Dog breeds / Cirneco dell'Etna

Photo: de:Benutzer:Jan Eduard, contrast Pleple2000 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Dog breed

Cirneco dell'Etna

AffectionateAlertIndependentGentleHigh prey drive

The Cirneco dell'Etna is a lean, quiet sighthound-type dog from Sicily, bred for hunting rabbits in rough terrain. At home he is affectionate with his family, often attached to one or two people, and usually gentle with children who respect him. He is alert and can be reserved with strangers. With other pets he tends to do best when raised together, though his strong prey drive means small animals need supervision.

Day to day he needs a secure space to run, since many of these dogs will chase anything that moves and are not reliably recall-trained off leash. He does well with long walks, sniffing time, and games that let him use his nose and speed. He is sensitive to harsh handling and enjoys routine and a calm household.

Good for: Active households with a secure yard, experienced owners

Size	medium
Weight	18–29 lb
Height	17–20 in
Exercise	about 90 min a day
Shedding	low
Origin	Italy

Before you choose a Cirneco dell'Etna

Expect a strong prey drive and unreliable recall, so plan on a fenced yard or a long line.

Living with a Cirneco dell'Etna

Exercise

Plan for one to two hours of walking, running, or sniffing games daily. Secure off-leash areas are ideal, since recall can be unreliable.

Grooming

Short, smooth coat that sheds lightly. A weekly brush and occasional bath are usually enough. Trim nails regularly.

Health

Generally a hardy breed, but can be prone to certain eye conditions and anesthesia sensitivity. Ask a vet about screening and any breed-specific concerns before choosing a puppy.