Cirneco dell'Etna vs Chug - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

The Chug is a crossbreed with the Pug and the Chihuahua. It is a hybrid not a purebred. Over the past ten to fifteen years people have been developing the Chug, mostly in the United States. People were looking for a lapdog with the characteristics of both the Chihuahua and the Pug. The hybrid dog has characteristics of both breeds, both physical and behavioral. Of course, the Chug is not recognized by the AKC, but it is recognized by hybrid and designer dog clubs such as The American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Kennel and the International Designer Canine Registry.

The 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.

The Chug can vary greatly in looks and build from one dog to another. For the most part however, Chugs are small compact dogs, sturdy and muscular. They have a very expressive and lovable face with folding ears, almond shape eyes and short muzzles. Their faces are similar in looks to that of a miniature boxer. .

The 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.

Because they are a hybrid, chugs can have a very wide range of different characteristics depending upon whether they have more from the Pug or more from the Chihuahua. But either way they are very lovable little dogs with big personalities. Regardless of whether your dog favors the clown Pug or the stately Chihuahua, your puppy will be a lovable ball of fur. He will be affectionate, friendly and aggressive to bigger dogs.

The 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.

Some of the health issues that Chugs face include the respiratory issues that both the Chug and Chihuahua have to deal with. They also can have patellar luxation leading to lameness and arthritis.Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar can result in fainting or coma, confusion or seizures.

Like 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.

Feeding

Pugs have great appetites and love to eat and Chihuahuas wont turn down a meal so be careful not to overfeed your Chug. It is important to feed a small breed formula whether you use dry or wet food.

Health issues

Some additional issues that Chugs deal with in respect to health include:

Joint issues

Both elbow and knee inflammations can lead to arthritis and lameness

Eye Issues

Chugs can have runny eyes or cherry eye. If they have cherry eye you will want to treat it immediately or there could be secondary issues with inflammation and infection.

Exercise and games

Chugs may be little, but they still need a moderate amount of exercise every day. A regular walk will do or indoor or outdoor playtime every day. They like obedience, rally and some can do small dog agility, but they would have to be on the larger size for Chugs. Chugs also make great therapy dogs.

Feeding

The 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.