Cirneco dell'Etna — breed guide
A small Sicilian rabbit hound that has worked the lava slopes of Etna for over two thousand years — tough-footed and surprisingly trainable.
At a glance
- Group
- hound
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 8–12 kg (18–26 lb)
- Life span
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Short, sleek, close coat
Living with a Cirneco dell'Etna
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Almost no grooming.
- Light shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Vocal when there is a reason.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Handles warm weather well.
- Feels the cold.
Temperament
Keen · Gentle · Lively · Biddable for a sighthound
Health to watch
- Anaesthesia sensitivity
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Cirneco dell'Etna good with kids?
Generally yes. Cirneco dell'Etnas are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Cirneco dell'Etna good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Cirneco dell'Etna need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Cirneco dell'Etna handle hot weather?
It copes well with warm days.
Leash Life keeps a Cirneco dell'Etna's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.