Home / Dog breeds / Cirneco dell'Etna
Cirneco dell'Etna breed guide
American Kennel Club (AKC) calls the Cirneco dell'Etna the sleek, sinewy ancient coursing hound of Sicily, an athletic hunter given to quick bursts of speed.
Often described as a smaller version of the Pharaoh Hound of Malta, it wears a coat from light to dark tan or chestnut.
- Height
- 18 to 20 inches male, 17 to 19 inches female
- Weight
- 20 to 28 pounds male, 19 to 25 pounds female
- AKC group
- Hound Group
Cirneco dell'Etna temperament
As housedogs, Cirnechi are mild, low-maintenance companions cherished for a loyal and gentle nature. AKC calls them typical sighthounds in many ways: sweet-natured and independent.
The strong, independent temperament that a hunter needs sits alongside a friendly, affectionate family pet and gentle training methods work well for obedience, rally, agility and tracking.
Cirneco dell'Etna lifespan
The Cirneco dell'Etna lives 15 to 16 years. AKC calls it a very hardy and healthy breed. Good nutrition, regular veterinary care, parasite control and enough mental and physical stimulation make for a happy, long-lived companion.
Cirneco dell'Etna care
The short, smooth coat needs minimal care: gentle weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or hound glove and an occasional bath only as needed.
Moderate exercise and mental stimulation are essential for an intensely intelligent, inquisitive dog. The Cirneco dell'Etna does best with a function, whether in the show ring, in canine events or as an interactive family member. It enjoys long walks.
Cirneco dell'Etna history
Ancient Egyptians are thought to have perfected the sighthounds and offshoots of the Egyptian Hound were bartered around the Middle East and Mediterranean. Cirneco comes from a Greek word meaning dog of Cyrene, in Libya.
The breed has likely lived in Sicily since its ancestors arrived some 3,000 years ago in ships piloted by the Phoenicians.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 3 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 4 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 1 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 2 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 4 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 4 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |
More Hound Group guides
Sources
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Cirneco dell'Etna by Pleple2000, CC BY-SA 4.0
