Cirneco dell'Etna Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Cirneco dell'Etna?

The origin of this dog's name comes from two parts of the world. The 'Cirneco' is a Greek word that refers to an ancient Greek city called Cyrene which in relation to the modern map is near Shahhat in Libya.

The 'dell'Etna' part comes from Mount Etna found on the island of Sicily itself. It's thought that this dog breed dates back thousands of years. They are also considered to be a descendant of dogs that were used in dog sports such as hunting rabbits and small game.

Similar to that of the Pharaoh hound, this dog breed potentially dates back to 500 B.C. Before 1932, this breed was relatively unknown but it wasn't until Dr Maurizio Migneco wrote an article on the breed's decline as hunting dogs.

It was Baroness Agata Paternó Castello, who worked to revive the breed, and as an Italian aristocrat, managed to do so. The American Kennel Club recognised this breed in 2015. However, it was Italy's national club that recognised it first in 1939.

Who are Cirneco dell'Etna dogs best for?

This type of dog is going to be most suited for those households who have mostly adults or older children, as opposed to younger ones who might not play so gently.

When it comes to other pets, they can certainly get along with other dogs, so it's worthwhile considering this breed if you already have other dogs in your home.

How much grooming does a Cirneco dell'Etna need?

To keep your dog healthy, a good grooming routine is needed, as well as ensuring you take them to the vets for checkups regularly.

Their glossy coat is easy enough to groom and with short coats, they don't tend to shed that much, making them ideal for those who don't want lots of dog hair lying around the place. Gentle weekly brushing with a hound glove or soft bristle brush is needed to ensure they stay well-groomed. This will help collect any loose or dead hairs before it falls out onto the furniture and floor.

Other grooming habits include cleaning the dog's ears of debris and clipping the dog's nails as and when it's needed. Brushing their teeth daily is also important so that they are less prone to dental problems.

Do Cirneco dell'Etna bark much?

These dog breeds tend to bark a lot, which doesn't make them the ideal choice for everyone. With that in mind, it's always good to be aware of why they bark and how you can reduce the chances of them barking all the time.

Their protective nature can lead them to bark, so making sure they're aware of what's going on in the home is important. Try not to surprise them so that they don't bark out of fear and be sure to provide plenty of attention and playtime to avoid boredom and loneliness.

Separation anxiety and attention-seeking can also be two reasons why a dog barks, so be sure to give them the attention they need as and when they need it.

Do Cirneco dell'Etna bite?

Biting is something that can be helped with puppy training classes. Ideally, you want to ensure they're being trained out of biting from an early age. This breed has a loyal and gentle nature, so you shouldn't struggle too much when it comes to training this dog type.

Remember that the breed's strong prey drive can cause confusion for them from an early age so tackling this is key!

What is the temperament & personality of a Cirneco dell'Etna?

This dog breed has an independent temperament and an inquisitive nature that makes them a wonderful pet to own. It is a well-mannered companion as well as an interactive family member. They're playful and love mental stimulation from their owners, toys, or other pets they interact with.

They'll certainly entertain other canine events where early socialisation can occur like dog training classes, and they enjoy lure coursing and other dog sports for example.

They're suited as companion dogs but their strong hunting instincts will require a lot of activity when it comes to playtime and regular walks. Ideally, if you have a large yard to play out in, they'll get plenty of mental stimulation out there.

What is the weight & size of a Cirneco dell'Etna?

The breed's historical reason for existence is to hunt and therefore the standards can vary depending on their parents. As an ancient breed, they are typically found to be on the medium side.

Most of these purebred dogs will weigh anywhere between 8 to 13 kilos and they'll range in height from 40 to 50 cm.

How much training does a Cirneco dell'Etna need?

When training the dog breed, it's worth noting their high energy levels. You'll need to commit to a good half-hour or hour-long walk per day. There should also be a few shorter walks and active play sessions thrown in for good measure.

They are very easy to train due to the Cirneco's intensely intelligent nature, so they'll pick up commands and tricks very easily. Always be sure to use treats to reinforce and praise their efforts.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Cirneco dell'Etna?

Whilst no dog is completely free of health problems, this dog breed has certainly benefited from a relatively clean health record in the past. Some may be prone to a few problems which can come from genetics and nurture, so it's important that you're looking after them properly.

To keep them healthy, make sure you're taking them to the vet for their routine health appointments and maintaining their grooming and healthcare routine. Plenty of exercise should be given to them too but it's good to not overwork them too much as that can lead to muscle and toe problems.

What is the lifespan of a Cirneco dell'Etna?

This excellent family pet will have a long life span in human years. As long as you're looking after their health and well-being, the average life expectancy of a Cirneco is 12-14 years.

How much should you feed a Cirneco dell'Etna?

When feeding the Cirneco dell'Etna, the diet should have enough food to cater to those with a high-energy temperament. They're prone to becoming overweight if they are fed too much, so be wary of feeding schedules and not leaving out too much food during the day.

As they enter their adulthood and senior years, the food will change in amount and nutrition.

What is the price of a Cirneco dell'Etna in Australia?

The average price of these dogs in Australia will vary depending on the availability of breeders. It's important that you consider dog ownership carefully before diving in. These dogs can be particularly demanding, so you want to make sure you have the right one. In Australia, you can expect to pay on average around $1,500 for this dog breed.