MyDogBreeds
Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy but Saarlooswolfhond is originated from Netherlands. Volpino Italiano may grow 45 cm / 17 inches shorter than Saarlooswolfhond. Volpino Italiano may weigh 33 kg / 72 pounds lesser than Saarlooswolfhond. Volpino Italiano may live 4 years more than Saarlooswolfhond. Both Volpino Italiano and Saarlooswolfhond has same litter size. Volpino Italiano requires High maintenance. But Saarlooswolfhond 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.
Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos began to breed German Shepherds to a European wolf. His goal was to bring out a dog that was more hard working.
The Dutch Kennel Club recognized this dog breed in 1975, and to give honor to the breeder, they gave the name to the dog - Saarloos Wolfdog. The dog was also recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale.
Today the Saarloos is regarded as a pet and companion. It was in 2015 that a study found that this dog showed more genetic association with the gray wolf.
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 Saarloos Wolfdog is a large dog standing at between 60–75cm male and female and weighing between 30 and 45kg. He is athletic and muscular with a short, dense coat. Colors are wolf-grey, white and red. The Saarloos has wolf-like expressions so the ears are erect, the muzzle pointed and the tail long and plumed. They eyes are a yellow color. The face is bright and alert, showing how intelligent he is.
The Saarloos Wolfhound is full of energy so will be looking toward his owner to come up with good exercise for him.
A walk will always be welcome, but for such a lively dog, he’ll want something more energetic such as a hike, swimming, being allowed to run off his leash in the park and lots of vigorous ball- and rope games.
He is an independent dog and for this reason you’ll want him trained and socialized to make him obedient. He is loyal and loving but some of his wolf-like characteristics might mean that he isn’t a good choice for the first-time dog owner. If the first time dog owner is firm, consistent, strong and kind, then everything will be alright.
The Saarloos Wolfhound is a beautiful wolf-like dog that is full of life and energy. When you bring him into your life, you’re going to to have a wonderful addition to your family.
He is an independent dog that is strong-willed so it pays to have him trained and socialized, and then he becomes a balanced, well mannered dog that is loving and loyal with his beloved human family.
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.
A well bred Saarloos Wolfhound is regarded as very healthy, and with good care they can reach up to 12, 13, 14 or 15 years of age.
This is a common canine disease which comes about when a dog’s hip joints don’t develop properly. For a dog diagnosed with hip dyslasia it can be painful lying down and getting around.
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition, but diet also plays a part as well as environmental factors. All dogs breeds are susceptible to hip dysplasia. Try and avoid your dog putting on too much weight as then it puts excessive strain on the joints. There are different treatment options to make it more comfortable for your pet.
1Feeding the puppy small meals 3-4 times day don’t overfeed feed small breed food
He’s an active dog so he will need a good dose of exercise to keep that muscular, lean look.
You will need to brush the dense double coat twice a week to ensure the removal of loose hairs and to keep the coat shiny and glossy. Trim his nails and check inside his mouth as he can’t tell you when he has a rotten tooth which can cause a lot of pain.
Feed puppies 4x a day.
Puppies 6 months on can have 2 meals a day.
Always feed your dog premium-quality dry food. Twice a week you can add home-made food to the dry kibble as a tasty treat. Add boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and a portion added to the kibble. The rest can be frozen and then a portion warmed up for another meal.
Try and add some raw meat to his food occasionally as this helps to keep skin problems at bay.
Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.
Your pet needs a warm, dry, comfortable place to sleep to call his own.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure there is both shade and sun.
Spaying and Neutering – beneficial if you don’t want puppies.
Vaccinations for puppies and adults to stave off deadly canine diseases.