The sleek and sinewy Cirneco dell’Etna, the ancient coursing hound of Sicily, is an athletic hunter given to quick bursts of speed. As housedogs, Cirnechi are mild, low-maintenance companions cherished for their loyal and gentle nature.
The Cirneco dell'Etna has a strong, inquisitive, independent temperament, which is important in keen hunting dogs. It is also outgoing, friendly, affectionate and smart. Cirnechi are loyal and loving with their owners and friends. They are willing and eager to please and love to receive pets and praise. They usually make great family pets, although they can be reserved around strangers. The Cirneco is an extremely adaptable breed that can thrive in a wide variety of environments. However, these are house dogs that definitely need to live indoors due to their short coats, thin skin and absence of body fat. They like to nestle on warm soft furniture, blankets and bedding, almost as much as they like to snuggle with their favorite people. Cirnechi typically are tolerant of children, although this is not a bomb-proof breed and probably isn’t the best choice for families with very young kids. Cirnechi are social animals that tend to get along well with other dogs. They rarely cause problems in multiple-pet homes and, unlike most sighthounds, get along remarkably well with familiar cats. Of course, the earlier any dog is exposed to other household pets and small children, the more likely it is to get along with them as they age.
The Cirneco should be fed a high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet or the dog’s breeder if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should always be available.
The Cirneco’s short-haired, smooth coat requires minimal care. Gentle weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or hound glove should keep him looking his best, with an occasional bath only as needed. His ears should be regularly inspected for dirt or buildup of excess wax and cleaned if needed with soft gauze and an ear-cleaning solution—the dog’s breeder or the veterinarian can recommend a good brand to use. The nails should be trimmed often if not worn down naturally, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort.
Moderate physical exercise and mental stimulation are essential to satisfy the Cirneco’s intensely intelligent and inquisitive nature. He does best when he has a function, whether that means competing in the show ring or other canine events or being an interactive family member. He enjoys long walks and activities with his people. Because of his strong hunting instincts, he should not be allowed off lead in areas that are not securely enclosed, as he may not be able to resist the urge to run off after perceived prey. He does well with a fenced backyard where he can enjoy playtime with his owner, although he should not be just left alone outside with no attention for long periods, as he would be lonely and unhappy.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
No recommended health tests.
It is thought that ancient Egyptians perfected “sighthounds” or “coursing hounds,” the canine clan of explosively fast hunters struck from the Greyhound template. In antiquity, offshoots of the “Egyptian Hound” were developed and bartered around the Middle East and Mediterranean basin.
A clue to the Cirneco’s origin is in its name: Cirneco is derived from a Greek word meaning “dog of Cyrene (Libya).” It is likely that the breed has existed in Sicily since its ancestors arrived on its craggy shores some 3,000 years ago in the holds of ships piloted by those master traders of the ancient world, the Phoenicians. As far back as 500 b.c., dogs resembling Cirnechi appeared on Sicilian coins.
For thousands of years Cirnechi (sometimes called Sicilian Greyhounds) have been chasing rabbit, hare, and game birds across the rocky slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. Don’t be fooled by the breed’s delicate appearance; the Cirneco dell’Etna is a tough and durable worker, able to go without food or water for hours on the hunt in the hot climate and rugged terrain of its homeland.
By the early 1930s, the Cirneco was on the verge of oblivion. Dr. Maurizio Migneco, a veterinarian, wrote a passionate article about the breed’s imminent demise. It caught the attention of a Sicilian aristocrat, Baroness Agata Paternó Castello, who spent the next 26 years reviving the breed in Sicily.
The Cirneco was recognized by Italy’s national kennel club in 1939, and the AKC recognized the breed in 2015.