Cirneco dell’Etna

Native to Sicily—especially the volcanic slopes around Mount Etna—the Cirneco dell’Etna was developed over centuries to hunt rabbits and other small game in hot, rocky terrain. Selected for stamina, heat tolerance, and keen senses, the breed remained largely unchanged as a rustic farm and hunting companion. Today it’s recognized internationally (Hound/Primitive-hunting classifications) and valued as a graceful, athletic family dog that still loves to work.

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A lightly built, square-to-slender hound with large pricked ears and a fine, close coat.

• Weight: ~18–26 lb (8–12 kg)
• Height: Males 18–20 in (46–50 cm); females 16.5–18.5 in (42–46 cm)
• Coat Type: Short, close, low-odour single coat
• Coat Colors: Light tan to dark chestnut; allowed white markings (chest, feet, blaze, tail tip)
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Large upright ears, amber eyes, dry lean musculature, deep but narrow chest, fine whip tail, springy ground-covering trot

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Minimal coat care—focus on skin, nails, and teeth.

• Brushing: 1×/week with a rubber mitt or soft brush
• Bathing: Every 4–8 weeks or as needed; quick rinse after dusty trails
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Check ears weekly; brush teeth 3–4×/week; trim nails every 2–3 weeks
• Paw/skin care: Rinse road salt; moisturize pads in winter; sunscreen on pale noses/ears during summer outings
• Shedding: Low (light year-round)

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A nimble, enduring athlete—plan smart, secure outlets.

• Daily Duration: 60–90 minutes (split walks + free running in fenced areas)
• Great Activities: Lure coursing, canicross, hiking, long-line recall games, nose work, agility at moderate heights
• Suitability: Excellent for condos with active owners; secure fencing recommended (prey drive)

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Sensitive, clever, and people-bonded—keep sessions upbeat and short.

• Method: Positive reinforcement; 3–8 minute sessions; vary food/play rewards
• Focus Areas: Recall around wildlife, loose-leash walking, impulse control at doors, calm place/settle, reliable “leave it”
• Socialization: Early, cheerful exposure to people/dogs/surfaces; build neutrality rather than forced friendliness
• Cooperative care: Normalize nail trims, mouth checks, and jacket/bootie wear for Canadian winters

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Lean fueling for a light-framed hunter.

• Food Type: High-quality all-life-stage/active-breed kibble or balanced fresh diet
• Daily Quantity: ~1.25–2 cups/day total (split into two meals; adjust to dog/food/workload)
• Diet Advice: Maintain BCS 4–5/9; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; count training treats toward daily calories; fresh water always

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Rare in Canada—plan ahead and verify health/testing.

• Breeders: Choose CKC-affiliated (or reputable international) preservation breeders providing patella/hip/eye results, early recall/socialization, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Sighthound/primitive-breed rescues; breed clubs may rehome adults—ask about prey drive and recall history
• Canadian Resources: CKC breeder directory; sighthound sport clubs (lure coursing, nose work, agility) in ON/BC/QC/AB for training and community

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Generally a healthy, long-lived breed—screen and manage like an athlete.

• Orthopedic: Patellar luxation; hips typically good but screening is prudent
• Eyes: Routine CAER eye exams (cataracts/PRA are uncommon but screened)
• Endocrine/Immune: Occasional allergies; thyroid issues are uncommon but possible
• Environment: Cold sensitivity—use coats/booties; monitor for salt/ice irritation
• Life Expectancy: 12–14+ years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Patellas, hips, CAER eyes; share multi-generation health/temperament data

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Are Cirneco dell’Etna good apartment dogs?
Yes—if you provide 60–90 minutes of daily exercise, enrichment, and consistent training.

Do Cirneco dell’Etna shed?
Lightly. Weekly brushing keeps the short coat tidy with minimal hair.

Are Cirnechi hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic, though they’re low-shedding.

How much exercise does a Cirneco need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily plus brain work (recall games, nose work, lure coursing).

Can a Cirneco live with cats or small pets?
Sometimes—with careful introductions and management. Prey drive is real; many will chase.

Are Cirnechi good off-leash?
Use caution—practice on a long line and choose fenced areas until recall is bombproof.

Cirneco vs Pharaoh Hound—what’s different?
Cirnechi are generally smaller/lighter, typically tan-only, and often a touch more sensitive/biddable; Pharaoh Hounds are larger with broader colour range.

Do Cirnechi bark a lot?
Usually moderate—more alert than yappy. Teach a reliable “quiet” and manage window/door triggers.

How do they handle Canadian winters?
They’re cold-sensitive. Use coats/booties, shorten outings in deep cold, and rinse road salt.

What health tests should breeders do?
Patellas, hips, and CAER eyes as a baseline; ask to see documentation.

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