Pet Wiki

Cirneco dell'Etna

Also called Cirnecu, Sicilian Hound, Cirneco

A spirited, determined hunter in the field that turns into a gentle, loyal and affectionate companion at home.

SizeMedium
Weight8 to 13 kg (18 to 29 lb)males 10 to 13 kg, females 8 to 11 kg12
Height44 to 50 cm (17 to 20 in)males 46 to 50 cm, females 44 to 48 cm12
CoatShort to semi-long, sleek
OriginItaly (Sicily, around Mount Etna).12
GroupSpitz and Primitive types (FCI group 5)
Recognised breedShort profile
keen nose and sharp hunting skills
affectionate and gentle at home
alert, lively and athletic
13

Personality what they are like

A spirited, determined hunter in the field that turns into a gentle, loyal and affectionate companion at home. It is alert and quick, with a strong mind of its own.13

Coat and looks how to spot one

short to semi-long, sleek

A light, elegant and slender hunting dog with large upright ears and a fine, glassy coat that is very short on the head and legs and a little longer on the body.12

Coloursfawn in all shadeslight sandisabellatan and whitefawn with white markings on head, chest, feet, tail tip or belly12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Cirneco dell'Etna. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An athletic dog built for bursts of speed over rough ground. It needs daily walks plus safe off-lead running in a fenced area, and enjoys lure coursing and scent games.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low maintenance: a weekly brush or rub with a grooming mitt, plus regular nail trims and ear checks.13

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to house life if it gets enough exercise; a securely fenced garden suits it, as it loves to chase small quarry.13

Company who they like around

Enjoys the company of its family and does well with patient, reward-based training and early socialisation.3

The story where it all began

The Cirneco is an old Sicilian hunting dog, long associated with the slopes of Mount Etna and traditionally used for wild rabbit. A veterinary surgeon from Adrano, Maurizio Migneco, published the first modern description in 1932, and Italian enthusiasts then organised breeding and a standard, leading to national recognition in 1939.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed standard notes that coins and inscriptions show dogs of this type on Sicily before the time of Christ.1

  2. 2

    It takes its name from Mount Etna, the volcano in eastern Sicily.2

  3. 3

    The word 'cirneco' is thought to come from Latin 'cyrenaicus', linked to Cyrenaica in North Africa.2

  4. 4

    In Italy only around 100 to 150 new puppies were registered each year between 2010 and 2018.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named for the Etna volcano in eastern Sicily, where it was historically used for hunting on the volcanic slopes.2

Name ideas for your new friend

EtnaSiciliaVulcanoZefiroLavaCieloAriaRocciaSoleLunaFalcoBrezza

A day in the life told by a Cirneco dell'Etna

Morning sun warms the lava rocks, and I am off, chasing scents across the rugged hills. My legs carry me fast, and my nose knows every rabbit trail. After a good run, I return home, where I transform into a gentle shadow, curling up on the sofa beside my human. I am alert to every sound, but my heart is soft. In the evening, we play a scent game in the yard, and I find the hidden toy every time. Life is a perfect balance of wild and warm.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 199, Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 7 Primitive type hunting dogs, with working trial; standard dated 07.02.2017.1
FCI (date)
Definitively accepted in 1956.2
ENCI
Recognised by the Italian kennel club in 1939.2
AKC
Listed as an AKC breed.3

Popularity About 100-150 new registrations per year in Italy (2010-2018).

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Cirneco dell'Etna, and at what times?

Feed your adult Cirneco at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each day. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your dog.14

What should a Cirneco dell'Etna eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid giving human foods like these.15

How often should I bathe a Cirneco dell'Etna?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, though general guidance says at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to keep its coat healthy.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Cirneco dell'Etna need brushing?

Brush your Cirneco once a week with a grooming mitt or soft brush to remove loose hair. Its short, sleek coat is low maintenance, so weekly brushing keeps it looking great.16 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Cirneco dell'Etna's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain and bleeding.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Cirneco dell'Etna need?

This athletic dog needs daily walks plus safe off-lead running in a fenced area. It also enjoys lure coursing and scent games. Aim for at least 30, 60 minutes of activity each day.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Cirneco dell'Etna's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, never push anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly ear checks.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Cirneco dell'Etna live?

The Cirneco dell'Etna typically lives 12, 14 years. Senior years usually start around age 8, so schedule annual vet checkups to keep your dog healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Cirneco dell'Etna good with children and other pets?

Yes, with early socialisation and patient training, it can be gentle and affectionate with children. It may chase small pets due to its hunting instinct, so supervision is wise.13

Can a Cirneco dell'Etna be left alone?

This breed enjoys family company and may not do well left alone for long periods. It adapts to house life if exercised enough, but separation anxiety can occur. Ask a good breeder or trainer for advice on alone time.3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard N° 199 Cirneco dell'Etna fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Cirneco dell'Etna en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, recognition dates, history, registrations, fun facts
  3. AKC: Cirneco dell'Etna akc.orgused for temperament, activity, AKC listing
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.