Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Volpino Italiano - Breed Comparison

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Volpino Italiano - Breed ComparisonVolpino Italiano is originated from Italy but Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is originated from France. Volpino Italiano may grow 30 cm / 11 inches shorter than Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Volpino Italiano may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Volpino Italiano may live 4 years more than Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Volpino Italiano may have less litter size than Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Volpino Italiano requires High Maintenance. But Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Sporting dog
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Italy
France
Height Male:
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Height Female:
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 12 kg
19 - 27 pounds
23 - 27 kg
50 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
23 - 27 kg
50 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 9
Size:
Toy
Medium
Other Names:
Cane del Quirinale Florentine Spitz Italian Spitz Pom Spitz Volpino
Korthals Griffon
Colors Available:
fawn, mostly white in past were black, honey, sable, champagne, red
steel gray with brown markings., White and brown, white and orange
Coat:
long and bushy coat
Medium length, wiry
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Curious, Energetic, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

volpino italianoThis 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.

wirehaired pointing griffonKnown also as the Korthals Griffon, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a hunting- and gundog. It was Eduard Karel Korthals who is thought to have brought about this dog breed around 1873.

He was a Dutchman living in France. It is believed that quite a few dog breeds were used to bring about this dog such as the Otterhound, Spniels, Setters and possibly a Pointer. The dog is known as a supreme gundog and it is a very popular dog breed.

Edward Korthals of Holland was looking for an ideal gun dog. It was in 1888 that the first Griffon Club was formed. It was only in 1916 that this dog was officially recognized as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in the United States.

It is also recognized by the FCI or Federation Cynologique Internationale.

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.

wirehaired pointing griffon puppy - descriptionThe Wirehaired Pointing Griffon or Korthals Griffon is a medium-to-large sized dog standing at between 50 and 60cm both male and female and weighing between 23and 27kg.

He has a wiry, somewhat harsh curly outer coat and a softer undercoat. The head is quite large. He has thick eyebrows and a beard. The eyes are brown with yellow irises.

This is a low-shedding dog. There are a few colors such as white and brown, white and orange but the coat is also steel gray with brown markings.

Temperament:

These dogs are intelligent and independent with a desire to please their owners. He is able to learn tricks and commands easily. They love their human families and want to be around them all the time.

It would be devastating for such a dog to find himself stuck in the backyard with no human contact. He is also not suited to cramped living conditions in the city but is essentially a country dog, especially since he has boundless energy.

As a family pet, he is playful, friendly, loyal, loving and gentle, behaving well with children and other pets. They’re not aggressive dogs but they make excellent watchdogs, barking if someone comes into their property.

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

wirehaired pointing griffon dog - characteristicsThe Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has always been a great hunting dog and he doubles as an excellent pet and companion as well.

This dog is extremely loyal to his human family and is friendly, intelligent, loving and affectionate, getting on well with children as well as other pets in the home.

He can reach 14 years of age and doesn’t often get sick, making him an all-round great pet and companion.

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

wirehaired pointing griffon puppies - health problemsTo avoid ear problems, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's ears should be kept clean and dry. If you do detect redness inside the ear, it could mean he has an infection that will need to be treated.

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

Exercise:

wirehaired pointing griffon dogs - caringThis dog loves his exercise, and if you live in the country so much the better. He will love to go hiking and swimming with you or running next to you as you go cycling. He also loves all kinds of rope- and ball games in the garden. It’s why this active dog isn’t ideal for life in the city.

Always have the telephone number of a good vet in your phone.

Spay or neuter your pet if you don’t want unwanted puppies. Don't do it too early. Speak to your vet about the procedure and about the health benefits that come from spaying and neutering a dog.

Diet:

These are active dogs and they will require top quality food if they’re to remain healthy and active.

Always check the packaging to see what ingredients are present in your dog’s food. Some of the cheaper, more inferior brands can actually be harmful to your pet with their useless ingredients devoid of vitamins and minerals.

Some home-made food is good and this needs to be plain and free from spicy additives. Dogs have sensitive stomachs and anything unusual can cause them digestive problems.

Make sure your dog’s vaccines are up to date.

Provide your pet with a quiet, warm, dry sleeping place to call his own.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Volpino Italiano vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  28. Volpino Italiano vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Volpino Italiano vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Volpino Italiano vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Volpino Italiano vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Volpino Italiano vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Volpino Italiano vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Volpino Italiano vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Volpino Italiano vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  38. Volpino Italiano vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Volpino Italiano vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Volpino Italiano vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Volpino Italiano vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Volpino Italiano vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Volpino Italiano vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Volpino Italiano vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Volpino Italiano vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Volpino Italiano vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Volpino Italiano vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Volpino Italiano vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Volpino Italiano vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Volpino Italiano vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison