Cirneco dell'Etna
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Cirneco dell'Etnas are ancient Sicilian hunting dogs resembling small Pharaoh Hounds. These athletic, independent sighthounds are more trainable than many primitive breeds but retain strong prey drive and need active owners providing secure fencing and patient training.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Hound
Life Expectancy
15-16 years
Height
17-20 in
Weight
19-28 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 5 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #191
Hound context: Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Cirneco dell'Etna
🏠 Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Cirneco dell'Etnas are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Cirneco dell'Etnas in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Cirneco dell'Etnas, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps this breed settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games improve behavior and sleep quality through the week.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routine and enrichment are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Expect about 60 minutes of daily activity, with a mix of walking, enrichment, and short training blocks. Consistency matters more than occasional intense sessions.
High
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, preventive care, and condition-specific screening based on known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Long ears can trap debris and moisture without routine cleaning.
Low thyroid levels can cause lethargy, skin changes, and weight gain.
Disc degeneration can cause pain and neurologic deficits.
Boarding complexity and cost are driven by size, exercise demand, and any special handling needs.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Cirneco dell'Etnas generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
High
High
~8h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
High
High
High
Moderate
High
Training & Behavior
Moderate
High
High
Very High
Maintenance & Care
Moderate
Moderate
High
Low
Environment & Adaptability
High
High
High
Low
Moderate
Grooming & Coat
Moderate
Moderate
High
Low
Coat care depends on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Curly, silky, wire, and long coats usually need more frequent grooming support.
Shedding level varies by coat and season, but routine brushing keeps loose hair and skin debris manageable.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Cirneco dell'Etna originated in Italy.
Original Purpose
Cirneco dell'Etna lines were developed for scent/sight hunting. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Hound. Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Cirneco dell'Etna are an ancient sighthound breed from Sicily, and they're descended from the same ancient dog populations that created Pharaoh Hounds.
The breed was nearly lost to extinction until the 1970s when Italian breeders found surviving dogs in rural mountain villages near Mount Etna.
Cirecos have an incredibly thin frame and can weigh only 8-10 pounds while maintaining all the hunting instincts of much larger sighthounds.
The breed is so rare that many dog shows don't have a Cirneco entry for years, making them one of the most uncommon breeds outside of Europe.
Cirecos have a predatory drive so intense they'll chase and kill small animals (cats, rabbits, squirrels) without hesitation.
Famous Cirneco dell'Etna Dogs
Scent and sight trailblazers
Famous representatives are usually known for tracking, hunting heritage, or storytelling roles.
Classic pop-culture hounds
Many of this group's recognizable dogs come from cartoons, books, and family films.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Continue consistent training - patience is key with this breed. Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Cirneco dell'Etnas
- • Early "quiet" command training to manage barking
- • Patient, consistent training - this breed needs extra time
Recommended Products
Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Cirneco dell'Etna right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Cirneco dell'Etna compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Cirneco dell'Etna are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cirneco-delletna/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cirneco-delletna/