Cirneco dell’Etna

The Cirneco dell'Etna is a medium breed of dog originally from Italian island of Sicily. This hound was historically used to hunt rabbits and can work for hours without food or water. The breed also has a keen sense of smell and is primarily built for endurance over harsh terrain such as that of Mount Etna. It is the smallest of the Mediterranean island hunting hounds, the others being the Pharaoh Hounds and Ibizan Hounds.

Today they are increasingly kept for conformation showing and as pets, due to their low coat maintenance and friendly nature, although as active hounds they do need regular exercise. A Cirneco should measure from 43 to 51 cm (17 to 20 in) and weigh between 10 and 12 kg (22 and 26 lb). As with other breeds, those from hunting stock can lie outside these ranges.

The Cirneco dell'Etna has been present in Sicily for over 2,500 years and shares a common origin with the Pharaoh Hound and other breeds throughout the Mediterranean basin. As a hunter of small mammals and fowl, the Cirneco is a hardy, compact dog that was successful in hunting under adverse conditions - high heat, on rugged terrain formed by volcanic lava and with little food or water over extended periods of time. The affix "dell'Etna" was only added to the name Cirneco in 1939 when the first breed standard was accepted by the Italian Kennel Club. Etna comes from Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, situated on the east coast of Sicily and the area with the highest concentration of Cirnechi. The Cirneco dell'Etna was officially recognized by the AKC in 2015.