him the world of good.
If you can, a little bit of raw meat from time to time can also be excellent for him. Make sure he is never without a bowl of fresh, cool water.