Cirneco dell’EtnaCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Cirneco has lived in Sicily since very ancient times. The FCI standard says it probably descends from the hunting dogs of ancient Egypt and was brought to the Mediterranean basin by the Phoenicians. Old coins, engravings and mosaics from before Christ show it on the island.

The first written description of the modern breed was published in 1932 by Maurizio Migneco, a vet from Adrano, on the slopes of Etna. The Sicilian noblewoman Agata Paternó Castello read the article, bought a few dogs and began breeding them in 1934. The Italian Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1939.

How the breed developed

• Antiquity – Similar dogs appear on coins and mosaics in Sicily.
• 1932 – Maurizio Migneco publishes the first description of the breed.
• 1934 – Agata Paternó Castello begins breeding the dogs.
• 1939 – The Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) recognises the breed.
• 9 March 1956 – The FCI definitively recognises the breed.
• 30 October 2016 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a medium-sized, elegant and slender primitive dog, yet compact and strong, with erect ears and always alert. The body is square: its length equals the height at the withers.

General appearance

The ears are set very high and close together, erect, stiff and triangular. The eyes are fairly small and ochre, amber or hazel. The low-set tail is carried like a sabre at rest and raised in a sickle when the dog is alert.

The coat is fawn in all shades, from dark to light. Fawn and white is also accepted: a white blaze on the head and chest, white feet, white tail tip and belly. An all-brown, black or brindle coat disqualifies.

The standard describes it as willing, determined, affectionate and alert, very attached to its owner. It is first and foremost a hunting dog that works by scent, but also an excellent companion.

The AKC says it responds well to gentle methods and can be trained for obedience, rally, agility and tracking. Many Cirnechi love lure coursing.

Tips for effective training

• Use gentle methods. Rewards work much better than harshness.
• Be careful around cats. It has a strong hunting instinct; introductions must be made carefully.
• Practise recall. On a rabbit's trail it may forget commands.
• Start socialising it as a puppy. Puppy classes help it become a well-balanced dog.

The AKC gives it an average score for energy. It needs daily walks and free running in a securely fenced area.

Tips for a balanced life

• The fence must be high: it is a good jumper.
• In winter, its short coat gives it little protection from the cold.
• Keep it on a lead in open areas.

Coat and skin care

The short, smooth coat needs very little care. The AKC recommends gentle brushing once a week with a soft brush or a grooming mitt, and a bath only when needed.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is very hardy and healthy. There are no known hereditary diseases specific to the breed. As with any active dog, the joints are worth watching:

Other care

• Check the ears weekly for signs of infection.
• Brush its teeth often, with dog toothpaste.
• Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.

A slender, active dog needs a good-quality food suited to its age. Make sure it does not get fat: it must keep its slim figure.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The name comes from ancient Libya. “Cirneco” comes from the Latin “cyrenaicus”, linked to Cyrenaica, in North Africa.
• It is named after a volcano. The second part of the name comes from Etna, around which the breed developed.
• Saved by a noblewoman. Agata Paternó Castello began breeding the dogs in 1934.
• The working trial. In Italy, registering a Cirneco depends on passing a hunting trial.
• A relative of the Kelb tal-Fenek. A 2021 genomic study found it closest to the Maltese rabbit dog.

On ancient coins

The FCI standard notes that the breed's presence in Sicily is proven by images on coins, engravings and mosaics dating from centuries before Christ.

What does “Cirneco dell'Etna” mean?

“Cirneco” comes from the Latin “cyrenaicus”, and “dell'Etna” means “of Etna”, the volcano in Sicily.

How big does it get?

Males measure 46–50 cm and weigh 10–13 kg; females measure 44–48 cm and weigh 8–11 kg.

Is it a family dog?

Yes. It is affectionate and very attached to its owner, but has a strong hunting instinct.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives a life expectancy of 15–16 years.