Cirneco dell'Etna
西西里獵犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Cirneco dell'Etna ("cheer-NEK-o") is the ancient coursing hound of Sicily, a smaller cousin of the Pharaoh Hound that has hunted rabbits on the lava slopes of Mount Etna by scent, sight and hearing for some 3,000 years, little changed by human hands. Sleek, sinewy and given to quick bursts of speed, it is a typical sighthound in its sweet nature and independence but said to be a bit more trainable than most; at home it is a mild, low-maintenance, loyal and gentle companion. It needs moderate exercise plus mental stimulation, must stay on lead where it is not securely fenced because of its strong prey drive, and should not be left alone outside for long — it would be lonely and unhappy.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 44–50cm |
| Weight | 8–13kg |
| Life expectancy | 15–16years |
| Breed group | AKC: hound FCI: 5 |
| Role | Hound |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 1/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 2/ 5 |
| Good with children | 4/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 4/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 1/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
General health screening
The kennel-club pages consulted do not single out breed-specific conditions; ask your vet about routine screening (hips, eyes, heart) appropriate to a dog of this size.
Ear infections
The AKC calls the Cirneco a very hardy, healthy breed and advises a quick weekly check of the ears for any signs of infection. Ask your vet how to check and clean the ears.
Behaviour
Independent hunter, gentle housemate
The AKC says the Cirneco has the strong, independent temperament a hunter needs but is friendly and affectionate and makes an excellent family pet; it responds well to gentle training and can succeed in obedience, rally, agility, tracking and especially lure coursing. Because of its strong prey drive, care is needed when introducing it to cats and small animals, and early socialisation and puppy classes are recommended.
Needs a function — and company
The AKC says moderate physical exercise and mental stimulation are essential to satisfy the Cirneco's intensely intelligent, inquisitive nature; it does best when it has a function, whether competing or simply being an interactive family member, enjoys long walks with its people and a fenced garden for play, but should not be left outside alone with no attention for long periods. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at up to an hour a day. The parent club's standard summary calls it strong-willed, alert and an excellent companion.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
The Royal Kennel Club — Cirneco Delletna
Breed characteristics (size medium, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 10 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Cirneco Dell Etna (standard no. 199, group 5)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
American Kennel Club — Cirneco dell'Etna
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club describes the Cirneco as one of the few ancient breeds that has undergone very little manipulation by man, which in its view has left an extremely hardy breed free of inherited health problems; its summary of the standard calls for a medium-sized, elegant but strong and hardy hound, a keen hunter by scent, sight and hearing adapted to difficult terrain, strong-willed, alert and an excellent companion, on which honourable working scars are never penalised. Because the club is committed to the quality developed in Sicily, it warns that puppies may not always be available.”
— Cirneco dell'Etna Club of America via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Cirneco Delletna — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Cirneco Dell Etna — FCI standard no. 199 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]FCI-Standard No. 199 — Cirneco dell'Etna, 07.02.2017 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Cirneco dell'Etna — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Cirneco dell'Etna Club of America — Breed Insights — Cirneco dell'Etna Club of America (public breed pages) (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.