Cirneco Dell Etna

The Cirneco is a medium-sized breed with a striking similarity with ancient breeds such as the Ibizan Hound and the Pharaoh Hound of Egypt whom it is frequently confused with, although it is a little bit smaller. The Cirneco has a slim body with long legs and is squarely proportioned. It has a long head and muzzle with a large nose. The eyes are amber or grey in colour and the very large pricked ears are erect and triangular in shape. The short coat can be sandy through dark tan in colour with white markings on the chest, feet, undercarriage, and tail tip or a white base coat with orange patches. An adult Cirneco male can be between 18 to 20 inches (46 - 50 cm) in height while an adult female Cirneco measures between 16 to 18 inches (41 - 46 cm) in height at the withers. Cirneco dogs weigh between 22 to 26 pounds (10 - 12 kg) while bitches can tip the scale between 17 to 22 pounds (8 - 10 kg).

The Cirneco Dell Etna is one of the ancient dog types that originated in the area around Mount Etna in Sicily around 500 B.C. However, bas-reliefs found along the Nile river dated around 4000 B.C. depict an ancient dog with similar appearance to that of the modern Cirneco. It is suggested that the Phoenicians might have spread these prick-eared along their trade routes between North Africa and the Mediterranean coasts. Wherever the origin may be, the most vibrant proof of the existence of the Cirneco in Sicily is the many coins minted between the 5th and 3rd centuries B.C. depicting the breed. It has also been revered as a religious symbol in other Sicilian towns. Around 400 B.C. Dionysus was said to have constructed a temple for the God Adranos on the south western slope of Mount Etna and is believed that many Cirnechi were bred there to guard the temple and accompany pilgrims. They were also used to hunt rabbits and hare on the rough terrain of this active volcano. It is one of the primitive breeds that has undergone very little manipulation by man, with an excellent ability to withstand several hours of work under the heat without food and water. Natural selection has created a hardy breed that has been used for thousands of years in Sicily as a hunter, both hunting prey by sight and scent.

The Cirneco Dell Etna is a truly gentle and friendly breed and is considered much easier to train than other sighthounds. It makes a wonderful family pet because it is both dog-friendly and people-friendly; who enjoys being with the family it grew up with. However, the Cirneco Dell Etna has the tendency to be cautious with people it is not familiar with. At work, it is a very silent hunter that it can sneak up on any kind of feathered game without being noticed. It is a very agile and powerful dog with a strong personality and good temperament, although its natural character as a hunter can sometimes display a strong prey drive and should be supervised when it is around unfamiliar small animals, especially cats.

Because the Cirneco is a born hunter, it has enormous stamina and energy, thus requiring considerable amounts of exercise. A couple of hours of daily play or jogging alongside the bicycle are ideal exercise routines for the Cirneco. However, it should not be walked off the lead or left alone with small animals because it has a very strong prey drive. It will do fine living in an apartment provided that proper exercise and nutrition is given to maintain good physical and mental health, but a home with at least a small fenced-in garden is an ideal living environment. The Cirneco is an extremely high jumper. Like most puppies, firm and consistent early training is required to make the Cirneco a wonderful addition to the family. The short coat does not require a lot of attention. Maintaining the short coat of the Cirneco in excellent form requires just occasional brushing with a soft bristle brush or massaging it with a rubber glove. The large, erect ears should be checked regularly as well as the claws trimmed.

A Cirneco is an extremely hardy breed, free from inherited health problems. This breed can not tolerate cold weathers and may need protection during cold season.