By Maureen Foley

FIRST CIRNECO DELL' ETNA PUPPIES IN BRITAIN

Until a few weeks ago Milena was still the only Cirneco dell' Etna on the K.C. Import Register, now three and a half years old I am planning a litter from her later this year. Meanwhile Milena's breeders in Milan, Jane Moore and Domenico Tricomi arranged to bring a bitch, Rosy, to Britain in whelp, she had been pet passported and mated to a lovely Sicilian dog. Rosy was to live with Jane's sister Kate in London, but the best laid plans can go wrong as Kate accepted a proposal of marriage which would coincide with the whelping. Obviously Jane was disappointed so it fell to me to offer a temporary home for Rosy. Jane and Rosy arrived after an uncomplicated journey. Jane stayed with me for a week to see Rosy settled, no problems there she accepted Milena, the four Maltese and cat proving the lovely temperament of the breed.

The puppies were born on 31st July with the help of my daughter Marina, five in all the first Cirneco dell' Etna puppies to be born in Britain. Rosy is an excellent mother and everything is going well but I am sure things will not be so peaceful in a few weeks time when they are running around.

The structure of the breed in Britain will be based on Milena and Rosy's puppies this holds some exciting prospects for the future.