If a conformation dog show ring favors “reach and drive” (not strictly true under judges who know their breed standards), the Cirneco dell’Etna would be at a disadvantage.
The Cirneco’s breed standard reads, “Springy trot without excessive extension.” And what we love about this sentence is that it is a variation of “form follows function.” The Cirneco is a breed whose movement follows function.
The length of a Cirneco upper arm is slightly less than the length of its shoulder blade, and this helps position the elbow closer to the body and aligning it under the dog’s withers. The Cirneco’s scapulo-humeral angle is also typically moderate to ensure smooth articulation between the dog’s shoulder blade and upper arm.
And here we ask a pertinent question in understanding a breed: Why?
The snappy answer is that the shorter upper arm and springy step is a functional adaptation. It is an alignment that enhances stability and balance while the dog moves.
But why does a Cirneco need enhanced stability? The image below is why:
Mt. Etna volcanic rock by RSRingstad/iStock
The Cirneco dell’Etna originates from Sicily, Italy in the region around Mount Etna, the island’s iconic volcano. In fact, the breed’s name combines “Cirneco,” (from the Latin cyrenaicus referring to North African hounds), and “dell’Etna,” referencing Mount Etna. The breed’s present name appeared for the first time in 1533 in a Sicilian law, but that law is a post for another time.
For now, note that the terrain you see in the photo above is where the Cirneco hunted, and ask yourself: How would a far reaching gait serve a dog hunting in such an uneven, rocky landscape?
It wouldn’t.
A dog hunting for rabbits on steep, rocky slopes with loose volcanic rocks, crevices, and unexpected dips must be agile and constantly adjust its footing to maintain balance. Perhaps most important in understanding the Cirneco’s movement is the dog’s ability to leap over boulders, scramble up steep inclines, and maneuver through tight spaces to flush out rabbits hiding in crevices. The shoulder blade length provides leverage for stride length, while a short forearm and a lifting motion enable sure-footed climbing on irregular terrain without compromising agility. These anatomical adaptations make the Cirneco dell’Etna uniquely suited to thrive in challenging environments, showcasing its remarkable blend of power, precision, and resilience.
Image: Cirneco dell’Etna by Dawn Secord
http://www.dawnsecord.com/DogArtGallery.html
https://artofthedog.blogspot.com/2012/08/cirneco-delletna.html