Spinone Italiano vs Cirneco dell'Etna - Breed Comparison

Spinone Italiano vs Cirneco dell'Etna - Breed ComparisonBoth Cirneco dell'Etna and Spinone Italiano are originated from Italy. Cirneco dell'Etna may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Spinone Italiano. Cirneco dell'Etna may weigh 27 kg / 59 pounds lesser than Spinone Italiano. Cirneco dell'Etna may live 3 years more than Spinone Italiano. Both Cirneco dell'Etna and Spinone Italiano has almost same litter size. Both Cirneco dell'Etna and Spinone Italiano requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Gun dog
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Italy
Italy
Height Male:
46 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 12 kg
22 - 27 pounds
34 - 39 kg
74 - 86 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 10 kg
17 - 23 pounds
32 - 37 kg
70 - 82 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 12 Years
8 - 9 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
4 - 11
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Sicilian Hound
Spinone Italian Spinone Italian Griffon Italian Wire-haired Pointer Italian Coarsehaired Pointer
Colors Available:
light to dark tan , Light sand
white with orange markings, white with brown markings, and brown roan with or without brown markings , orange roan with or without orange markings, solid white
Coat:
Short on head, short to semi-long on body
tough, slightly wiry, and close fitting. rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate 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.

spinone italianoThis Italian breed has an ancient blood line tracing all the back to 500 BC. Originally bred to hunt, he is today a friendly, alert and loyal companion. He is intelligent enough to do any job you give him. The Spinone is thought to be one of the oldest gun dogs ever, but it is not entirely clear that he came from Italy. There are some who think he may have come from somewhere in these European countries – Italy, Greece, France, Celtic Ireland, Spain or Russia. However, most believe the breed came from Italy in the Piedmont area.

The most common thinking is that he is a descendent of the Spanish Pointer and/or the Russian Setter. One other theory is that setters from Greece were brought to the Roman Empire and crossed with a variety of Italian dog to make the coarse haired Spinone we see today. Then the French put in their claim that the breed is a cross of many French pointers.

The theory that counts might just belong to the Italians who believe the ancestor to the Spinone includes the German Wirehaired Pointer, the Pudelpointer and the Wirehaired Pointer. It was not until the 19th century that the name Spinone was officially given to the breed.

Before that it might have been known as a Spinoso and named after a thorn bus in Italy called the Spino. This bush was so thick and sharp that small prey animals learned to hide under it because the predators could not get through it. The Spinone however was able to fight through the briars with its thick, coarse hair and tough skin.

The breed almost became extinct during the second world war as before and after the hunters in Italy had started to use other breeds for hunting. Breeders also began to cross the Spinone with wire hairs like German Wirehaired Pointer, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and the Boulet.

The most popular hunting dog in Italy today is the Bracco Italiano while the Spinone is still used for hunting.

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.

spinone italiano puppy - descriptionThe breed is made up of strong, solid and muscled dogs that have an almost square build. His legs are made to travel any terrain and his head is long with an occipital that is pronounced and unique to the Spinone. They are said to have “human appearing eyes”, with a docked tail in countries allowing it and webbed paws.

Shorter hair covers their feet, head, legs, muzzle and ears. They have longer hair on their eyebrows and it is stiff, with soft hair on the muzzle and cheeks with a beard and mustache. It is a single coated dog though the coat is rough. They should have skin, lips, nose, and pads in colors that coordinate with their coats. For white dog it is a red-orange color, brown in dogs that are roan colored and dark red-orange in the orange and white colored 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.

1.Children friendliness – yes they live kids.

2.Special talents – Digging and running.

spinone italiano dog - characteristics3.Adaptability – Young dogs need a lot of attention but they don’t need a lot of space. The young dogs are energetic while the adult dogs are laid-back. They need exercise every day and at least a small back yard.

4.Learning ability – good/stubborn/intelligent.

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.

spinone italiano puppies - health problemsThis is an ancient breed with not a lot of documented genetic issues, but it does have one deadly condition.

• Cerebellar ataxia (CA) is inherited and hits the puppies. Because it is a recessive gene both the mother and father must carry it for the puppy to inherit it. This makes it less likely than it would be otherwise. Puppies with the condition do not live more than a year. Since it is a genetic problem there is now a test for it that identifies carriers at a 95% accuracy rate.

• Like many other large breed dogs, they are susceptible to hip dysplasia. This can cause arthritis and/or lameness. There are now hip replacement surgeries available for this condition.

• Bloat is again common in large dogs and you need to watch for it with the Spinone. It can be deadly if not treated immediately. Let your dog rest quietly after eating. Do not let her exercise or play energetically after eating.

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.

spinone italiano dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy – feed a high quality dog food for puppies of large breeds. Feed 3-4x day but don’t overfeed or let him exercise after eating even as a puppy.

2.Feeding the adult - feed a high quality dog food for large breeds. Feed 1-2X day but don’t overfeed or let him exercise after eating.

3.Points for Good Health – Active and strong

4. Games and Exercises – The Spinone is an active breed, but not a fast dog. In fact, they like to travel at a trot so it becomes a great dog for jogging or running with. They love to jump, track, hunt, hike. They do well with agility, retrieving, flyball, carting, being a therapy dog, a rescue dog and a watchdog.

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