Cirneco dell'Etna vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison

Cirneco dell'Etna vs American Staghound - Breed ComparisonAmerican Staghound is originated from United States but Cirneco dell'Etna is originated from Italy. American Staghound may grow 25 cm / 10 inches higher than Cirneco dell'Etna. American Staghound may weigh 29 kg / 64 pounds more than Cirneco dell'Etna. Both American Staghound and Cirneco dell'Etna has almost same life span. American Staghound may have less litter size than Cirneco dell'Etna. American Staghound requires Low Maintenance. But Cirneco dell'Etna requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
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United States
Italy
Height Male:
67 - 77 cm
26 - 31 inches
46 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
63 - 75 cm
24 - 30 inches
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
10 - 12 kg
22 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 39 kg
48 - 86 pounds
8 - 10 kg
17 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
11 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
8 - 10
Size:
Giant
Medium
Other Names:
AS
Sicilian Hound
Colors Available:
Any
light to dark tan , Light sand
Coat:
Shag, Slick or Broken
Short on head, short to semi-long on body
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american staghoundThe American Staghound is hunting dog and type of sighthound that is not recognized as a separate breed. They have historically been bred to hunt coyotes and then other game. Even though they are not considered a separate breed some of their breeding lines have existed much longer than some officially recognized breeds. The American Staghound is a cross between the Greyhound and the Scottish Deerhound. There was probably some Borzoi mixed in as well. The Staghound is believed to have traveled with General Custer across the American West. The breed is a long-legged running dog with the speed of a Greyhound, the sighting ability of sight hounds and more endurance than any running breed. They are incredible athletes with amazing agility and have been bred to course game – coyotes mostly – and therefore are bred with a very intense prey drive. In the past they chased stags and deer and today they chase coyotes and hare. Coyotes are much faster than wolves and fight just as hard. The American Staghound is the only breed fast enough to track down the coyote. However, the breed is not recognized by the AKC. Hunting with an American Staghound today is not very different from hunting with them in medieval times. Strict breeding practices and the non-commercialization of the breed has led to the almost perfect preservation of this hunting breed. They have not changed very much over the centuries. They have been breeding Staghound to Staghound since the early 1800’s. At times very, good hunting dogs from Greyhound and Deerhound stock are added to the mix. For hundreds of years now the closed breeding has led to what might be the finest coyote chasing sighthound possible.

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.

Description

american staghound puppy - descriptionWhen you look at the American Staghound you can clearly see the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound lines. They have strong running muscles in their long legs and deep chest. He is of course a sight hound, so his vision is acute. His running endurance is second to none. It is this endurance in running all day that makes the American Staghound difference from the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound. Yes, both the Deerhound are greyhound are great runners, but the American Staghound runs just as fast with an endurance level ten times that of the other hounds. His heavy bones structure and thick skin are also different from the other racing fast sight hounds.

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.

Characteristics

american staghound dog - characteristicsThis dog was bred to run fast and long after something it sees. They are not considered hyperactive but won’t live well in a confined space such as an apartment or condo. You will need a single-family house with a large yard. Though they are affectionate, family dogs, they are not cut out to be guard dogs. They are not especially protective or territorial, though they may bark at what they can see in the distance. They are calm in their homes if exercised enough and great with children. They are often gentle and loving. They are pack oriented and accept other dogs, but they are not welcoming toward cats or other prey sized animals. Be careful with the AS around small children as he might knock them down or see them as prey as well. They consider anything smaller that runs to be prey. When chasing prey, they are not only fast and enduring, they are tenacious and courageous. Remember that this is a breed that has been bred true in order to hunt and only in order to hunt. Their hunting instincts will override almost any other. Over the centuries only the best hunters were allowed to be bred so that only the best hunters would be born.

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.

Health Problems

american staghound puppies - health problemsThe American Staghound has been bred so consistently within the breed and true that they exhibit very few health problems. All running dogs are susceptible to joint issues, but the Staghound has less than most. Two issues they do face more often are a problem with anesthesia if they ever need it and the propensity to be vulnerable to bloat. Since they are a centuries old hybrid there are no real health issues born of genetics.

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

american staghound dogs - caringIt is important that you don’t ever over feed you American Staghound as they are thin and bred to run. Even though they are heavier boned than their closest relatives, they are still very susceptible to obesity if overfed. The adult AS should be fed about 4-6 cups of dry food every day in at least 2 meals but 3 of more would be better. This will prevent bloat.

Health issues

As previously mentioned there are no genetic issues with the health of the American Staghound. Bred for one reason and one reason alone for many centuries has led to this healthy state. Also, as stated previously they can have issues with bloat and anesthesia. The issue with anesthesia comes from the fact that the American Staghound has very little body fat to muscle ration. The issue with bloat or torsion can be avoided with many smaller meals and not running your Staghound right after they eat a large meal.

Exercise and games

Of course, the American Staghound loves to run and if you are not going to hunt with her, you will have to find another source of vigorous physical activity. Every day from puppyhood on the AS must be stimulated mentally and physically in order to grow and mature correctly. He must have a home where the freedom to run is an everyday experience, not a dog park once a week. If you ride bikes, race walk or run on a daily basis this might be the dog for you. They obviously excel at games like lure coursing and can be good at agility.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Staghound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. American Staghound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. American Staghound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. American Staghound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. American Staghound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. American Staghound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. American Staghound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. American Staghound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Staghound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. American Staghound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. American Staghound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. American Staghound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. American Staghound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. American Staghound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. American Staghound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. American Staghound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. American Staghound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. American Staghound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. American Staghound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
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  23. American Staghound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. American Staghound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. American Staghound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  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