Volpino Italiano vs Thai Ridgeback - Breed Comparison

Volpino Italiano vs Thai Ridgeback - Breed ComparisonVolpino Italiano is originated from Italy but Thai Ridgeback is originated from Thailand. Volpino Italiano may grow 31 cm / 12 inches shorter than Thai Ridgeback. Volpino Italiano may weigh 22 kg / 48 pounds lesser than Thai Ridgeback. Volpino Italiano may live 3 years more than Thai Ridgeback. Both Volpino Italiano and Thai Ridgeback has same litter size. Volpino Italiano requires High maintenance. But Thai Ridgeback requires Moderate maintenance

History

volpino italiano - historyThis 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.

thai ridgeback - historyUntil recently the Thai Ridgeback was not known outside of its native land. However, after being recently recognized as a standard breed, the dogs are getting some notice from the western world. They are one of three known ridgeback breeds with the ridge running the opposite direction of the rest of her fur. The other breeds with this characteristic are the better known Rhodesian Ridgeback and the even lesser known Phu Quoc Ridgeback.

The Thai Ridgeback is believed to have originated in eastern Thailand but there is no documentation of their actual history. The breed is thought to be descended from the Funan Ridgeback based on a genetic hypothesis. It is thought that the same Funan Ridgeback is an ancestor od the Phu Quoc Dog. This Funan Ridgeback lived over a century ago. Along with the Rhodesian Ridgeback, all have a common ridgebearing ancestor.

It is still unknown where the original ridge came from but it has been shown that all of the ridgeback dogs have the same genetic mutation and even though the Rhodisian is from Africa, there is not a parallel mutation. The Thai Ridgeback is an active, energetic, tough dog. He is loyal, intelligent, and has great jumping ability.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Italy
Thailand
Height Male:
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
51 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 12 kg
19 - 27 pounds
23 - 34 kg
50 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
23 - 32 kg
50 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Toy dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Cane del Quirinale Florentine Spitz Italian Spitz Pom Spitz Volpino
Thai Ridgeback Dog • TRD • Mah Thai • Thai Dog • Mah Thai Lung Arn
Colors Available:
fawn, mostly white in past were black, honey, sable, champagne, red
brown, red or blue, black
Coat:
long and bushy coat
short, straight with ridge
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Curious, Energetic, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
High maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

volpino italiano puppy - descriptionThe 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.

thai ridgeback puppy - descriptionThe breed is medium in size and muscular in body. They have a wedge shaped head, a short coat that is smooth and pricked, triangular ears. The ridge on his back is pronounced as the hair grows away from the rest of the coat from the hips to the withers. Puppies can be born with or without the ridge. They are extremely agile. With what is often called a sword tail being carried up, the Ridgeback has wrinkles on his forehead, a black tongue or the tongue has black marks, and almond shaped eyes.

The coat sheds minimally and is dense, while the eyes are usually brown – in blue dogs they can be amber. The color of the coat is fawn, red, black or blue with a black mask on the reds. There are 8 different ridge patterns: Feather, violin, saddleback, needle, arrow, bowling pin, lute, and leaf. The broader the ridge the better the dog is considered for show.

There are two epistatic genes that determine the ridge and its size. The more genes of this type the individual dog has, the broader the ridge will be. There must be a dominant gene for the ridge to appear at all.

Characteristics

Characteristics

1Children friendliness yes but better with older children than young ones

2.Special talents – loyalty and playfulness – people are his specialty

3.Adaptability very could live anywhere

4.Learning ability high loves to learn, very intelligent

. Children friendliness – Must be well socialized into the family.

2.Special talents – jumping and agility.

3.Adaptability – not good. Needs a high, unclimbable fense.

4.Learning ability – can be stubborn and independent.

Health Problems

Health Problems

volpino italiano puppies - health problemsThe 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.

  • Cardiac Issues

thai ridgeback puppies - health problemsWith such a mysterious origin, there are not a lot of documented episodes of genetic illness as the breed has been isolated in Thailand and natural selection has driven reproduction. There are only a few issues that they are genetically predisposed to. These include:

• Dermoid Sinus – this is a genetic skin condition known as pilonidal sinus as well. This is a defect in the neural tube and the sinus might be removed. If the sinus is wrapped around the spinal cord and cannot be removed it can be tied off.

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis.

• Bloat – can be terminal if not treated as soon as possible. Bloat is a distension of the stomach and intestines which can twist and tangle, killing the dog almost immediately without veterinary attention.

Caring The Pet

Caring for Pet

volpino italiano dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy small meals 3-4 times day don’t overfeed feed small breed food

2.Feeding the adult small meals 2x day don’t overfeed small breed food

3.Points for Good Health general excellent health

4. Games and Exercises

don’t require much Agility, nose work, and rally

thai ridgeback dogs - caring1. Feeding the Puppy - Don’t over feed the puppy as they are inclined to become obese. Feed a high quality protein rich puppy for medium breeds. Feed in 3-4 smaller meals per day. As he grows be aware of bloat possibilities.

2. Feeding the adult dog - The risk of bloat is even greater in the adult and so is the risk of obesity. Don’t feed large meals and don’t feed before or after strenuous exercise. Feed in 2 smaller meals per day.

3.Points for Good Health - Agile and muscular.

4. Games and Exercises – Energetic and needs serious exercise. She loves to swim, retrieve, hike, hunt, and catch frisbees. Likes search and rescue and guard dog work.

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