Swedish Vallhund vs Cirneco dell'Etna - Breed Comparison

Swedish Vallhund vs Cirneco dell'Etna - Breed ComparisonCirneco dell'Etna is originated from Italy but Swedish Vallhund is originated from Sweden. Cirneco dell'Etna may grow 18 cm / 8 inches higher than Swedish Vallhund. Both Cirneco dell'Etna and Swedish Vallhund are having almost same weight. Cirneco dell'Etna may live 3 years less than Swedish Vallhund. Both Cirneco dell'Etna and Swedish Vallhund has same litter size. Both Cirneco dell'Etna and Swedish Vallhund requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
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Italy
Sweden
Height Male:
46 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
30 - 34 cm
11 - 14 inches
Height Female:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
30 - 34 cm
11 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 12 kg
22 - 27 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 10 kg
17 - 23 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
4 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Sicilian Hound
Västgötaspets, Swedish cow dog
Colors Available:
light to dark tan , Light sand
Cream, grey, brown
Coat:
Short on head, short to semi-long on body
Medium length, thick
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cirneco dell etnaThe Cirneco dell’Etna comes from the island of Sicily and not mainland Italy, although it is considered an Italian dog. It is a small dog that hunted rabbits and its calling card was its ability to go for hours without water or food. They have terrific endurance and a good sense of smell. They were developed for the harsh terrain they worked around places like Mount Etna. Of all the Mediterranean island hunting dogs, the Cirneco de’Etna is the smallest.

This is a very ancient breed, surviving on its hunting skills alone for thousands of years on Sicily. They then became guard dogs for the peasants. Because they had such speed, sense of smell, alertness and sight, they were great hunters.

Today’s Cirneco de’Etna is highly competitive in confirmation and make terrific pets. They are exceedingly friendly, energetic and low maintenance. Lure coursing is what they really excel at. They are good at agility and pursuit games as well.

swedish vallhundKnown also as the Västgötaspets or Swedish cow dog, the Valhund hails from Sweden. It’s a herding dog, and was always a farm dog in that country.

It was in 1943 that the dog was first recognized as a breed by the Swedish Kennel Club. Only later, in 1996, did the American Kennel Club start registering the breed.

Description

cirneco dell etna puppy - descriptionThe Cirneco de’Etna is a sleek, muscular sighthound. His ears are close together and high on his head. The head is lean, and the skull is almost flat in profile. The muzzle is about the same length as the skull and the nose is large and its coloring matches the dog’s coat. They have hard pads the same color as their nails, but they are never black.

swedish vallhund puppy - descriptionLooking much like a cross between a Corgi and the German Shepherd, the Swedish Valhund is a medium sized dog that stands between 30 and 34cm in height and weighs between 9 and 14kg.

His medium length weather-resistant coat is available in wolf like shades – cream, grey, brown etc. The tail can be long or bobbed and the medium sized ears are held erect.

Temperament:

Intelligent, confident, independent, alert, playful and active, your Swedish Valhund promises to make a good family pet.

You'll need to be an active, outdoor type of family though, as he isn’t a couch potato type of dog, snoozing in front of the TV.

He wants to be up and about going on long walks or playing ball games that give him a good run. If he gets his fair share of exercise he can adapt to life in the city or the countryside.

He is intelligent too and will respond well to training and socialization.

He just loves his human family and wants to be constantly with them. He won’t do well if you just keep him locked outside away from everyone. He is social, alert innovative and entertaining as well as being a good guard dog.

Characteristics

cirneco dell etna dog - characteristicsThe Cirneco de’Enta is an independent and intelligent breed. They are good-natured and love to be with their people. They are more trainable than the usual sighthound. They are loyal and fun loving but they need a job.

swedish vallhund dog - characteristicsYour Swedish Valhund is such a confident, independent dog and he promises to be a loving, faithful pet. He's also alert and will let you know if strangers are approaching his property.

He is a calm, easy going pet and is capable of adapting to quiet or noisy homes. He may be quite a strange looking dog, but he's got a whole lot of loving to give.

Health Problems

cirneco dell etna puppies - health problemsLike many dogs that come from ancient breeds with little cross breeding over the years, there are not a lot of inherited issues for the Cirneco de’Etna. Also, there are so few dogs remaining that little is known about their health in general and there are no studies to go on. Some breeders will do test despite the fact that none are recommended.

Their most common health issues are acquired such as injuries from running or competitions and obesity. Both can be controlled by the owner.

swedish vallhund puppies - health problemsCapable of living a long, healthy life, the Swedish Valhund isn’t likely to fall victim to some of the many dog illnesses there are, and yet it is wise to be alert to some of them that he could get.

One of these is an hereditary eye disease known as retinopathy. Its where there is degeneration of the retinal photoreceptor cells. This eye disease can lead to blindness.  

You need to be careful with this pet of yours, because with his long back and short legs he can so easily hurt his back if he leaps off a bed or high chair.

Whenever you pick this dog up, always support his legs and back. Don’t pick them up without supporting both the front legs and the rear end.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

cirneco dell etna dogs - caringThe Cirneco needs a good quality food since they are such high energy dogs. Be careful not to overfeed them so that they become obese.

Health issues

As previously mentioned, the main concern for owners is injuries acquired while on a running course or in the activities of daily living. They have been known to hurt their feet. They need their ears checked regularly for any signs of infection or irritation. Clean out any excess water or dirt.

Exercise and games

This is an intelligent, hardy breed that needs mental and physical stimulation. They need a job, or they can be a major problem. They love hunting of course but also excel at agility, lure crossing, and competition. He is loyal and loves being with people. Take him for long walks but don’t let him off the leash.

swedish vallhund dogs - caringTry and feed your Swedish Valhund two meals a day instead of just one, so that he doesn’t gobble down his food too quickly.

Your dog can be prone to obesity, so you have to be careful with the way you feed him. Overfeeding a dog packs on extra weight and this puts strain on the joints.

Apart from the dry kibble that you feed him, try to include some tasty, nutritious homemade food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach.

This can all be chopped up and added to his dry kibble. Some raw meat added to the diet can only be to his benefit. Remember to always ensure a bowl of fresh, cool water is available.

General Care:

Give his thick coat a brush twice a week to remove dead hair. Brushing also stimulates the sebaceous glands that produces oil which gives the coat is sheen.

Open his mouth and check for rotting teeth which can be painful for him.

Trim his nails because left long, they can hook onto things and rip the skin open.

Check inside the ears too for redness which could mean an ear infection.You get dog wipes that you can wipe the ear out with. There are always professional dog groomers who can do these chores for you if you don't want to.

See that his vaccines are up to date and that if he shows signs of illness, you get him to the vet.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Cirneco dell'Etna vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Cirneco dell'Etna vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Cirneco dell'Etna vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Cirneco dell'Etna vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Cirneco dell'Etna vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Cirneco dell'Etna vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Cirneco dell'Etna vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Swedish Vallhund vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Swedish Vallhund vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Swedish Vallhund vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Swedish Vallhund vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Swedish Vallhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Swedish Vallhund vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Swedish Vallhund vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Swedish Vallhund vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Swedish Vallhund vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Swedish Vallhund vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Swedish Vallhund vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Swedish Vallhund vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Swedish Vallhund vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Swedish Vallhund vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Swedish Vallhund vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Swedish Vallhund vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Swedish Vallhund vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Swedish Vallhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Swedish Vallhund vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Swedish Vallhund vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Swedish Vallhund vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Swedish Vallhund vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Swedish Vallhund vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Swedish Vallhund vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Swedish Vallhund vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison