Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Cirneco dell'Etna - Breed Comparison

Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Cirneco dell'Etna - Breed ComparisonCirneco dell'Etna is originated from Italy but Fox Terrier (Smooth) is originated from United Kingdom. Cirneco dell'Etna may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Fox Terrier (Smooth). Both Cirneco dell'Etna and Fox Terrier (Smooth) are having almost same weight. Cirneco dell'Etna may live 3 years less than Fox Terrier (Smooth). Both Cirneco dell'Etna and Fox Terrier (Smooth) has almost same litter size. Both Cirneco dell'Etna and Fox Terrier (Smooth) requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Terrier dog
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Italy
United Kingdom
Height Male:
46 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
Height Female:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 12 kg
22 - 27 pounds
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 10 kg
17 - 23 pounds
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Sicilian Hound
Smooths Fox Terrier Smooth Coat, Foxy, SFT
Colors Available:
light to dark tan , Light sand
white with brown, black, tan or ginger markings
Coat:
Short on head, short to semi-long on body
dense, flat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
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.

fox terrier smoothThe Smooth Fox Terrier is one of two Fox Terrier breeds, the other being the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. Fox Terriers are believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds and the ancestor of many terriers who came after. The Fox Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and the smooth Fox Terrier as a separate breed 100 years later in 1985. Some clubs still consider the two types of Fox Terriers as the same breed. The standard for smooth Fox Terrier was written in 1876 but not accepted until 1985.

Both breeds of Fox Terriers are thought to originate in the late 1800’s descended from various British Terriers, the beagle, the dachshund and the Fox Hound. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a base coat that is white. The hunters bred them this way, so they would not mistake them for the fox during the hunt. They have also been very successful in prestigious dog shows including Crufts in England and New York Westminster in the United States.

They are not that popular today unless you are hunting and showing them in Confirmation Competitions. However, the Smooth Fox Terrier is significant because of all the terriers that consider it their direct ancestor. This would include the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier and the Miniature Fox Terrier.

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.

fox terrier smooth puppy - descriptionThe Smooth Fox Terrier is distinguished from the Wirehaired and other terriers by his V-shaped head and white based coat. The coat can have tan, black and black and tan marks on the white coat. The Smooth Fox Terrier is sturdy, strong, sleek and symmetrical. The breed has a short back, and proportioned legs. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a flat skull and tapered muzzle. The nose is black, and the eyes are dark. He has v-shaped ears and a docked tail. Docking is no longer legal throughout the United Kingdom.

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.

Characteristics

fox terrier smooth dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness They shouldn’t be trusted with young children but if raised with older children ok

Special talents

They are good at performing tricks, Search and rescue, narcotics detection, tracking, and disability assistance.

Adaptability

Fox Terrier is adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

They have very good learning ability and are very intelligent but can be stubborn

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.

fox terrier smooth puppies - health problemsOne of the major problems for the Smooth Fox Terrier that the Wirehaired does not face is the potential for deafness. This is an issue in dogs that are mostly white in color. Other concerns that he does share with the Wirehaired Terrier are:

  1. Distichiasis
  2. Eye lash in an abnormal place causing pain
  3. Legg-Perthes Disease
  4. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
  5. Shoulder Dislocation
  6. Causes pain and arthritis
  7. Post-nasal Drip
  8. Just annoying
  9. Mast Cell Tumor
  10. Cancer – could be fatal
  11. Myasthenia Gravis

Causes muscle weakness and problems swallowing.

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

fox terrier smooth dogs - caringFeed 2-3 meals per day and divide 1/8-1/4 cup

Feeding the adult

Feed two meals per day and divide ½ cup

Points for Good Health

hearing and vision

Games and Exercises

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an athlete requiring a lot of exercise. Take him on long walks and play with him in a large fenced yard. Don’t coup him up in the house. Be careful not to exercise him off leash as he will chase anything that moves and will not come when called. They need mental stimulation as well as physical. They are good at hunting, agility, tracking, performing tricks and being a watchdog.

Comparison with other breeds

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