Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Cirneco dell'Etna has average to good robustness. Its simple maintenance and rustic constitution do not exclude regular veterinary follow-up or careful monitoring after activities in a natural environment.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
No particular breed predisposition is reported. Vigilance focuses mainly on the general condition, the skin, the ears, the eyes and the paw pads after outings, in order to quickly spot debris and external parasites.
Hip dysplasia: Like many dogs, the Cirneco dell'Etna may have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions: An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring of tearing or vision remain useful.
Otitis and skin allergies: Itching, redness, or dirty ears must be checked, especially if the dog works in dense cover.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its tolerance to heat is average, while its short coat offers limited protection against the cold. Outings and rest must therefore be adapted to weather conditions.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The breed may be prone to overweight. It is advisable to adjust the ration to the level of activity, to divide it into two daily meals and to increase it only when physical exertion, notably during hunting, justifies it.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Examine the coat and skin after each outing in a natural environment
- Check the ears, eyes and paw pads after returning from activities
- Brush the dog once a week
- Brush the teeth frequently to limit tartar and bacteria
- Trim the nails when they do not wear down naturally
Vaccination
Cirneco dell'Etna vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Cirneco dell'Etna need? Like all dogs, Cirneco dell'Etnas should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Cirneco dell'Etna vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Cirneco dell'Etna booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Cirneco dell'Etna need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Cirneco dell'Etna
Before breeding, request the relevant evaluations (hips, elbows, eyes, heart depending on the line) and a recent clinical examination. For a companion Cirneco de l'Etna, an annual check-up with monitoring of weight, teeth and locomotion remains essential.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
