Cirneco Dell'Etna

Other name: Cirneco

The Cirneco dell’Etna is a small, slender dog that was developed on the Italian island of Sicily. It was bred to hunt rabbits and is well known for its incredible levels of stamina. These slight but durable dogs can work for hours on end without stopping to rest, eat, or drink.

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Life expectancy	The Cirneco Dell'Etna has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years
Temperament	High prey drive
Size	Medium
Adult size	Female Between 17 and 19 in Male Between 18 and 20 in
Adult weight	Female Between 18 and 24 lb Male Between 22 and 29 lb
Coat colour	Red
Type of coat	Short
Eye colour	Brown

Good to know

The Cirneco dell’Etna takes her name from Mount Etna in Sicily. Cirneco is pronounced “cheer - nec - ko.”

The Cirneco is very sensitive, and requires a much softer approach than many other dogs.

Keeping the Cirneco mentally stimulated is just as important as regular physical exercise. Working dogs are smart and eager to show off their skills. They get bored quickly and that boredom can soon turn to frustration.

More details about the Cirneco Dell'Etna

Cirneco Dell'Etna: Origins and history

The original sighthounds can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt. From there, they spread across the Middle East and the Mediterranean and were developed into a range of varieties including the greyhound, the Ibizan Hound, and the Cirneco. For thousands of years, the Cirneco dell'Etna hunted rabbits and game in her native Sicily. Given her slight, delicate frame, many people underestimate this dog's physical ability. The Cirneco is strong, tough, and can work for hours on end without rest, water, or food. However, by the 1930s the breed was almost extinct, until an Italian vet wrote a passionate article about the dogs’ declining numbers. This was seen by a Sicilian aristocrat called Baroness Agata Castello, who then dedicated the next 20 years to saving this breed. The American Kennel Club recognised the Circeno in 2005.

FCI classification of the Cirneco Dell'Etna

Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
Section 7 : Primitive type - Hunting Dogs

Cirneco Dell'Etna: Characteristics

More or less affectionate

She is friendly and warm-hearted with her master, but can be sensitive to abrupt manners.

Moderately playful

These dogs are exceptionally playful, especially during their puppy years. They are high energy dogs that will play fetch and other doggy games for hours on end.

Not very calm

She gets very excited when she’s working or playing. She is an enthusiastic dog that loves to please her owner.

Moderate intelligence

The Cirneco is a quick learner, who will master the basics quickly. She is capable of understanding more complex voice commands. This smart dog needs plenty of mental stimulation.

High prey drive

Bred to hunt rabbits, she is an excellent tracking dog with a superb sense of smell and vision. She has a very high prey drive, and can follow a trail to hard-to-access recesses.

Fearful of strangers

She is reserved with strangers, and doesn’t trust easily, but she is never aggressive.

Moderately independent

Like many primitive dogs, she is independent-minded and can be a little stubborn if not handled correctly.

Cirneco Dell'Etna: Behaviour

Moderately tolerant of being left alone

This dog is quite comfortable in her own company. She can deal with solitude much better than many other breeds as long as her needs are met and she has toys to keep her occupied.

Not very easy to train

She is powerful, nervous, very active, and independent, so not the easiest to educate. She needs an experienced master who will be firm and gentle.

Doesn't tend to be very vocal

This is a quiet breed.

Has a moderate tendency to run away

If she’s getting enough exercise, the Cirneco shouldn’t run away. But they do like to explore, so make sure the front and back gardens are fully secured.

Doesn't have a tendency to be destructive

This calm, soft-hearted dog will rarely engage in any destructive behaviour.

Moderately food motivated

Treats can be helpful in overcoming her stubborn side for training.

Very good watchdog

The Cirneco dell'Etna is an excellent watchdog, with a superb sense of smell and sight. She is alert and lively, and protective of her master.

Training a Cirneco Dell'Etna

She is powerful, nervous, very active, and independent, so not the easiest to educate. She needs an experienced master who will be firm and gentle.

Cirneco Dell'Etna: Lifestyle

Not very compatible with living in a flat

A flat is not an ideal environment. Ideally, she should live in the countryside, in a house with a large garden where she can run freely (which should not replace daily walks).

Needs a lot of exercise

This is a high energy dog that needs over an hour of decent exercise every single day. This natural hunting dog needs to run free, so exercise her in wide open parks or countryside areas.

Moderately easy to travel with

This small dog is fairly easy to transport, but she can get bored or restless on long journeys.

Breed compatibility Cirneco Dell'Etna

Not very compatible with cats

Hunting dogs with a high prey drive don't mix well with cats. In fact, it’s best to keep them apart. This keeps them both safe.

Not very compatible with other dogs

The Cirneco dell'Etna is not usually sociable, but nothing is impossible. Much work needs to be done on this point to hope for respectful doggie meetings.

Not compatible with children

She is patient with children, but they must be taught to respect her need for peace.

Not compatible with senior owners

She is definitely not suitable for potentially inactive older people.

Not recommended for a first-time owner

For a first adoption, it is better to choose a breed that is more docile and sociable.

Cirneco Dell'Etna: Purchase price

We do not have enough data to set an average price. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £50 to £100 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.