Pugnaces Britanniae vs Cirneco dell'Etna - Breed Comparison

Cirneco dell'Etna is originated from Italy but Pugnaces Britanniae is originated from United Kingdom. Cirneco dell'Etna may grow 23 cm / 9 inches shorter than Pugnaces Britanniae. Cirneco dell'Etna may weigh 98 kg / 216 pounds lesser than Pugnaces Britanniae. Cirneco dell'Etna may live 3 years less than Pugnaces Britanniae. Cirneco dell'Etna may have less litter size than Pugnaces Britanniae. Cirneco dell'Etna requires Moderate Maintenance. But Pugnaces Britanniae requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Miscellaneous dogs
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Italy
United Kingdom
Height Male:
46 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
67 - 75 cm
26 - 30 inches
Height Female:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
67 - 75 cm
26 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 12 kg
22 - 27 pounds
52 - 110 kg
114 - 243 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 10 kg
17 - 23 pounds
52 - 110 kg
114 - 243 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
10 - 15
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Sicilian Hound
War Dog of Britannia
Colors Available:
light to dark tan , Light sand
brindle, tan, Fawn
Coat:
Short on head, short to semi-long on body
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
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.

Pugnaces Britanniae is a dog which is now extinct. There isn't certainty surrounding the origins of the dog but it is thought they descended from dogs brought to Britain way back in the 6th century BC already.

These are ancient dogs, and when you do research you find references dating back to centuries ago. In fact when you read of the Roman conquest of Britain you read of huge dogs, which the Romans referred to as Pugnaces Britanniae.

It is believed that the English Mastiff descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae and that the dog was used as a war dog.

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.

The Pugnaces Britanniae was a huge dog standing at roughly 67 to 75cm and weighing 52 to 110kg.

He was a heavily built dog, a Mastiff type dog that had a large head, broad muzzle with fairly loose skin around the mouth, brown eyes, a broad back and rump, muscular legs and floppy ears with a long tail. In fact the Mastiff, thought to have descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae, gives you an idea of what the dog looked like. He no doubt has a short, smooth coat available in fawn, tan or brindle and with the black mask.

Temperament:

The Pugnaces Britannia was a naturally aggressive dog so it is to be expected that he wouldn’t automatically have been a good family dog, possibly being aggressive around children and other dogs. They were intelligent and were no doubt taught some simple commands.

They were also very territorial dogs, wanting to instinctively chase and attack unknown people and animals. They were strong minded, confident, loyal ad loving dogs towards their owners, being protective of them, wanting to please them.

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.

The Pugnaces Britanniae may well have been a large dog and quite imposing to look at but he was in all likelihood a good-natured pet who got on well with his family members, being loyal and loving if brought up correctly.

Long ago dog training and socialization didn’t exist but a large dog like this would have to be socialized and trained to become obedient and an amicable all-rounder.

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.

The Pugnaces Britanniae could live to 10, 11 or 12 years of age with good care. Large Mastiff type dogs like this would have had to watch out for common canine diseases such as hip dysplasia, cancer and bloat.

In those days, no screening tests were available for health problems like this. Gastric dilatation volvulus or bloat is a common health issue with large, deep chested dogs where the stomach fills with gas and the stomach twists. Its a life threatening disease.

Canine heart disease is another serious health issue with these mastiff type dogs. Early stages with heart disease show there may well be no symptoms at all. However, as the heart disease progresses towards congestive heart failure, the dog will have symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty with breathing, weight loss, a distended abdomen and coughing.

A dog with symptoms like this would have to see a vet immediately.

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.

Diet:

The diets of ancient dogs were different to what they are today, as in those days there were no commercially manufactured dog foods. Dog owners in all likelihood tossed scraps to them which included starch.

Today a large dog such as the extinct Pugnaces Britannia would have no doubt been fed a high quality kibble from a leading brand and packed with minerals and vitamins specially formulated for a large dog breed.

Homemade food is also important, but not any kind of food – it has to be food which doesn’t upset the dog’s digestive system. Simple but nutritious food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach is ideal for a dog, and when it is chopped up can be added twice a week to the dry kibble for a tasty, healthy treat.

Raw meat added in occasionally is also hugely beneficial. No dog should ever be without fresh, cool water constantly available.

Grooming:

As a short haired dog, the Pugnaces Britanniae would have required a brushing twice a week to rid the dog of loose hairs. Maybe in those days they didn’t check their dogs over to see that all was well, but today you would need to check the inside of the ears. If the insides were red, it could be a sign of an ear infection brought on by dampness, excess wax and dirt.

The eyes would need to be checked for discharge and the teeth checked a well. One rotten tooth can cause a lot of havoc. The nails of the dog would have had to be checked and clipped as well.

Exercise:

As a war dog, the Pugnaces Britanniae would have been fit. He is a big dog and while they require exercise such as walks and hide-and-seek type of games, he isn’t the kind of dog that would go running with you on a jog, as large, heavy dogs can overheat easily.

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. Pugnaces Britanniae vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Pugnaces Britanniae vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Pugnaces Britanniae vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Pugnaces Britanniae vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Pugnaces Britanniae vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Pugnaces Britanniae vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison