Volpino Italiano vs Tea Cup Chihuahua - Breed Comparison

Volpino Italiano vs Tea Cup Chihuahua - Breed ComparisonTea Cup Chihuahua is originated from Mexico but Volpino Italiano is originated from Italy. Tea Cup Chihuahua may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Volpino Italiano. Tea Cup Chihuahua may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Volpino Italiano. Both Tea Cup Chihuahua and Volpino Italiano has almost same life span. Both Tea Cup Chihuahua and Volpino Italiano has almost same litter size. Tea Cup Chihuahua requires Moderate Maintenance. But Volpino Italiano requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Toy dog
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Mexico
Italy
Height Male:
15 - 38 cm
5 - 15 inches
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
Height Female:
15 - 35 cm
5 - 14 inches
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
9 - 12 kg
19 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
4 - 6
Size:
Toy
Toy
Other Names:
Toy Chihuahuas
Cane del Quirinale Florentine Spitz Italian Spitz Pom Spitz Volpino
Colors Available:
any color combination ranging from splashed or solid to marked. One can see solid black, spotted or sabled variations of their coat colors and pattern. The most common coat colors are black, white, cream and chocolate., red, brown, white, fawn
fawn, mostly white in past were black, honey, sable, champagne, red
Coat:
long haired and short dense coarse hair
long and bushy coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Affectionate, Curious, Energetic, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

tea cup chihuahuaChihuahua is a state in the country of Mexico. From this state, the dog breed Chihuahua and the “teacup, or toy” chihuahua take their name. Interestingly the Chihuahua Club of America maintains that “teacup” Chihuahuas do not exist and that the size differential is normal for the breed. Chihuahuas or their ancestors have been around a very long time, sadly the exact origins of the Chihuahua are lost into the pages of history, but archaeological clues such as wheeled dog toys, art, and pottery link the Chihuahua to Mexico and to the Techichi dog. The Techichi dog at the time of the Spanish Conquistadors was sold for food (not unlike we sell beef or chicken) and also as a companion dog to death. Cortez even mentioned the Techichi dog in a letter sent back to Spain, describing them as being raised for food and sold in the marketplace.

When a death occurred a dog was chosen as a companion and cremated with the deceased. It was believed that the dog helped the soul of the decedent reach their eternal destination. The Techichi dog from which the modern-day chihuahua likely descended was very plentiful in the central American area that is now the country of Mexico and raised by the ancient Toltecs and later the Aztec people.

Chihuahuas are little dogs and come in a variety of coats, head shapes and even (within the designation small) sizes. The designation “teacup, toy or pocket” while not an official breed name is a useful descriptor, since they are the littlest of an already small breed and these minute pets, as puppies, may fit into a teacup or a pocket.

Fortunately while no longer a food source, the chihuahua is now sought after as a loyal and lively pet and companion.

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

tea cup chihuahua puppy - descriptionChihuahuas are small. Even the bigger ones are only about six pounds and a “teacup” or “toy” is often three pounds or less. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, but even the tallest are not over nine inches. Chihuahua standing under five inches in height is not uncommon in the “teacup” or smallest of these dogs. They have two different head types and a domed skull. One type of head shape is like a deer while the other is described as an apple-shaped head. The apple-shaped heads are more popular than the deer shaped heads, although sometimes in the “teacup” especially the soft spot fails to close at maturity when growth is complete and the bones should knit, therefore leaving a soft spot in their skull – this is called a molera.

Like different shaped heads chihuahua may have long hair or short-haired coats. The short-haired coats are smooth. The Chihuahua coats may be a large variety of colors ranging from black to white, with red, brown, fawn, cream and chocolate and they may be solid-colored, spotted or sabled. Personal preference is the determining factor on the type of coat a pet Chihuahua has since the breed does not have a preferred color, pattern, hair length or feel. Their muzzle (nose/mouth combination) is short and pointed. Chihuahua have have naturally erect pointed ears and large round eyes. A Chihuahuas tail is relatively long and mostly either curled up and over the back or carried up.

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

tea cup chihuahua dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness very interactive with family but has been known to nip at small children and bark, so no not really

2. Special talents more stamina than expected in such a small dog and barking

3. Adaptability yes but they are better off in apartments and homes not out in the country where their size makes them targets for predators.

4. Learning ability average ability to learn but Chihuahua can be but stubborn which may impact ability and willingness to learn.

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

tea cup chihuahua puppies - health problemsChihuahuas live on average fourteen to eighteen years. There are some issues that may cause concern or lower life expectancy.]

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is something to watch for. Low blood sugar can cause death in just a few hours but when caught is very easily treated. Some of the symptoms are being uncoordinated when walking, acting sleepy or lethargic, unfocused sight, fainting, having a seizure or having spasms in the muscles of the neck. First aid can right this condition with a sweet supplement like corn syrup, or honey. This is more common in puppies, but the teacup chihuahuas are susceptible.

• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) can affect many toy dog breeds. The puppy or dog will appear to have an oversized head, and be slow (display lethargy) and grow slower than its littermates.

• Pulmonic stenosis (a heart condition) occurs when the right ventricle is impeded. Teacup Chihuahuas are also susceptible to heart murmurs.

• Collapsed trachea this occurs when the cartilaginous rings in a Chihuahua do not form completely or weaken. This can be hereditary or an acquired condition and occurs in other small breeds of dog.

• Molera – where after finishing growth a soft spot remains in the skull and the bones do not knit. As a puppy, the owner must remain vigilant about head injuries.

• Obesity (overweight). Most of the time this is a result of the Teacup Chihuahua being overfed. Obesity can contribute to a shortened lifespan and chronic bronchitis.

• Cold susceptibility. Cold weather can cause Teacup Chihuahuas to shiver or tremble when exposed and during cold temperatures, the dogs may need to wear a sweater and boots outside and cuddle with their owners under blankets or bask in the sun to stay warm.

• Infected or injured eyes. Due to the prominent eyes, exposure to irritants such as dust, allergens, or dry air can cause the dog to develop this beginning with watering eyes.

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

tea cup chihuahua dogs - caring1. Feeding the Puppies. Puppies should be fed four times a day. Underfeeding can cause the issues of low blood sugar and overfeeding can result in obesity increasing the risk of other health complications.

2. Feeding the Adult. Adult teacups are also vulnerable to hypoglycemia and obesity. Of course, the low blood sugar will be much more acute than obesity and need prompt care if it occurs. Adult teacups should be fed twice a day.

3. Points for Good Health. The chihuahua generally exhibits more vigor and endurance than pet owners expect from such a small breed of dog.

4. Games and Exercise for Teacup Chihuahua. Go ahead and run and play but remember even with the unexpected stamina and endurance this is a very small dog, small legs, using discernment, judgment, and restraint so the games and exercise is fun and builds health and is a special bonding time, without jeopardizing the sugar levels or causing exhaustion or misery.

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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  26. Volpino Italiano vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  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
  36. Volpino Italiano vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Volpino Italiano vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  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