MyDogBreeds
Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy but Prazsky Krysarik is originated from Czech Republic. Volpino Italiano may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Prazsky Krysarik. Volpino Italiano may weigh 8 kg / 18 pounds more than Prazsky Krysarik. Both Volpino Italiano and Prazsky Krysarik has almost same life span. Volpino Italiano may have more litter size than Prazsky Krysarik. Volpino Italiano requires High maintenance. But Prazsky Krysarik 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.
You won’t find this dog outside the Czech Republic, which is a pity, because as one of the smallest breeds, it’s a great choice for people with small properties.
It’s not a new breed, and there are records of it having been around in the Middle Ages, being valuable for catching rats.
The breed went through a decline in the 1980s, but their breeding program was started, although it isn’t an FCI acknowledged breed.
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 Pražský Krysařík is a small dog standing at between 20 and 23cm in height and weighing between 1.5 and 4kg.
The Prazsky Krysarik may be small, but he is robust with a broad chest and a lean body with a fragile, lizard like head, much like a Chihuahua. The legs are fragile and thin. The ears are fairly large and erect and he has a long tail. The coat is short, thin and glossy and is mostly black and tan.
The Prazsky is known for its playful, lively nature, and they’re spunky and intelligent dogs too and will be more than capable of being trained and socialized.
Even though he is such a tiny dog, it will be to his benefit to have him trained and socialized.It makes the dog well balanced and they become well behaved so you can take them anywhere.
They are such friendly, social little dogs too and they love being around their human family. They certainly don’t like being left in the backyard, cut off from their human companions.
They're small enough to be indoors a lot, being able to easily slot into life in the city or in the countryside. They get on well with children and other pets but kids will have to be taught how to treat him with kindness and respect, as those tiny little legs could snap.
A Prazsky is a dog just like any other – he just wants to be a member of the family. He badly wants the love and attention of his human family but he wants to give love and attention in return too.
They make wonderful pets and he is more than willing to put aside playing outdoors to come inside and just be by your side.
These little dogs are a great choice for those looking for a small-sized dog. They’re such friendly, responsive little dogs and they don’t come with many health-related issues. The Prague Ratter adapts well to city or country living and he is prepared to be loyal and loving wherever you take him.
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 Prazsky is a robust dog but there are some diseases that can affect a dog, and skin symptoms such as itchiness or an unusual lump will need to be seen to.
Other problems such as excessive drooling, cloudy eyes with discharge, distended abdomen and discolored gums are all reasons to seek the help of your vet. Small dogs like this tend to be prone to dental disease, so keep an eye on his teeth.
Some people look at buying health insurance because they know too well that veterinary costs can add up quickly, even for a tiny little dog like this.
1Feeding the puppy small meals 3-4 times day don’t overfeed feed small breed food
It doesn’t matter what size dog you have, each one requires high quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared.
Portion sizes should be appropriate to your dog’s size and activity levels. Dogs thrive on simplicity when it comes to food as this prevents them having digestive problems. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots all chopped up and added to your dog’ dry kibble as a treat every now and again will do wonders for your pet.
Fresh, cool water should always be available to your pet around the clock.
The short, smooth coat of the Pražský Krysařík makes him a truly low maintenance little dog. Just give him a brush twice a week and wipe him down with a damp cloth and he’ll always be gleaming like a new penny.
Have his nails trimmed and always check his teeth during these grooming sessions. Smalls dogs battle with dental disease, and this can cause havoc in the body of your small pet.
Walk your tiny pet at least once a day. It just gives him the chance to sniff around a bit and see the world in a new light. He doesn’t require a lot of physical activity, but they will still need regular exercise to stave off obesity.
Get your Pražský Krysařík spayed or neutered if you’re not intending to allow your pet to have puppies. These little dogs can have between 1 – 3 puppies. There are many pros to this procedure for dogs.
Make sure his vaccinations are up to date to avoid some of the deadly dog diseases you get such as parvo-virus, distemper and rabies.