The Cirneco dell'Etna is a breed of dog originating in Italy, known for its agility and hunting ability. It is characterized by its elegant, slender figure and its short, soft coat. It also stands out for its strong but affectionate character.
General details
The Cirneco del Etna is a small to medium-sized dog breed, with a weight ranging from 8 to 12 kg and a height of 42 to 50 cm for males and 38 to 46 cm for females. Their average life expectancy is around 12 years. This breed belongs to Group 5 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), within the section of Spitz and primitive type dogs.
Breed history in brief
The Cirneco del Etna is an ancient breed of dog originating in Sicily, Italy. It is believed to be descended from hunting dogs used in ancient Egypt and brought to Sicily by the Phoenicians over 2,500 years ago. Evidence of the Cirneco's presence on the island of Sicily is given by its representation on coins, engravings and mosaics dating back to many centuries before Christ.
For centuries, the breed was used by hunters for hunting small prey such as rabbits and hares. However, the breed was close to extinction in the mid-20th century due to the decline of hunting and urbanization in Sicily.
Breed characteristics
The Cirneco del Etna has a slender, muscular body, with a deep chest and a long, slender tail. Its head is elongated, with large, erect ears and dark almond-shaped eyes.
Its coat is short and dense, light brown, reddish brown or golden brown. It often has white markings on the chest and toes.
This breed is characterized by being a very active and agile dog, with excellent hunting and tracking abilities. It is also known to be a very loyal and affectionate animal with its family.
Common health problems
Information on the most common diseases in the Cirneco del Etna breed is very limited, it is not known to be prone to specific health problems. Even so, it is likely to be predisposed to some of the more common disorders in dogs such as hip dysplasia, eye disease or heart disease.
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