Volpino Italiano vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

Volpino Italiano vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) is originated from Belgium but Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may grow 36 cm / 15 inches higher than Volpino Italiano. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may weigh 18 kg / 40 pounds more than Volpino Italiano. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and Volpino Italiano has almost same life span. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) may have more litter size than Volpino Italiano. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) requires Low Maintenance. But Volpino Italiano requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Toy dog
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Belgium
Italy
Height Male:
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
9 - 12 kg
19 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 11
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Shepherd Dog
Cane del Quirinale Florentine Spitz Italian Spitz Pom Spitz Volpino
Colors Available:
Fawn, Black & Tan, Brownish red
fawn, mostly white in past were black, honey, sable, champagne, red
Coat:
Rough, medium length
long and bushy coat
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Curious, Energetic, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

belgian shepherd dog laekenoisThe Laekenois, from a variety of 4 Belgian Shepherds, and one of the rarest, is a working- or herding breed of dog which originated in Belgium. It is believed to have been around since the Middle Ages. The intelligent dog was also used for sending messages during the 1st World War. In most countries, all 4 of the dogs are considered the same breed with different varieties in coat types, but there are some instances where they are recognized as separate breeds.

An interesting aspect of these dogs is that until the advent of dog shows in the 1900s, the 4 varieties were intermixed, and today purebred Laekenois can sometimes give birth to smooth-coated puppies which can be registered as Malinois.

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.

Description

Temperament

belgian shepherd dog laekenois puppy - descriptionThe Laekenois is a highly talented dog, highly energetic and extremely intelligent. He will make a superb family pet with owners who are firm and fair with him. The dog is bright, obedient, protective and somewhat territorial. He’ll guard what he believes is his as he is instinctively protective.

He will get on well with children in the home, and he can also be socialized to get on well with other pets in the home. Of course, the way an owner treats the dog, and any other dog for that matter, brings out different temperaments in a dog. To get the best from him he should be trained and socialized from an early age. He will need plenty of exercise if you don’t want him becoming destructive from sheer boredom.

Looks

The body is well proportioned, muscular and sturdy. He has an alert, intelligent face with erect ears, bright brown eyes and the nose black. The hair is dense on the long tail, but with no feathering like with the other breeds. The most common color is fawn with a reddish undertone. The chest is deep and the legs strong and straight. The Laekenois's medium length rough, wire coat can include colors from fawn to brownish and black in between.

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.

Characteristics

belgian shepherd dog laekenois dog - characteristicsThe Belgian Laekenois is an energetic herding breed dog, and even though he will do well in an apartment if he is sufficiently exercised, big gardens and farms would be first choice for him. Wherever you offer him a home, make sure to exercise him regularly and give him plenty of attention, as he loves his human family.

He’ll make an exceptional watchdog and because he is so intelligent, he learns easily, responding readily to his owner’s instruction. He’ll protect his human family with his life. Social, lively, attractive and bright, anybody who has owned a Laekenois will vouch for his loyalty and devotion, making him a splendid pet.

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

Health Problems

belgian shepherd dog laekenois puppies - health problemsThe lifespan of the Belgian Laekenois is between 10 and 14 years of age, and he is a pretty robust breed, not prone to getting sick easily. However, as with most other dog breeds, he is predisposed to some concerning health conditions.

Epilepsy

A frightening health issue in Belgian Shepherds is inherited epilepsy. It occurs in all four varieties. Your dog will have uncontrollable shaking that can last a few minutes. There are many causes of seizures but it is mostly an inherited disorder.

Eye disorders

The most common eye disease is cataracts.

Hip Dysplasia

This is an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly. He may even have difficulty getting up from lying down.

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

Caring The Pet

Grooming

belgian shepherd dog laekenois dogs - caringThe long, double coat of your Laekenois will need to be trimmed about twice a year otherwise he could look dirty and unkempt. Certainly with the coat he has, you will need to brush him at least twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs.

Feeding

He is a well muscled, athletic, energetic dog and his food, whether home-made or commercially manufactured, needs to be a high-quality food high in protein and packed full of minerals and vitamins. If you’re not sure about food type, speak to your vet, because as a dog expert, they will advise you on food appropriate to this dog breed and his energy needs. Whether you own a male or female Laekenois, feeding should be such that weight for an adult is maintained around 25–30kg.

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

Comparison with other breeds

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  31. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  38. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison