Hound group
Cirneco dell'Etna
A lean, alert rabbit hunter from the slopes of Mount Etna.
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a small, elegant hound from Sicily that hunts by scent, sight and hearing. It is affectionate and gentle at home, with plenty of stamina and a strong instinct to chase.
- Height
- 16.5–19.5 in42–50 cm
- Weight
- 17–26 lb8–12 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Size
- Small
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- Sicily, Italy
Coat: Short, glossy, close coat. Colours: Tan, Tan with white markings, White with tan.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Cirnechi are friendly, affectionate and sensitive. They tend to be good with children and other dogs and enjoy being close to their families.
They are independent hunters with strong prey drive and good jumping ability, so secure fencing is important. They are sensitive to cold.
Living with a Cirneco dell'Etna
Exercise
About an hour of daily exercise including walks and safe off-lead running.
Grooming
Minimal: a weekly brush and regular nail care. Light shedding. Provide a coat in cold weather — their thin coat offers little warmth.
Training
Willing but independent; short, positive sessions work best. Recall around prey is difficult.
Kids & other pets
Good with children and other dogs; unsafe with small pets unless raised with them.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time once exercised; prefers warmth and company and may chew or dig if left bored for long days.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a Cirneco dell'Etna right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Cirneco dell'Etna matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Cirneco dell'Etna typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Anaesthesia sensitivity
Lean hounds can react differently to anaesthesia; choose an experienced vet.
Cold sensitivity
A thin coat and low body fat mean they need a coat in cold weather.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps occur occasionally in the breed.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Patella evaluation
- Eye examination
Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Cirneco dell’Etna; Cirneco dell’Etna Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
The Cirneco has hunted rabbits on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna for centuries, and similar dogs appear on ancient Sicilian coins.
The breed was nearly lost in the early 1900s until Sicilian enthusiasts, led by Baroness Agata Paternò Castello, revived it. The AKC recognised it in 2015.
Did you know?
- Cirneco-like dogs appear on Sicilian coins from the 5th century BC.
- The breed hunts rabbits on rough lava fields around Mount Etna.
- Cirnechi can hunt for hours in heat with little water.
Library guides for Cirneco dell'Etna owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Cirneco dell'Etna.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Cirneco dell'Etna breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Cirnechi good family dogs?
- Yes — they are affectionate, gentle and usually good with children.
- Do Cirnechi shed?
- Lightly. Their short coat is easy to maintain.
- Can Cirnechi live in apartments?
- Yes, with enough daily exercise and a secure place to run.