Cirneco dell'Etna

Also known as: Sicilian Greyhound

The Cirneco dell'Etna comes from Sicily, from the slopes of Mount Etna, and is considered one of the oldest breeds in the Mediterranean, resembling hunting dogs depicted in ancient Egyptian art. The breed developed in isolation on the island, hunting rabbits and small game over hot, rocky volcanic terrain with almost no human assistance. The short, smooth coat and lean but muscular build, up to 12 kilograms, let it handle the heat and move over sharp, lava-formed rock without injury. Unlike many sighthounds, the Cirneco hunts using scent, sight, and hearing together rather than relying purely on speed. In temperament it is independent yet devoted to its family. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Cirneco dell'Etna: how old in human years?

42–50 cmHeight
8–12 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Karelian Bear Dog

FCI group: Spitz and Nordic/Ancient-type Dogs
FCI section: Section 7: Primitive type - Hunting Dogs
FCI: 199
Country of origin: Italy

Energy level

4/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

3/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 46–50 cm

Females 42–46 cm

Weight

Males 10–12 kg

Females 8–10 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

short, smooth, glossy coat (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Cirneco dell'Etna's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 3/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 2/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Cirneco dell'Etna's energy and exercise needs are high.

Energy level 4/5
Exercise need 4/5
Apartment friendly 3/5
Prey drive 5/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Cirneco dell'Etna's guarding and alertness traits are low.

Guarding instinct 1/5
Watchfulness 3/5
Barking level 2/5

Grooming & Care

Cirneco dell'Etna's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Cirneco dell'Etna

On the slopes around Mount Etna, among old lava and stones, these dogs hunted rabbits for centuries using nose, eyes and huge, radar-like ears all at once. That heritage is alive in your living room too: a Cirneco dell'Etna will spot every movement outside the window, and on a walk every bush is an opportunity. His hunting instinct is exceptionally strong, so cats, rabbits and birds interest him as quarry rather than friends, and his recall in open country can't be trusted.

He has plenty of energy and needs a good daily outlet: brisk walks, running in a securely fenced area, scent or lure games. Once he has burned it off he turns calm indoors and happily curls up on the sofa, and his modest size and moderate barking mean he can live in a flat if he gets enough exercise. He is clever but has his own opinions, so training goes best with short, varied sessions and treats rather than dull repetition.

With his family the Cirneco is gentle and attached, though he shows his affection with more restraint than some breeds. He is wary of strangers at first and watches them from a distance, but he is no guard: he will announce a visitor, and that's it. He generally gets on with other dogs, and with children who understand that a dog is not a toy he can be a fine playmate. This is a dog for people who like to be on the move, appreciate an independent character, and are ready for a tall fence.

Grooming and coat

The Cirneco dell'Etna's coat is short, smooth and glossy, lying close over a lean body like a second skin. Grooming doesn't get much easier: once a week go over him with a soft mitt or rubber brush, then wipe him down with a damp cloth if you like, and the coat will gleam. He sheds lightly, so you'll barely notice hair on your clothes, and baths are rarely needed.

That thin, short coat has one drawback: it is perfect for the Sicilian sun and much less so for Lithuanian sleet and frost. In cold weather a Cirneco may shiver, so a warm coat for winter walks is not fashion but comfort. After a run through scrub, check his skin, since a short coat does little to guard against scratches, look into those big upright ears regularly and keep the nails trimmed.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for medium breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (12 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 165 g of dry food a day, from €9,10 a month For a neutered, normally active 10 kg dog. Calculate for your dog