Dog
Group:
Sporting 
Pronunciation:
(cheer-NAY-ko dell ET-na, plural cheer-NAY- kee)
Breed Description:
The Cirneco dell Etna breed of dog is a small hound-type dog found in Sicily around the area of Mount Etna (the volcano) and used for rabbit hunting. It is claimed to be a relatively natural breed, largely unmanipulated by human breeding practices. It belongs to the primitive hunting dog group. They are the smallest of the Mediterranean island hunting breeds, the others being the Pharaoh Hounds and the Ibizan Hounds.
The Cirneco dell Etna breed of dog is a primitive dog type of elegant and slender build. They are medium in size and not cumbersome but strong and hardy. They are a long-limbed dog of light construction and square outline. The coat is fine.
The length of body is equal to the height at the withers (square outline). The depth of chest is slightly less than the height from ground to elbow. The length of the muzzle does not reach half the length of the head (the ratio skull-muzzle is of 10 to 8, but preference is given to dogs whose length of muzzle reaches that of the skull).
In color the Cerneco dell Etna breed of dog is a self-colored tan, with darker or lighter shades; tan with more or less extensive white blaze on the head, a white mark on t;he chest, white paws, white tip on the tail, white belly.
Temperament:
The Cirneco dell Etna breed of dog has a strong temperament. They are hunting dogs that have adapted to hunt over difficult terrain. They are also gentle and affectionate with their owners. They are said to have a friendly nature.
Height:
The height of the Cirneco dell Etna breed of dog is up to 20.47 inches tall at the shoulders.
Weight:
The Cirneco dell Etna breed of dog weighs up to 26.45 pounds.
Exercise:
These are active, primitive hunting dogs and they require frequent vigorous exercise to maintain good health. If they don’t get enough exercise they can become destructive and suffer mentally.
Life Expectancy:
Information unavailable.
Grooming:
The grooming requirements of the Cirneco dell Etna breed of dog are minimal. They have a short, fine coat that should be brushed regularly to maintain good health. Clean the ears regularly to avoid ear infections.
Origin:
One source claims that the Cirneco dell Etna breed of dog has existed in Sicily for over 2500 years. They may have been brought to Sicily by Phoenician traders. The breed almost became extinct before being revived in the early 1900s. They are now fairly common in Sicily and can be found throughout Europe and the U.S. They are now part of the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service and moving toward full breed recognition. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
