Cirneco Dell'etna
- Medium
- Hound Group
- Popularity rank 184
The Cirneco dell'Etna is a slender Sicilian sighthound with large upright ears and an ancient hunting heritage. Sweet-natured, independent, and very fast, this medium-sized hound is a bit more trainable than most sighthounds.
- Height
- 17 to 20
- inches at the shoulder
- Males 18 to 20, females 17 to 19 in
- Weight
- 19 to 28
- pounds, adult
- Males 20 to 28, females 19 to 25 lb
- Life expectancy
- 15 to 16
- years, median 15.5
- Senior from
- 11.6
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Temperament
- Independent, friendly, affectionate
- Coat
- Smooth, short
- Origin
- Italy
- Recognized
- 2015
2015: rank 162, 2016: rank 183, 2017: rank 184, 2018: rank 183, 2019: rank 187, 2020: rank 179, 2021: rank 183, 2022: rank 184, 2023: rank 184, 2024: rank 191, 2025: rank 184
The Cirneco dell'Etna (say "cheer-NEK-o"; Cirnechi is the plural) is a medium-sized sighthound from Sicily, often described as a smaller version of the Pharaoh Hound. Standing 17 to 20 inches tall and weighing 19 to 28 pounds, this slender but rugged hunter has the lithe, leggy build typical of its group.
Its short coat ranges from light to dark tan or chestnut, and large, upright ears emphasize alert amber or ochre eyes that complement the coat. In temperament, the Cirneco is sweet-natured, independent, friendly, and affectionate, with the speed you would expect from a sighthound.
The breed has changed little since antiquity. The American Kennel Club recognized it in 2015. Cirnechi are also said to be a bit more trainable than the usual sighthound, and they typically live 15 to 16 years.
Temperament and needs
Scored 1 to 5 for the breed overall. Individual dogs vary.
- Affectionate with family4 out of 5
- Good with young children4 out of 5
- Good with other dogs4 out of 5
- Openness to strangers4 out of 5
- Playfulness4 out of 5
- Watchdog and protective nature3 out of 5
- Adaptability4 out of 5
- Trainability4 out of 5
- Energy level3 out of 5
- Mental stimulation needs4 out of 5
- Barking level2 out of 5
- Shedding1 out of 5
- Grooming frequency1 out of 5
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
A Cirneco dell'Etna in appropriate lean condition has a visible abdominal tuck when viewed from the side. From above, the waist should form an hourglass shape. The ribs should also be easy to feel.
Choose food suited to the dog's age and activity level. Keep fresh water available, learn which human foods are safe, and ask a veterinarian or breeder about weight or diet concerns.
Grooming
The Cirneco's short, smooth coat is low-maintenance and sheds very little. A gentle weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or hound glove keeps it in good shape, with an occasional bath only as needed.
Ears are the main thing to watch. Check them weekly for dirt and wax buildup, and clean them when needed with soft gauze and an ear-cleaning solution your breeder or veterinarian recommends.
Trim the nails often if exercise does not wear them down, since overly long nails cause discomfort. Like all dogs, the Cirneco also needs regular dental care, including at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings, to support long-term health.
Exercise
Moderate exercise and mental stimulation suit the Cirneco's intelligent, inquisitive nature. The Cirneco Dell'etna enjoys long walks and activities with its people, and it thrives when it has a function, whether that is competing in canine events or simply being an interactive family member.
Because of its strong hunting instincts, keep it on lead in any area that is not securely enclosed, as it may not resist the urge to chase perceived prey. A fenced yard gives it room to play, but do not leave it outside alone for long periods, since it would be lonely and unhappy.
This breed naturally taps into its hunting instinct through dog sports that follow the desire for the chase.
Training
The Cirneco has the strong, independent temperament a hunter needs, yet it is friendly and affectionate and makes an excellent family pet. As with most sighthounds, it responds well to positive, gentle methods and trains successfully for obedience, rally, agility, and tracking. Many Cirnechi especially enjoy lure coursing.
Early socialization and puppy training classes help it grow into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. The Cirneco Dell'etna's strong prey drive calls for care when introducing it to cats and small animals, since it will chase small, furry quarry that crosses its path.
Health conditions
1 condition is documented for the Cirneco Dell'etna.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- Cirneco Oculo-Neurological SyndromeNervous System & Behavioral
Sources
- American Kennel Club: Cirneco dell'Etna
- Wisdom Panel: Cirneco dell'Etna
- Cirneco dell'Etna Club of America: Cirnechi Athletic Fitness
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