At a glance the quick version
FCI gives 8-11 kg for females; Wikipedia gives 8-10 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short to semi-long, sleek
A light, elegant and slender hunting dog with large upright ears and a fine, glassy coat that is very short on the head and legs and a little longer on the body.12
Personality what they are like
A spirited, determined hunter in the field that turns into a gentle, loyal and affectionate companion at home. It is alert and quick, with a strong mind of its own.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An athletic dog built for bursts of speed over rough ground. It needs daily walks plus safe off-lead running in a fenced area, and enjoys lure coursing and scent games.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low maintenance: a weekly brush or rub with a grooming mitt, plus regular nail trims and ear checks.13
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to house life if it gets enough exercise; a securely fenced garden suits it, as it loves to chase small quarry.13
Company who they like around
Enjoys the company of its family and does well with patient, reward-based training and early socialisation.3
The story where it all began
The Cirneco is an old Sicilian hunting dog, long associated with the slopes of Mount Etna and traditionally used for wild rabbit. A veterinary surgeon from Adrano, Maurizio Migneco, published the first modern description in 1932, and Italian enthusiasts then organised breeding and a standard, leading to national recognition in 1939.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The breed standard notes that coins and inscriptions show dogs of this type on Sicily before the time of Christ.1
- 2
It takes its name from Mount Etna, the volcano in eastern Sicily.2
- 3
The word 'cirneco' is thought to come from Latin 'cyrenaicus', linked to Cyrenaica in North Africa.2
- 4
In Italy only around 100 to 150 new puppies were registered each year between 2010 and 2018.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 199, Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 7 Primitive type hunting dogs, with working trial; standard dated 07.02.2017.1
- FCI (date)
- Definitively accepted in 1956.2
- ENCI
- Recognised by the Italian kennel club in 1939.2
- AKC
- Listed as an AKC breed.3
Popularity About 100-150 new registrations per year in Italy (2010-2018).
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cirneco dell'Etna. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Cirneco dell'Etna, and at what times?
Feed your adult Cirneco at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each day. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your dog.14
What should a Cirneco dell'Etna eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid giving human foods like these.15
How often should I bathe a Cirneco dell'Etna?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, though general guidance says at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to keep its coat healthy.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Cirneco dell'Etna need brushing?
Brush your Cirneco once a week with a grooming mitt or soft brush to remove loose hair. Its short, sleek coat is low maintenance, so weekly brushing keeps it looking great.16 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Cirneco dell'Etna's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain and bleeding.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Cirneco dell'Etna need?
This athletic dog needs daily walks plus safe off-lead running in a fenced area. It also enjoys lure coursing and scent games. Aim for at least 30, 60 minutes of activity each day.13 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Cirneco dell'Etna's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary's plan suggests weekly ear checks.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Cirneco dell'Etna live?
The Cirneco dell'Etna typically lives 12, 14 years. Senior years usually start around age 8, so schedule annual vet checkups to keep your dog healthy.1 Furry Diary plan
Is a Cirneco dell'Etna good with children and other pets?
Yes, with early socialisation and patient training, it can be gentle and affectionate with children. It may chase small pets due to its hunting instinct, so supervision is wise.13
Can a Cirneco dell'Etna be left alone?
This breed enjoys family company and may not do well left alone for long periods. It adapts to house life if exercised enough, but separation anxiety can occur. Ask a good breeder or trainer for advice on alone time.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard N° 199 Cirneco dell'Etna fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Cirneco dell'Etna en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, recognition dates, history, registrations, fun facts
- AKC: Cirneco dell'Etna akc.orgused for temperament, activity, AKC listing
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.