The Cirneco dell’Etna is a small breed of dog originally from the 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.
Appearance:
The Cirneco Dell’etna is a medium-sized dog that is slender in build and elegant. He is a hardy dog that is also strong. His ears should always be alert and upright and he should be long-legged with a lightweight body. He should have small, oval eyes that are alert. His eyes can be amber or ochre. His ears are set high on his head and should be upright and rigid. His ears should always be alert. The Cirneco has short hair on his legs, ears and head. He will have short to semi-long hair on his body. Hair should not be longer than 1 ¼ inch. His coat should be sleek and lie close to the body. Hair can be fine to just slightly coarse; wiry hair is undesirable. The Cirneco will have varying colours including self-coloured light to dark hues of chestnut or tan. White, fawn and white and orange and white are accepted colours but are less desirable than the other colours. Fawn, sable and fawn sable are the most desirable colours in the Cirneco Dell’etna.