A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Cirneco dell’Etna
The Cirneco dell'Etna is a lean Sicilian hound with large upright ears, a fine coat, and a history of hunting over demanding terrain. Make room for safe bursts of movement and patient learning despite the straightforward coat care.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
A relatively straightforward coat still needs routine checks, appropriate brushing, and attention to nails and teeth. Ask a groomer to demonstrate tools that suit this coat.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Cirneco dell’Etna questions
How do you pronounce Cirneco dell’Etna?
Cirneco is pronounced "cheer-NEK-o" and the full name "Cheer-Nek-o dell-et-na." The plural is Cirnechi, pronounced "cheer-nec-kee." The second half of the name refers to Mount Etna, the volcano on the east coast of Sicily.
Do Cirnechi dell’Etna shed?
Very little. The short, smooth coat needs minimal care. A weekly once-over with a soft brush or hound glove and an occasional bath is the usual routine.
How big does a full-grown Cirneco dell’Etna get?
Males stand 18 to 20 inches tall and weigh 20 to 28 pounds, and females stand 17 to 19 inches and weigh 19 to 25 pounds. Height matters in the show ring, where a dog outside those limits is disqualified.
How long do Cirnechi dell’Etna live?
Cirnechi typically live 15 to 16 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog, so talk with your vet about your own dog's health.
Is a Cirneco dell’Etna the same as a Pharaoh Hound?
No. The Cirneco looks like a smaller version of the Pharaoh Hound, its cousin from Malta, but they are separate breeds. The size gap is clear, with the Pharaoh Hound at 21 to 25 inches and 45 to 55 pounds against the Cirneco at 17 to 20 inches and 19 to 28 pounds.
Can a Cirneco dell’Etna be let off leash?
Only somewhere securely enclosed. The breed's strong hunting instinct can send it running after anything it reads as prey. Moderate daily exercise, long walks and time in a fenced yard with its people suit it, plus mental activity for a curious, clever dog.
Are Cirnechi dell’Etna good family dogs, and are they easy to train?
The temperament is lively and independent, and also gentle and affectionate. Cirnechi do well with young children and are quite trainable, responding well to gentle methods. Because of the prey drive, take care when introducing one to cats and other small animals.
What were Cirnechi dell’Etna bred for?
Hunting rabbits in Sicily. This is a small hound that works the lava terrain around Mount Etna, hunting by scent, sight and hearing. Dogs resembling Cirnechi appear on ancient Sicilian coins, and the breed was recognized in the United States in 2015.
