Introduction: The Cirneco dell’Etna breed
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a small hunting breed that originated in Sicily, Italy. They were first bred by the Phoenicians, who settled in the region thousands of years ago. This breed is known for its ability to hunt rabbits and other small game in the rough terrain of Mount Etna. Due to their agility and speed, they can easily maneuver through rocky terrain in pursuit of their prey. The Cirneco dell’Etna is a rare breed, and their unique physical characteristics make them a fascinating and attractive breed.
Size and weight: How big are they?
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a small to medium-sized breed. The male Cirneco dell’Etna stands at around 18-20 inches (45-50 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighs around 22-26 pounds (10-12 kg), while the female stands at around 16-18 inches (40-45 cm) tall and weighs around 18-22 pounds (8-10 kg). They are a lean and muscular breed, with a graceful and elegant appearance.
Coat and color: The unique features of their fur
The Cirneco dell’Etna has a short, glossy coat that is usually a light shade of tan or grey, with white markings on the chest, feet, and tip of the tail. Their coat is weather-resistant, which helps protect them from the harsh conditions of Mount Etna. Their fur is soft to the touch and requires minimal grooming, making them an easy breed to care for.
Head and face: What sets them apart
The Cirneco dell’Etna has a long, narrow head with a slightly curved profile. Their muzzle is tapered and sharp, with a black nose and strong jaws. They have a deep- set, almond-shaped eyes that are usually a shade of amber or brown. Their forehead is slightly concave, which gives them an intelligent and alert expression. Overall, their head and face are one of their most striking features.
Ears and eyes: The distinctive traits
The Cirneco dell’Etna has large, erect ears that are set high on their head. Their ears are triangular in shape and have rounded tips. Their ears are extremely sensitive, which helps them locate prey while hunting. Their eyes are also a distinctive feature of their breed. They are large and almond-shaped, with a bright and alert expression.
Body and limbs: The overall structure
The Cirneco dell’Etna has a lean and muscular body, with a deep chest and a curved back. Their shoulders are well-muscled, which allows them to run and jump with ease. They have long, slender legs that are perfectly proportioned to their body. Their paws are small and compact, with well-arched toes that provide them with excellent grip and stability.
Tail and paws: Small but important details
The Cirneco dell’Etna has a long, slender tail that tapers to a point. Their tail is usually carried low when they are relaxed, but it can be raised when they are excited or alert. Their paws are small and compact, with well-arched toes that provide them with excellent grip and stability. They have thick pads on their feet that help protect them from the rough terrain of Mount Etna.
Movement and gait: How they walk and run
The Cirneco dell’Etna has a graceful and elegant gait. They move with a smooth, effortless stride that makes them look like they are gliding. They are extremely agile and can change direction quickly, which makes them excellent hunters. They have a high energy level and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
Overall appearance: A summary of their physical traits
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a unique and attractive breed. They have a lean and muscular body, with a short, glossy coat that is usually a light shade of tan or grey. Their distinctive features include their long, narrow head, large, almond-shaped eyes, and large, erect ears. They have a graceful and elegant gait that makes them look like they are gliding. Overall, they are a beautiful and fascinating breed.
Conclusion: The beauty of the Cirneco dell’Etna breed
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a rare and unique breed that is known for its agility, speed, and hunting ability. They are a beautiful and fascinating breed, with distinctive physical characteristics that set them apart from other breeds. They are a lean and muscular breed, with a short, glossy coat that is easy to care for. Their long, narrow head, large, almond-shaped eyes, and large, erect ears make them a striking and attractive breed. Overall, the Cirneco dell’Etna is a beautiful and fascinating breed that is a joy to own and care for.