Cirneco dell’Etna Dog Breed Information

Group

Hounds

Weight

8-13 kg

Height

40-50 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Cirneco dell'Etna

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

A purebred from the beautiful island of Sicily, the Cirneco Dell’etna puppies are a sought-after dog breed, particularly due to its rarity outside the Italian region.

Pronounced “cheer-neck-oh del et-na”, it’s certainly a unique dog breed that’ll take some getting used to pronouncing when asked by strangers what type of dog you have. These gentle but alert pups are popular due to their personality and the ideal traits that most dog owners want from their pets.

This dog breed makes both a great pet and also a great show dog, for those looking at adopting or buying a dog for this very reason. Here’s everything that you need to know about caring for this dog breed.

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.

What is a Cirneco dell’Etna breed?

This Italian dog breed is named after the Etna volcano located in Eastern Sicily. They have natural hunter traits such as a keen sense of smell and the ability to move fast. These dogs also go by other names such as the Sicilian Greyhound and the Cirneco.

They have a very unique appearance which includes a long face, long pointy ears and a slender body that is similar to that of a Greyhound. With a slender body, they are mostly made up of muscle due to their high-energy levels and hunting nature.

Who is a Cirneco dell’Etna 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.

Cirneco dell’Etna Grooming & Shedding

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 with a vet-approved product 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 dogs bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Cirneco dell’Etna dog?

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.

Are Cirneco dell’Etna dogs easy to train?

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.

How do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Cirneco dell’Etna have any common health issues?

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 that can come from genetics and nurture, so it’s important that you get your dog from a reputable breeder.

To keep them healthy, make sure you’re taking them to the vet for their routine health appointments, vaccinating them, treating them for parasites 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 skeletal 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 wellbeing, the average life expectancy of a Cirneco is 12-14 years.

How much does a Cirneco dell’Etna need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Cirneco dell’Etna FAQs

Are Cirneco dell’etna hypoallergenic dogs?

These dogs will shed very minimal, however, that isn’t always to say that they’re going to be hypoallergenic. Generally speaking though, these dogs are considered to be hypoallergenic. However, there’s no guarantee that a person allergic to pet hair, won’t get a reaction.

With that being said, it’s always good to test your allergies around this dog before agreeing on adoption or purchase.

Are Cirneco dell’etna dogs prone to separation anxiety?

With this dog breed, they’re very much prone to separation anxiety when left alone. However, you can certainly train this out of them if you’re giving them plenty of attention when you’re around. Ideally, if you have other dogs in the home it will certainly help keep them company.

Are Cirneco dell’etna dogs rare?

The Cirneco dell’Etna is a rare breed and one that’s not found outside of Italy much. There are only around 200 in the states and very few dotted about across the rest of the world.