Huntaway vs Cirneco dell'Etna - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Huntaway vs Cirneco dell'Etna - Breed ComparisonCirneco dell'Etna is originated from Italy but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Cirneco dell'Etna may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Huntaway. Cirneco dell'Etna may weigh 34 kg / 74 pounds lesser than Huntaway. Both Cirneco dell'Etna and Huntaway has almost same life span. Cirneco dell'Etna may have more litter size than Huntaway. Cirneco dell'Etna requires Moderate Maintenance. But Huntaway requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
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Italy
New Zealand
Height Male:
46 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 12 kg
22 - 27 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 10 kg
17 - 23 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
5 - 7
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Sicilian Hound
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
light to dark tan , Light sand
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
Short on head, short to semi-long on body
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low 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.

huntawayThe Huntaway or New Zealand Huntaway is a herding dog that originated in the New Zealand sheep country. Their main purpose is to drive sheep and they are not an old breed. They were developed late in the 19th century for their working skills. The only real criteria was that they were black and tan. A dog must win a trial in order to be placed in the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association studbook. They drive sheep mainly through their deep, loud voice.

In the New Zealand high country there was a need for a working dog with stamina, agility and intelligence to work the sheep as a drover (herder). The dog had to be able to handle rough, steep land and work with very large groups of sheep. The sheer area of land that the sheep graze and the dog would have to cover, demanded that this dog have stamina and strength to cover large pasture land and work for days if necessary. Before this the shepherds had used British sheepdogs but they preferred dogs that barked while working. So they bred the British Sheepdogs with Collies, Border Collies, Labrador, Rottweiler, Doberman and other barking sheepdogs to create the Huntaway. In addition to the bark, they bred for stamina and size.

They were participating in field trails in 1870 and ads for them were seen in newspapers by 1884. They became a separate breed in the 20th century. Today they are spreading around the world and are becoming very popular. It is not recommended that they be kept as pets however, since they are true working dogs.

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.

huntaway puppy - descriptionThe Huntaway is a large dog with a deep chest and a black and tan coat. They are strong, big and muscular with voices to match. They herd, head, work the sheep in pastures and force them into pens. They are bred to have that big authoritative, deep bark. They do not yap. Their bodies are well proportioned but longer than high. They have well - padded feet and a deep chest for stamina, along with strong legs and body that allows them to run fast and change directions at will.

The tail of a Huntaway if long, while their heads are shaped like blocks while the muzzle is long and the nose is black. They have dark, round eyes and long ears. An unusually attractive dog, they have dense fur with fringe on the tail and chest. There is characteristics a very large variety in the in the way the breed looks from one dog to the next. Thus they do not participate in confirmation events, as the standard is based on working characteristics rather than appearance guidelines. They are more a “class” than a “breed”.

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.

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristicsThey are very good with children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, speed and independence

Adaptability

Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.

Learning ability

Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.

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.

huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis
  • Cancer of bone – life threatening
  • Ear Infections – long eared dogs are prone to infections
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPS IIIA) – rare metabolic issue can cause neurological problems.
  • Dilated Caridomyopathy (DCM) – enlarged heart can cause heart failure

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.

Feeding the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caringIf you are not using your Huntaway to herd, then feed a medium formula not a high protein, high calorie formula. Feed 3-4 times a day and 1-2 cups.

Feeding the adult

3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.

Points for Good Health

Exceptional stamina

Games and Exercises

This herding breed has a great need of mental and physical stimulation. They were born to herd and to do so over vast tracts of land in challenging conditions. They need to be challenged. They need daily exercise at a very high level. A Run them every day or take them on a couple of long walks. They will excel in field trials, Barnhunt, agility and rescue. They love to learn.

Comparison with other breeds

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