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Cirneco dell'Etna
Health grade A- Shoulder height42–52 cm
- Weight8–12 kg
- Life expectancy12–14 yrs
- Puppy price1,000–2,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Cirneco dell'Etna is an elegant, lightning-fast, and highly sensitive primitive hunter—bred to independently track rabbits in the rugged volcanic landscape of Sicily. Despite his hunting independence, he forms a surprisingly close bond with his human.
- Health grade A: The Cirneco dell'Etna is considered a very healthy breed; nevertheless, hereditary risks such as cataract, progressive retinal atrophy, and the neurological pontocerebellar hypoplasia, AMPD2-associated (PCH) can occur.
- You enjoy keeping a dog physically and mentally stimulated—for example, through coursing, scent work, or long hikes.
- You lead with gentle consistency and positive reinforcement, as this sensitive Sicilian will immediately shut down or become stubborn if treated with harshness.
- You expect a dog that remains reliably recallable in the woods—he is a sight and scent hound whose hunting instincts kick in the moment a rabbit jumps up.
Self-check
Would the Cirneco dell'Etna really fit your life?
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Cirneco dell'Etna fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
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Is the Cirneco dell'Etna right for you?
At a glance
Cirneco dell'Etna overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Shoulder height
42–52 cm
Weight
8–12 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,000 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, smooth, no undercoat
- Origin: Italy
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Cirneco dell'Etna, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Cirneco dell'Etna come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Cirneco dell'Etna — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Amber
Coat type
Short
Smooth
Perfect for you if:
- You offer a warm home with a soft sofa—he has almost no undercoat and loves cozy cuddle sessions after a day's work.
- You ideally have a high, securely fenced garden where he can safely enjoy short sprints.
Less ideal if:
- You prefer spending hours outdoors in rain and cold—wet and freezing weather are a nightmare for this warmth-loving southerner.
- You want an absolutely obedient companion with a 'will-to-please' who repeats commands without questioning them.
- You have to leave your dog alone for long periods regularly—he bonds strongly with his family and suffers from isolation.
The real vibes check
Outdoors, the Cirneco is an arrow-fast hunter that scans the terrain with all his senses; indoors, he transforms into an affectionate hot-water bottle who prefers to sleep deep under your duvet. You aren't getting a classic follower of orders, but a sensitive, almost cat-like aristocrat. If you celebrate this contrast between hunting independence and an extreme need for cuddles, you will find a fascinating companion.
Breed Profile
The Cirneco dell'Etna is a medium-sized sighthound with an elegant and harmonious physique that reflects its athletic character. However, its slimness and elegance do not mean that it is fragile; in fact, he is a tough and resilient dog, built for endurance and speed. Its eyes are amber and exude intelligence and alertness, while its ears are large, erect and usually very mobile, giving it a special charm. The Cirneco dell'Etna belongs to FCI Group 5 of Spitz and Urtyp dogs and is specifically listed in Section 7 of primitive dogs.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 42 - 50 cm (Female), 46 - 52 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 8 - 10 kg (Female), 10 - 12 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 yrs
- Character
- Active, affectionate, independent
- Coat
- Short, smooth, no undercoat
- Coat Color
- Isabell (a type of fawn or light brown), in various shades, often with white markings
- Price
- 1000 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
The Cirneco dell'Etna is an active and energetic dog with a strong hunting instinct that comes from its long history as a rabbit hunter. Despite his independent and sometimes headstrong nature, he is very affectionate and people-oriented. He loves being around his people and tends to develop close bonds with his family. He tends to be calm and balanced as long as he receives enough physical and mental stimulation. In terms of its activity levels, the Cirneco dell'Etna is definitely on the more active side of the spectrum. He loves running, jumping and playing. He has natural stamina and is ideal for sporting activities such as agility, running or just long walks in nature. When it comes to learning, the Cirneco dell'Etna is intelligent and perceptive. He can learn to stay alone, but he should not be left alone for too long as he prefers the company of people or other dogs. Regarding its hunting instinct, it is important to know that the Cirneco dell'Etna still has the drive to hunt, which can manifest itself in strong prey-catching behavior. This means you need to be extra careful when walking in areas with lots of wildlife and a fenced garden is ideal. The Cirneco dell'Etna is also an alert dog, meaning he tends to pay attention to any unusual noises or movements in his environment. This makes him a good guard dog, although he is not particularly fond of barking. Overall, the Cirneco dell'Etna is a fascinating breed for people who have an active lifestyle and are willing to invest the time and energy needed to train and exercise this beautiful and historic dog. If you are willing to give him the love, attention and activity he needs, the Cirneco dell'Etna will be a loyal and loving companion.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
The Cirneco dell'Etna is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and is believed to have existed in Sicily for over 3000 years!
What Awaits You
The Cirneco Dell'Etna is a fast, barking hunter. He is independent and not easy to motivate for training.
Housing & Care
The Cirneco dell'Etna can be kept in a city apartment as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. However, it is better suited to living in a house with a garden. He generally gets along well with children, but as with any dog breed, it is important that interactions between dogs and small children are always supervised. The Cirneco dell'Etna can also live with cats and other pets, especially if it is used to them from an early age.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
The Cirneco dell'Etna is an intelligent dog that loves both physical and mental challenges. It is particularly suitable for dog sports such as agility, obedience and canicross. It is important to keep the training varied and positive, as the Cirneco dell'Etna can sometimes be stubborn. The breed has a strong hunting instinct, so it is important to introduce him to recall training early on. The Cirneco dell'Etna can have a tendency to become ball crazy, so it is advisable to keep ball play in moderation and focus on varied activities instead. It is also important to teach the Cirneco dell'Etna how to control his impulses, especially when it comes to his hunting instincts. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important skills that can be developed through training.
Nutrition & Care
The Cirneco dell'Etna needs a balanced diet based on its age, weight and activity level. High quality feed that is high in protein and low in fillers is recommended. When it comes to grooming, the Cirneco dell'Etna is relatively easy to care for. He has a short, smooth coat without an undercoat. This also means that he is not suited to very cold climates, such as in some parts of Germany and it would be advisable to put a coat on him in winter. The Cirneco dell'Etna does not shed excessively, but regular brushing is recommended to remove dead hair and keep the coat clean.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
The Cirneco dell'Etna is considered a very healthy breed; nevertheless, hereditary risks such as cataract, progressive retinal atrophy, and the neurological pontocerebellar hypoplasia, AMPD2-associated (PCH) can occur. In addition, patellar luxation (PL) and sensitivity to anesthesia play a role. A responsible breeder also tests their breeding animals for these diseases. Before buying a puppy, have official findings presented for PL 0, proof of eye examinations with the result free, and genetic tests showing that breeding animals must be free of pontocerebellar hypoplasia (AMPD2) or that a carrier was mated only with a free partner.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
In daily life this can mean
Because he lacks an undercoat, you should protect him with a coat in wet and cold weather and ensure joint-friendly exercise to keep his knees healthy.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the knees, eyes, and hearts of the parent animals checked and prioritize diverse and healthy bloodlines due to the small gene pool.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
5
Risks tracked
0
Recommended standard
4
High severity
Eyes
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
We sort tests into three tiers — from the core standard to a fully exemplary program.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Cirneco dell'Etna cost?
A Cirneco dell'Etna costs around ~€160 per month (€90 – €300, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,500 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13 years) it comes to about ~€27,590.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€150 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€160
In the first year
~€4,500
Across the dog's life
~€27,590
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,000 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The origins of Cirneco dell'Etna are deeply rooted in Sicily's history. It is believed to be descended from dogs domesticated by the ancient Egyptians and later brought to the Mediterranean by the Phoenicians. It was mainly used to hunt wild rabbits on the volcanic island. Some of the oldest depictions of the Cirneco can be found on coins and artwork from the 5th century BC, suggesting that the breed was already valued in ancient times. Despite the breed's long history, the Cirneco dell'Etna was not officially recognized as a breed until 1939.
Original Use
Bred to hunt rabbits in the volcanic regions of Sicily, the Cirneco dell'Etna is known for its endurance and speed.
Origin
Italy
Date
Antike
Owner experiences
At home, owners often find the Cirneco dell'Etna a striking contrast to how it acts outdoors.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
At home, owners often find the Cirneco dell'Etna a striking contrast to how it acts outdoors. Indoors the dog is almost always described as a cuddly, gentle and affectionate companion that sets great store by comfort. Many owners describe with a smile how their Cirneco loves to retreat to the warmest corners, burrow under blankets or snuggle up on the couch. With its own family, including children, it's considered very friendly and playful. Strangers, on the other hand, usually get a cautious reserve typical of the breed, without any aggression.
Owners also point out, however, that this calm indoors comes with clear conditions: the Cirneco needs enough exercise and activity so it doesn't become nervous or restless. Another point that comes up again and again is its voice. Many owners and breed experts report that the Cirneco expresses its feelings, especially excitement, invitations to play or impatience, by barking loudly, which is something to channel early in a family setting and in rented apartments.
Sources:rundum.dogwindhundverband.dehundeseite.deedogs.detackenberg.de
On training and handling, owners largely agree: the Cirneco dell'Etna is very intelligent and catches on to tasks very quickly, but it ha…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
On training and handling, owners largely agree: the Cirneco dell'Etna is very intelligent and catches on to tasks very quickly, but it has no blind obedience at all. Experienced owners regularly stress that, as a primitive-type dog, it was bred to make its own decisions. It likes to question whether a command makes sense first. Pressure or harshness quickly makes this sensitive breed shut down completely, so owners recommend patient consistency, plenty of positive reinforcement and a sense of humor.
The biggest practical challenge off leash is, and remains, its deep-rooted hunting drive. Many owners report that reliable off-leash time in areas with lots of wildlife is barely possible, or only after very intensive training, since the Cirneco reacts in a flash to the slightest movement, sound or scent trail. In daily life, owners therefore often fall back on a long line or well-fenced runs. To balance this out, they recommend activities that suit the breed, such as lure coursing, mantrailing or scent games, where the dog can put its hunting smarts to use in a controlled way.
Sources:rundum.dogwindhundverband.dehundeseite.deedogs.dezooplus.de
Health-wise, owners see the Cirneco dell'Etna as a hardy, primitive breed with pleasingly little tendency toward typical inherited diseases.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Health-wise, owners see the Cirneco dell'Etna as a hardy, primitive breed with pleasingly little tendency toward typical inherited diseases. Owners appreciate the great toughness and agility it shows in sports and activities. With a life expectancy often of 12 to 14 years or more, the breed is considered long-lived and resilient.
Sensitivity to weather, however, comes up constantly in owner accounts. Since the Cirneco comes from Sicily's Mediterranean climate, has a very fine, short coat and practically no warming undercoat, it gets cold very quickly in Central Europe's cold, wet weather. Many owners therefore point out, quite practically, that warm, water-repellent dog coats are basic equipment in fall and winter. In rain or cold, many of these dogs are also surprisingly reluctant to go out and clearly prefer a warm room to a short potty walk.
Sources:rundum.dogwindhundverband.dehundeseite.detackenberg.depaw-champ.com
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
Community posts
FAQ & more
Is a Cirneco dell'Etna the right dog for me?
The Cirneco dell'Etna is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Cirneco dell'Etna live?
The average life expectancy of a Cirneco dell'Etna is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Cirneco dell'Etna need?
Cirneco dell'Etna grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Cirneco dell'Etna good for families with children?
The Cirneco dell'Etna can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Cirneco dell'Etna come in?
The Cirneco dell'Etna comes in these colors: Fawn, Isabella, Red, Red and white, White.
Are you a Cirneco dell'Etna breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Cirneco dell'Etna.