Cirneco dell'Etna

Hound Group

Cirneco dell'Etna adult and two puppies sitting in front of white background

Height at Shoulders

Females 16.5-18 in, Males 18-19.5 in

Weight

Females 17-22 lbs, Males 22-26 lbs

Life Expectancy

12-14 yrs

History

It is believed that the Cirneco dell'Etna (pronounced "cheer-nay-koh dell-eht-nuh") originated in Sicily, where its ancestors were brought by Phoenician traders about 3,000 years ago. The word "Cirneco" means "dog from Cyrene (Libya)", which is likely where its ancestors came from. The Cirneco dell'Etna was bred specifically to be able to hunt rabbit and other small game around Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Not only could they work all day in the heat and rough terrain, but they could last the whole day without food or water.

Breed Characteristics

While not all Cirnechi dell'Etna share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.

Intelligence

Affection Towards Family

Friendliness Towards Strangers

Friendliness Towards Other Dogs

Exercise Needs

★★★☆☆

★★★★★

★★★☆☆

★★★★★

★★★★☆

Energy Level

Sensitivity

Noise Level

Prey Drive

Shedding

★☆

★★★☆☆

★★★☆☆

★★

★★★☆☆

Intelligence

★★★☆☆


Affection Towards Family

★★★★★


Friendliness Towards Strangers

★★★☆☆


Friendliness Towards Other Dogs

★★★★★


Exercise Needs

★★★★☆


Energy Level

★☆


Sensitivity

★★★☆☆


Noise Level

★☆


Prey Drive

★★


Shedding

★☆

Common Traits

Smart, curious, and playful

Like to be in the company of their family and other dogs

Talented escape artists- can dig under or jump over fences, and will blow straight through underground electronic fences

Great jumpers and will not hesitate to steal food from the counter

Easier to train than most other sighthounds as long as training sessions are short and fun

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