Also known as the Sicilian Greyhound, the Cirneco Dell’ Etna is an ancient dog breed that was primarily used for hunting by scent, sight and sound in the inhospitable terrain of Mount Etna. These dogs could hunt for hours without food or water.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Sicily
Used for: Hunting and tracking
Average Life Span: 12-15 years
Color: Shades of fawn, white and fawn, white with orange patches
Coat: Short, sleek, hard and close lying
Average Height: 18-19 inches
Average Weight: 17-22 pounds
Group: Hound
History and Domestication
This breed descended from the hunting dogs that were brought in Sicily from ancient Egypt thousands of years ago by Phoenician traders.
However, a recent research shows that Cirneco actually originated in Sicily in the region of Etna.
This is a hunting hound that can hunt on the basis of scent, sound or sight.
They can hunt for hours without food or water.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The medium sized hunting dog has had very little variation in terms of physical characteristics since 2500 years. The breed is very similar to the Pharaoh hound and some believe that they share same origins. These dogs have a very elegant square outline. The head is sculpted and erect and the rigid ears give it a very rigid silhouette. They have a slender build which is strong and robust. These long limbed dogs are of light construction and have a square appearance. This is a very clean breed and its coat requires very less grooming.
Care, Grooming and Health
One of the reasons of the popularity of Cirneco is the ease of grooming. Their short and sleek coat is easy to groom and brushing and combing once in a while will do. Bathe only when necessary.
This is a lively breed and needs lots of daily exercise. Long daily walks are essential for their mental and physical well-being. You can let them run off-leash but in a secure area. Exercise should always be taken on-lead as this is an enthusiastic breed and love to chase their prey. And once this dog sets off after a prey, it becomes difficult to recall it.
This is a generally healthy breed and does not have any known hereditary disorders.
Living Conditions
These dogs are suitable for an apartment life if provided with sufficient amount of exercise. Do not tolerate colder climates.
Temperament
This is an active and elegant breed and has all the qualities of a hunting hound. This is a pleasant family companion and is generally good with children and affectionate with members of its family. As it is a working dog, it is best suited f families who have an active lifestyle. These dogs cannot stand colder climates and they need human companionship to survive. Hence, these dogs are not meant to live in kennels. Unlike other hounds, it is a quiet house dog yet will bark when it sees strangers. This is an intelligent breed, hence easy to train.
