The Cirneco Dell’etna, also known as the Cirneco, is a smaller sight hound originating from Sicily. It is pronounced as “Churn echo” and the plural form of Cirneco is Cirnechi. As a sight hound, the Cirneco is always alert to movement and has a strong hunting instinct towards cats and other small animals. Due to its impressive jumping ability, it requires a high and sturdy fence to keep them contained. Being a typical hound, the Cirneco is always on the lookout for food and may easily gain weight if not monitored. While they are generally low maintenance, they require a lot of care to keep them happy. If left alone, the Cirneco may become noisy and destructive, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of toys and companionship.
In summary, the Cirneco Dell’etna is a Sicilian sight hound that needs a high fence to prevent it from chasing small animals. It has a tendency to gain weight easily and requires regular care to keep it content. Providing the Cirneco with toys and companionship is essential to prevent them from becoming destructive.
Ahead, we look at Cirneco Dell’etna dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Cirneco Dell’etna, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and a lot more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Cirneco Dell’etnas!
| Dog Breed | Cirneco Dell’etna |
| Size | |
| Weight | 18-20 lbs (average) |
| Height | 17-20″ (average) |
| Location | Italy |
| Ancestry | Sight Hound |
| Date of Origin | ancient times |
| Group | Hunting |
| Life Expectancy | |
| Price | |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Cirneco Dell’etna is a dog breed that has been a hidden gem in Sicily for over 2,500 years. Originally bred to hunt fowl and small mammals, this dog shares its roots with the Pharaoh Hound. Despite its delicate appearance, the Cirneco is a tough and compact dog that can withstand high heat and rugged terrain. The Italian Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1939 and added “Dell’etna” to its name, referring to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Mount Etna, located on the east coast of Sicily, is home to the majority of the Cirneco Dell’etna population even today, with over half of these dogs residing in Italy near the mountain. In Italy, the Cirneco Dell’etna is still commonly known as the Sicilian Greyhound, often mistaken for a small Pharaoh Hound. While hunting, the Cirneco displays remarkable stealth, silently stalking its prey and even sneaking up on fowl. Although originally a fierce hunter, the Cirneco has also become a beloved family companion. Its role as a sight hound is mostly limited to dog competitions. The breed gained recognition from the United Kennel Club in 2006, leading to its increased presence in dog events across the United States. The American Kennel Club added the Cirneco to the Foundation Stock Service and in 2012, it was admitted into the Miscellaneous Class at their events. Finally, in 2015, the Cirneco Dell’etna was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Despite its increasing popularity, there are only around 200 Cirneco Dell’etna dogs in the United States.
🐕 Cirneco Dell’etna Appearance
The Cirneco Dell’etna is a medium-sized, graceful dog with a slim physique. He is a robust and resilient dog. He should have long legs, a light physique, and ears that are always vigilant and erect. His eyes should be tiny, attentive, and oval. He may have ochre or amber eyes. His ears should be hard and straight, situated high on his head. He should constantly keep his ears open. The legs, ears, and head of the Cirneco are covered with short hair. On his body, he will have short to medium-length hair. The maximum length of hair is 1 14 inches. His coat should be neat and fit snugly around his body. Fine to barely coarse hair is OK; wiry hair is not. The Cirneco will come in a variety of shades, from light to dark shades of chestnut or tan that are self-colored. White, fawn and white and orange and white are accepted colors but are less desirable than the other colors. In the Cirneco Dell’etna, fawn, sable, and fawn sable are the most sought-after hues.
| 👀 Eye Color | Varies |
| 🐽 Nose Color | N/A |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Ranges |
⚡ Fun Fact:
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Cirneco Dell’etna
Although autonomous by nature, the Cirneco Dell’etna is nevertheless incredibly intelligent and trainable. Being energetic and inquisitive, he makes a wonderful family friend. Children respond favorably to the Cirneco. He learns best when positive reinforcement strategies, particularly food, are used. Do not indulge in too many goodies, though, as the Cirneco is prone to obesity. He is a skilled jumper and escape artist. Have a fence that is robust, tall, and dig-proof. Never leave your Cirneco outside by himself for more than a few minutes, as he will start looking for things to do to pass the time. If he becomes bored, he may quickly become loud and disruptive. To keep him entertained, give him lots of toys and play games with him. Keep your Cirneco Dell’etna closely leashed while out on a stroll. He is alert to movement and a sighthound. If not securely confined, he will chase after every little animal or bird that enters his way.
🤝 Are Cirneco Dell’etnas Friendly or Aggressive?
🐩 Cirneco Dell’etna Care & Maintenance
The Cirneco Dell’etna is simple to care for because of his short coat. You won’t have a lot of shedding if you have him brushed once a week. He may be brushed using a rubber curry brush, a natural bristle brush, or a hound glove. Weekly brushing will help him maintain clean, healthy skin and coat by redistributing the oils on his body. You can apply a spray-on conditioner if you see flaking or dry skin. The Cirneco does not require frequent bathing. If you overbathe him, his skin may become dry and irritated. Once a week, clean his ears to avoid infection and dirt accumulation. Every two to three weeks, or as needed, his nails will need to be clipped. The Cirneco dislikes having his nails cut, so regular trims will help him get used to the notion. To maintain optimum oral health, regular tooth cleanings should also be performed. You should wash his teeth or give him treats that encourage tooth cleaning in between the veterinarian’s dental cleanings.
🍖 Food: We recommend few cups daily, costing you about $0.49 – $1.49 daily, or around $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise:
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly few miles per week, which equates to about 15 – 35 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know:
❤️🩹 Cirneco Dell’etna Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Cirneco Dell’etna Dog Breed can be:
- Obesity
While minor concerns include:
- Toe and Muscle Injury
🤧 Important: Is Cirneco Dell’etna hypoallergenic? .
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Cirneco Dell’etna.
⚡ Cirneco Dell’etna Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Cirneco Dell’etna a great choice for families with young children?
The Cirneco Dell’etna is a great choice for families with young children because they are playful and curious, making them a great companion for kids. They also do well with children and can be gentle and patient with them.
Is the Cirneco Dell’etna breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Cirneco Dell’etna breed is not considered suitable for apartment living. They are energetic and require a good amount of exercise and space to roam. They also have a tendency to be noisy and destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
How much exercise does a Cirneco Dell’etna require compared to other breeds?
The Cirneco Dell’etna requires a moderate amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are sight hounds and have a strong prey drive, so they need regular opportunities to run and chase. Daily walks and playtime in a securely fenced yard are recommended.
Is the Cirneco Dell’etna breed known for being good with other pets?
The Cirneco Dell’etna breed can have a high prey drive and may not be suitable for households with small pets such as cats or birds. They may see them as prey and give chase. However, with proper socialization and training, they can coexist with other pets.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cirneco Dell’etna?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cirneco Dell’etna include the Basenji, Whippet, and Italian Greyhound. These breeds also have short coats and require minimal grooming.
What are the common health issues that Cirneco Dell’etnas are prone to?
Cirneco Dell’etnas are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. These can include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are important for their overall health.
Are Cirneco Dell’etnas known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Cirneco Dell’etnas are known to be intelligent and trainable, but they can also be independent by nature. Positive reinforcement techniques, especially treats, are effective in training them. Consistency and patience are key.
Are Cirneco Dell’etnas more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Cirneco Dell’etnas can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They are social dogs that thrive on companionship, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of attention and mental stimulation to prevent this.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Cirneco Dell’etna that are suitable for people with allergies?
There are no dog breeds that are completely hypoallergenic, including the Cirneco Dell’etna. However, breeds with shorter coats, such as the Basenji or the Italian Greyhound, may produce fewer allergens and be more suitable for people with allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Cirneco Dell’etna are best for individuals or families with limited space?
If space is limited, smaller dogs similar to the Cirneco Dell’etna, such as the Italian Greyhound or the Whippet, may be more suitable. These breeds are small in size and can thrive in apartments or homes with limited space.
Is the Cirneco Dell’etna breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Cirneco Dell’etna breed can be good with children with special needs as they are generally patient and gentle. However, as with any dog, it is important to supervise interactions and ensure that both the child and the dog are comfortable and safe.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Cirneco Dell’etna?
The Cirneco Dell’etna has a short coat that requires minimal grooming. They are low shedders and only require occasional brushing to remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition. They are considered to have low grooming needs compared to other breeds.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Cirneco Dell’etna dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
