MyDogBreeds
Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy but Presa Canario is originated from Spain. Volpino Italiano may grow 35 cm / 13 inches shorter than Presa Canario. Volpino Italiano may weigh 48 kg / 105 pounds lesser than Presa Canario. Volpino Italiano may live 5 years more than Presa Canario. Volpino Italiano may have less litter size than Presa Canario. Volpino Italiano requires High maintenance. But Presa Canario 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.
Known also as the Canary Mastiff, the Presa Canario hails from the Canary Islands. He was originally bred for guarding livestock.
This isn’t a new breed by any means, and it is believed that the dog dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The roots of the dog can be traced back to the Iberian Presa, a medium sized mastiff breed. A number of other Hispanic breeds have contributed to the formation of the Presa Canario, such as the Presa Espanol.
Its numbers have dropped over the years, but in the 1970s, reputable breeders bred Presa Canarios, a courageous, territorial dog.
Because of its aggressive tendencies, the dog has been banned from quite a few countries. It is found in the USA but not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
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 Presa Canario is a large Molosser-type dog breed originally bred for working livestock.He stands at between 56 to 65cm in height and weighs between 38 and 60kg. He has a thick, muscular body with a black mask over the broad head.
The ears were always cropped which just added to his aggressive appearance. When left they are high set and floppy, being of medium length. The coat is short and coarse and he is a low shedder. The coat comes in colors such as fawn, tan, or brindle.
Strong willed, confident and determined, the Presa Canario may well have an intimidating look.He looks both powerful and even a bit aggressive, but with training and socialization, the highly intelligent Presa Canario is actually a calm, docile dog, totally loyal and loving with his human family.
These dogs are suspicious of strangers and this makes them excellent watchdogs. For new dog owners, the Presa Canario isn’t a good first choice as he is strong-willed and can be aggressive when in the wrong hands. There are however, always exceptions, but he isn't considered to be a good choice of dog when there are children in the home.
The Presa Canario is a formidable looking dog and has received quite a lot of negative media attention for being aggressive and dangerous. And yet non-aggressive owners who have brought the dog up properly tell of how well mannered and calm their dogs are.
The dog is confident and powerful and can be loyal and loving while also being well adjusted. Just like children are the fruit of their parents upbringing, so dogs turn out much the same as the kind of owners that reared them, and in the right hands, this big dog can be loyal quiet, loving and trustworthy.
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.
These are large dogs so they are susceptible to hip- or joint dysplasia and canine leishmaniasis.
This is a skeletal condition, found more often in large dogs. The ball and socket don’t fit properly, grinding as opposed to sliding smoothly. This eventually leads to loss of function of the joint.
There are a few factors that lead to the development of hip dysplasia in dogs, but it is also hereditary. That is why it is so important to provide your dog with the correct nutrition – one that is specially formulated for large breeds.
This is a deadly disease caused by a protozoan parasite found in dogs, mostly in rural areas, and in quite a few areas of the world.
The parasite is transmitted by a sand fly. The clinical signs of dogs with this disease include weakness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, anorexia, weight loss and diarrhea with blood in the stools.
Treatment will require the administration of a special drug. Prognosis for a pet diagnosed with Leishmaniasis is unfortunately not very hopeful.
1Feeding the puppy small meals 3-4 times day don’t overfeed feed small breed food
The Presa Canario will require being brushed twice a week to rid him of loose hair although he isn’t a heavy shedder.
Keep his nails trimmed.
Check inside his ears for signs of redness and the possibility of an ear infection.
When you brush him, check him over for any unusual lumps.
Make sure the dog is neutered or spayed if you don’t want puppies.
Get your vet to the vet if he shows signs of illness.
Make sure his vaccines are up to date to prevent some deadly canine diseases.
Ensure he has a nice comfortable, dry, warm place to sleep.
Ensure he has a top quality diet to enhance longevity and health. Commercially manufactured dog foods are a convenient means to feed your pet, and there are some excellent brands. Avoid the ones with low quality ingredients that don’t have the right balances of vitamins and minerals.
High quality dry kibble can become exciting when you add in some home-made food. Dogs thrive on simplicity, so boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will be 100% sufficient for him. Chop this food up and add it into the dry kibble twice a week as a tasty treat.
Also, your pet will thrive on a bit of raw meat added in from time to time. Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.
Make sure that your large pet gets a good quota of daily exercise outdoors. Lots of hectic ball- and rope games will keep him happy and keep him slim. Take him for a walk every day.