# Cirneco dell'Etna Also known as: Cirneco, Sicilian Hound, Cirnecu - **Group:** Sighthound (FCI group 10) - **Size:** Medium - **Origin:** Italy - **Height:** 42–50 cm - **Weight:** 8–12 kg - **Life expectancy:** 12–15 years - **Temperament:** Alert, Affectionate, Lively, Intelligent, Independent - **FCI standard:** No. 199 A slim, elegant Sicilian warren hound with a keen nose, prick ears and a light, tireless stride. Rare even in Italy, it hunts rabbits and must pass a field trial to be registered. ## Overview The Cirneco dell'Etna is a lean, light-boned hound from the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. Its name points to the small hunting dogs of the Mediterranean islands, and it is traditionally used on rabbits and other small game. It is still a rare breed, with only a hundred or so puppies registered each year in Italy. Its working ability is taken seriously: dogs must pass a field trial before they can be registered. ## History The Cirneco is the traditional warren hound of Sicily. Many tales link it to ancient Egypt or Phoenicia, and old coins and inscriptions are said to show similar dogs on the island long before the Christian era. The modern breed was first described in print in 1932 by a veterinarian from Adrano. A Sicilian noblewoman, Agata Paternó Castello, took up the dogs and began breeding them in 1934. Italy's kennel club recognised the breed in 1939 and the FCI accepted it in 1956. Genetic studies suggest close ties to the Maltese Kelb tal-Fenek and Italian scenthounds. ## Appearance A small to medium, finely built dog with a long, narrow head, large upright ears and a slender neck. The body is lean and slightly rectangular, with a deep chest and long legs that give a light, springy gait. The tail is carried in a sabre curve, and the eyes are usually amber with a bright expression. The overall impression is of a refined, wiry, almost wild-looking hound. ## Temperament The Cirneco is affectionate and loyal with its family, and it is usually gentle and playful with children. It is alert and observant, and can be reserved with strangers without being aggressive. It is intelligent but has an independent hunter's mind, so training works best with patience and positive rewards. Chasing instincts are strong, and it will follow a scent or a moving animal readily. ## Care and exercise This is an active dog that needs a daily run or long walks, ideally in a securely fenced area, because its prey drive is high. It enjoys games, scent work and lure activities. Grooming is easy: a weekly brush and an occasional wipe are enough. It likes company and warmth, and does best living inside with its people rather than kept outdoors. ## Health A generally sturdy, long-lived breed with few known inherited problems. Its thin skin can be easily cut or scratched when running through brush, and it may be sensitive to some anaesthetics, as is common in lean hounds. ## Ratings (1 to 5) - Energy: 4 - Exercise needs: 4 - Grooming: 1 - Shedding: 2 - Trainability: 3 - Barking: 2 - Good with children: 4 - Good with other dogs: 4 Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/cirneco-dell-etna Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirneco_dell%27Etna · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38262 Photo: de:Benutzer:Jan Eduard, contrast Pleple2000 (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cirneco_dell_Etna_611.jpg Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.