Cirneco dell’Etna Dog Breed Information - All About Dogs

Cirneco dell’Etna

Cirneco dell'Etna

Description

The Cirneco dell’Etna is an Italian dog breed, originally from Sicily.  He has a strong resemblance to the Pharaoh Hound. This hound has an amazing vision and hearing and furthermore, a keen sense of smell. The Cirneco dell’Etna is an extremely rare breed. He has spread only in his native land and is still uncommon abroad. In 2015, the Cirneco dell’Etna was officially recognized by the AKC.

Height: 17-20 inches  Weight: 17-27 pounds  Lifespan: 12-14 years

Characteristics

This primitive breed has a thin structure and elegant bearing. Despite his flexible appearance, the Cirneco dell’Etna has very strong muscles, it is extremely strong and hardy. The most distinctive feature of this breed is its ears, which are planted very high, hard and almost vertically. Cirneco Dell’Etna is agile, fast, and he has a unique ability to completely silently chase and catch the prey. Comparable Breeds: The Pharaoh Hound and Ibizan Hound.

Character

The Cirneco dell’Etna is not suitable for dog breeders who have no previous experience, especially because he has a strong, independent personality. This breed is affectionate, loyal, in one word, a true companion. It gets along perfectly with children and other pets, provided that they grew up in the same house from puppyhood. However, these dogs are quite cold and reserved with unfamiliar people and pets. Although the Cirneco Dell’Etna extremely vigilant and cautious by nature, he shows no signs of aggression whatsoever.

Coat / Care

The Cirneco dell’Etna is covered with a short, stiff, shiny hair. Periodic cleaning with a stiff brush is very important for this dog breed. Furthermore, bathing is possible only in case of urgent need.

Health Problems

Since the Cirneco Dell’Etna dog breed is extremely rare, there are no data about a typical health problem. The Cirneco dell’Etna has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Weight / Height

The male Cirneco dell’Etna dog breed’s height is around 18 – 20 inches and weighs around 17 and 27 pounds. Female Cirneco dell’Etna dogs can reach a size from 16 – 18 inches and weighs between 17 and 27 pounds.

Training

The Cirneco dell’Etna is a smart dog, which has a tendency to seize dominance. For this reason, this breed of dog requires intense socialization and obedience training at very young age. Rough or heavy-handed methods in dealing with these dogs will be completely ineffective. Actually, education should be based on firmness, fairness, patience and consistency.

Activity

The Cirneco dell’Etna requires a considerable amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Therefore, this dog is absolutely not suitable for living in a city apartment. On the contrary, Cirneco dell’Etna thrives best in a rural location, where he will have plenty of space for walking, hunting, running and all kinds of family games.

Photo credit: Giorgio Minguzzi/Flickr

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