Cirneco dell’Etna

Cirneco dell'Etna

The Cirneco dell’Etna is one of the most loyal breeds. The dog will never leave its owner in danger alone. It will follow you all the time, even if there is no food or water. The breed is rarely used for hunting nowadays, but it has proven to be an excellent companion. Cirneco dell’Etna is easy to get along with children. The pet is sociable, and a lot of attention is good for it.

Breed Information

Another Name
OriginItaly
HeightMales 46-52 cm
Females 42-50 cm
Weight8-12 kg
FurShort
ColorSable, white, reddish, yellowish-brown
Lifespan12-14 years
FCI ClassificationSpitz and primitive types
GroupHunting dogs, apartment dogs
Price$700-900

Breed Photos

Origin History

The Cirneco dell’Etna is a breed with an ambiguous history of origin. There are two versions of the appearance of this dog. The first says about the origin of the Sicilian greyhound in Egypt. According to the legend, the ancestors of this breed were sharp-eared Egyptian, and with the Cirneco dell’Etna, people went hunting. The second version says that the dogs originated on the volcano Etna territory, which explains the name.

The peculiarity of representatives of this breed is an incredible endurance. They show themselves effectively, even being without food and water for a long time. The Cirneco dell’Etna are natural-born hunters with an incredibly accurate sense of smell.

Appearance

Representatives of this breed with an athletic lean build. Dogs of medium size, despite the elegant statute, are very sturdy. The eyes are amber or gray, oval in shape, planted on the sides. The dog has an elongated muzzle and large standing ears.

The breed is short-haired and varies in color from white to reddish. The skin of the dogs is tight, without sagging. The paws of the Cirneco dell’Etna are slightly longer than the standard size. The dog looks graceful; thanks to the external parameters, it is built for long hunting.

Character

The Cirneco dell’Etna is one of the most loyal breeds. The dog will never leave its owner in danger alone. It will follow you all the time, even if there is no food or water. The breed is rarely used for hunting nowadays, but it has proven to be an excellent companion. Cirneco dell’Etna is easy to get along with children. The pet is sociable, and a lot of attention is good for it.

The dog is energetic, requires long walks and intellectual exercise. Cirneco dell’Etna is well-trained but sometimes shows stubbornness. There is a tendency to make decisions independently. The pet is strongly attached to the owner and family; separation is poorly tolerated. A prolonged break can cause depression.

Care

The Cirneco dell’Etna is suitable for keeping in an apartment. The short coat is almost invisible even during the molting period. For a comfortable life with this dog, take him for regular walks and combing on time.

Trim claws if they do not sharpen during walks. Inspect the dog’s ears and mucous membranes and remove dirt. During the cold season, wear a warm coverall and keep your dog from getting too cold.

Training

It is best to start training Cirneco dell’Etna from a very early age. The first thing the dog has to learn is the commands to “cancel”. After that, move on to the socialization of the puppy. Introduce him to other people and animals. Allow the pet to learn about the world around him. The Cirneco dell’Etna is calm to strangers but may attack if threatened. Develop your dog’s guarding qualities to raise him to be a trustworthy protector.

Common Diseases

This breed has very good health and an excellent immune system. Cirneco dell’Etna is prone to overweight. Because of this, there may be problems with the cardiovascular system. Keep an eye on the condition of the pet’s eyes and ears. It is important to clean them of dirt in time to prevent the development of infectious diseases.

Nutrition

Cirneco dell’Etna requires a variety of nutrition. The dog needs vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other micronutrients to restore energy. Give your pet meat, grains, vegetables, and fruits. Don’t forget the water balance. Cirneco dell’Etna can easily do without water, but it is essential for the animal’s well-being.

Calcium is necessary for strong bones and joints. Cheese and other dairy products are necessary for the pet. Cirneco dell’Etna can be fed ready-made dry food and mixes, but it is undesirable. The dog feels better when eating natural food. You can use vitamin complexes as supplements; they will not hurt.