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.

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.

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 suitable for very cold climates such as 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.