Cirneco Dell'etna

also known as Sicilian Hound

Pros History


The origins of the Cirneco dell’Etna can be traced back to ancient times in Sicily, where the breed was developed by the indigenous people of the island. The breed was developed to be able to work in the rugged terrain of Mount Etna, hunting small game such as hares and foxes. The breed was named after the volcano, Mount Etna, which is located in the region of Sicily where the breed originated.

The Cirneco dell’Etna was officially recognized as a breed by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana (ENCI) in 1939, and later by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1939. It is also recognized by many other kennel clubs and organizations around the world, including the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The breed name "Cirneco dell’Etna" is derived from the region of Sicily where the breed originated and the volcano, Mount Etna. The word "Cirneco" derives from the Sicilian word "Cirnechi" which means "little dog".

Breed Information


Type

Is Cirneco Dell'etna a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Cirneco Dell'etnas originally used for?

hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Cirneco Dell'etnas Live? What is average life expectancy for a Cirneco Dell'etna? How long can Cirneco Dell'etnas live?

11-12 years

The average Cirneco Dell'etna lifespan is somewhere between 11-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Cirneco Dell'etna Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Cirneco Dell'etna?

What is the average height of a Cirneco Dell'etna? How big is a Purebred Cirneco Dell'etna height? Cirneco Dell'etna dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-22 inches (45.7 - 55.9 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm)
Female 17-20 inches (43.2 - 50.8 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm)
What is the average weight of a Cirneco Dell'etna? How much should Cirneco Dell'etnas weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 22-26 pounds (10 - 12 kg) 13.5 pounds (6 kg) 18.5 pounds (8 kg) 18.5 pounds (8 kg)
Female 18-20 pounds (8 - 9 kg) 13.5 pounds (6 kg) 18.5 pounds (8 kg) 18.5 pounds (8 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Cirneco Dell'etnas Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Cirneco Dell'etna is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Cirneco Dell'etna dog?

Cirneco Dell'etnas are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Cirneco Dell'etna is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Cirneco Dell'etnas come from?

Italy

Ancestry

What are Cirneco Dell'etnas descended from?

sight hound

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Cirneco Dell'etna breed?

ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
AKC = American Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Cirneco Dell'etnas first bred? How old is the Cirneco Dell'etna breed?

ancient times

Cirneco Dell'etna Appearance


Litter Size

How many puppies can a Cirneco Dell'etna have in a litter? How many puppies can a Cirneco Dell'etna have in her first litter?

11-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Cirneco Dell'etna can have a litter of 11-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Cirneco Dell'etna Health Issues


Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Cirneco Dell'etna?

Obesity

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Cirneco Dell'etnas?

Toe and Muscle Injury

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Cirneco Dell'etna breed?

Blood Test
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Cirneco Dell'etna Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Cirneco Dell'etnas have a lot of energy?

Cirneco Dell'etnas are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Cirneco Dell'etnas get?

The Cirneco Dell'etna dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Cirneco Dell'etna dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Past times

What do Cirneco Dell'etnas enjoy doing? How do I keep my Cirneco Dell'etna busy?

Throwing balls, Dog Parks, Tracking, Running

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Cirneco Dell'etna?

The Cirneco Dell'etna is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Costs


Cirneco Dell'etna Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Cirneco Dell'etna?

The Cirneco Dell'etna breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Affection Dependance

Are Cirneco Dell'etna dogs affectionate?

Dog Friendly

Do Cirneco Dell'etna dogs get along with other dogs? Are Cirneco Dell'etnas OK with other dogs?

Cirneco Dell'etnas are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Playfulness

Do Cirneco Dell'etnas like to play? Are Cirneco Dell'etnas playful?

The Cirneco Dell'etna is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Cirneco Dell'etna is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Cirneco Dell'etna easily trained?

Cirneco Dell'etna dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Loyal and Affectionate
    Cirneco Dell'etna are known to be very loyal and affectionate towards their owners, making them great companions.
  • Adaptable
    Cirneco Dell'etna are adaptable and can live comfortably in both rural and urban environments.
  • Energetic
    Cirneco Dell'etna are energetic and enjoy activities such as running and hiking.
  • Good With Children
    Cirneco Dell'etna are generally good with children and can make great family pets.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be aware that Cirneco Dell'etnas may cause allergic reactions.