Moscow Water Dog vs Cirneco dell'Etna - Breed Comparison

Cirneco dell'Etna is originated from Italy but Moscow Water Dog is originated from Russia. Cirneco dell'Etna may grow 24 cm / 9 inches shorter than Moscow Water Dog. Cirneco dell'Etna may weigh 43 kg / 94 pounds lesser than Moscow Water Dog. Both Cirneco dell'Etna and Moscow Water Dog has same life span. Both Cirneco dell'Etna and Moscow Water Dog has almost same litter size. Both Cirneco dell'Etna and Moscow Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
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Italy
Russia
Height Male:
46 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
64 - 74 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 12 kg
22 - 27 pounds
45 - 55 kg
99 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 10 kg
17 - 23 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 12 Years
8 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
5 - 12
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Sicilian Hound
Moscow River Dog, Московский Водолаз, Moscow Vodolaz, Moskovsky Vodolaz, • Russian Newfoundland,Moscow Diver, Vodolaz, Moscow Retriever,
Colors Available:
light to dark tan , Light sand
dark brown to black, black
Coat:
Short on head, short to semi-long on body
double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

The Moscow Water Dog was developed in the Soviet Union around the same time as other classic Soviet dogs. The Moscow Watchdog and the Black Russian Terrier are a couple of these other dogs. The Water Dog came from crossing the Caucasian Oytcharka with the Newfoundland. The breed is known by many names including the Vodolaz which means “diver of deep Water”. The Moscow Water Dog was only bred in the Russian state’s Red Star Kennels as working dogs for the military.

Following the second World War, most of the working dogs had been destroyed during the war. Not enough dogs could be imported to begin a breeding program for any working breed. So, the Soviet Red Star Kennels began to create several working breeds. Included in this group with the Moscow Water Dog, were the Moscow Newfoundland, the Moscow Great Dane, the Black Russian Terrier, and the Brudasty Hound.

The only really successful breed coming from this program is the Russian Black Terrier. All the rest are either extinct or found only in Russia today. The Moscow Water Dog was supposed to be a life saver/water rescue dog, but the dogs they developed were too aggressive, and the program was scrapped. It seemed that the cross had bred a dog that had too much of the working water dog traits and not enough of the rescue dog traits. The military breeders tried to pass the dogs off as a Russian Newfoundland and sell it to the non-military.

These non-military owners of the few “Russian Newfoundland”, did not try to change the dogs through breeding. Instead over time they bred the Russian Newfoundland with pure bred Newfoundlands almost eliminating the “Russian” portion of the breed. By the early 1980’s the stock had been so diluted with the pure Newfoundland that the Russian Newfoundland was basically extinct.

The Red Army kennel had other breeds with some of the genes of this breed in their lines. This included the Brudasty Hound, the Moscow Great Dane, the Caucasian Oycharka, the Moscow Watchdog and the Russian Black Terrier. The Russian Navy was unhappy with the situation and never again let the army developed the Navy’s waterdog.

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 Moscow Water Dog was intelligent, vigilant, an excellent swimmer, and great in artic waters. However, he was too aggressive and instead of saving the swimmer, they would attack them. The Moscow Water Dog is a tall, balanced and powerful dog. They have a wide muzzle and a square head like the Newfoundland. Their eyes are dark and small while the ears are triangular. The nose and lips are black. He has webbed feet of course and a hanging tail.

The coat on the Moscow Water Dog was of course waterproof and double. The top coat is very dense, straight and soft. It is usually a dark brown with some black and white.

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

yes

Special talents

Swimming and stamina

Adaptability

Yes but needed some land. Better in countryside.

Learning ability

This is an intelligent dog, but he could not be trained out of his aggressiveness.

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.

Because the breed was around for such a short period there is not a lot of documentation or information regarding genetic or propensity health issues. There are however a few issues that just his heritage and Newfoundland blood would lend itself to.

  • Tendency toward obesity. Do not free feed.
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – could lead to arthritis.
  • Bloat or gastric torsion – could be fatal.
  • Cardiovascular issues.
  • Addison’s Disease
  • Hypothyroidism

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

Required high quality food made specifically for large or giant puppies. Feed 3-4 times a day a total of 21/2 -3 cups.

Feeding the adult

Required high quality food made for large or giant dog breeds. Feed twice a day a total of 2 cups.

Games and Exercises

The Moscow Water Dog did not need a high level of exercise, but they did have a lot of stamina. They loved to swim. Not overly active – more of a couch potato.

Comparison with other breeds

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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