Turnspit Dog vs Volpino Italiano - Breed Comparison

Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy but Turnspit Dog is originated from United Kingdom. Both Volpino Italiano and Turnspit Dog are of same height. Both Volpino Italiano and Turnspit Dog are having almost same weight. Both Volpino Italiano and Turnspit Dog has almost same life span. Both Volpino Italiano and Turnspit Dog has almost same litter size. Volpino Italiano requires High Maintenance. But Turnspit Dog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
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Italy
United Kingdom
Height Male:
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 12 kg
19 - 27 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 4
Size:
Toy
Small
Other Names:
Cane del Quirinale Florentine Spitz Italian Spitz Pom Spitz Volpino
Vernepator cur, kitchen dog
Colors Available:
fawn, mostly white in past were black, honey, sable, champagne, red
White, gray or black., reddish-brown
Coat:
long and bushy coat
Shortish
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Curious, Energetic, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Low 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.

It is amazing that this small dog’s popularity comes from him being used in the kitchens to roast meat. The British enjoyed eating their meat which they roasted on a fire.

These dogs were essentially regarded as a tool – a means to an end, and when kitchens were modernized, they were no longer needed, and they became extinct.

Referred to as the kitchen dog or cooking dog, the first mention of these little dogs was made in 1576. By 1850 the dogs had become scarce and by 1900 it seemed as though there were none left.

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.

The Turnspit was a small long-bodied dog, standing at between 20 to 30cm in height and probably weighed anything between 9 and 14kg in height.

The legs were somewhat crooked or bandy and Edward Jesse, who wrote ‘Anecdote of Dogs’ in 1846 described them as ugly dogs with a miserable look to them. That was probably due to him having to fit into the hamster-like wheel contraption that turned the meat being roasted in the kitchens.

They were low-bodied dogs, similar to a Dachshund or a Corgi with short, stocky legs, short floppy ears, and a short coat. The long tail curled over its back. It is believed that the coats were white, reddish-brown, gray or black.

Temperament:

The dog was certainly feisty, energetic and hard-working with not much being written about his temperament. He was a working dog, but given the chance, he would no doubt have been loving and loyal, longing for the chance just to be part of a human family and to be loved.

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

The Turnspit dog had a tough life, but would no doubt have made a wonderful little pet had he just been allowed to be a companion dog.

When he was no longer needed, he was discarded.

Make sure that when you buy a dog, you don't just put him in your backyard and forget about him. Give him the love and care he deserves.

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

The health and lifespan of a dog is influenced by quite a few things such as food, care, love, exercise and the type of breed it is. Generally smaller dogs live longer than big dogs, and mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds.

The Turnspit dog, if he had received the proper care, could have lived to between 10 and 15 years of age.

Some of the health issues facing small dogs like these would include -

Hypoglycemia:

Stress can bring on a sudden drop in blood sugar. The Turnspit had reason to be stressed, working hard in horrible conditions. Dogs become weak and lethargic and can scarcely maintain an even gait. A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause a small dog to go into a fatal coma.

Pancreatitis:

This ailment seems to occur more often with smaller dogs. The pancreas becomes inflamed and your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dehydration. Pancreatitis can come about because of trauma, metabolic disorders or infection.

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

A dog is man's best friend, but the Turnspit was essentially just a working dog and most likely didn’t receive the proper care he deserved.

Small dogs like these would have had basic needs. Their owners would have had to pay attention to the dog's health, because he needed to work.

We look at ways in which a small dog like the Turnspit should have been cared for -

Diet:

One wonders if the Turnspit was allowed to eat any of the roast meat he worked so hard on to get ready. Every dog should have a regular meal.

Most adult dogs should be fed 2 meals of kibble a day. If the Turnspit wasn’t extinct he would have required a high quality ‘small dog breed’ commercial dog food. Home-made food would also be a requirement – some boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Dogs want and appreciate simple, wholesome foods that won’t upset their digestive systems.

Along with good food, dogs need cool, fresh water constantly available to stay healthy.

Provide your dog with a warm dry, quiet, comfortable place to sleep.

Make sure he gets to the veterinarian if he is sick, but also for his vaccines to prevent him from getting some of the worst dog diseases there are.

Spay or neuter your dog if you don’t intend to breed your dog,

Groom your small dog regularly. The Turnspit had a shortish coat and would have required a brush twice a week. Other grooming procedures for a small dog like the Turnspit would have been keeping his nails trimmed and checking the inside of his ears and his mouth for ear infections and dental disease.

Exercise for a small dog is important – walks and ball games.

Comparison with other breeds

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