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Cirneco dell’Etna Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Cirneco dell’Etna so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank184
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Cirneco dell’Etna dog profile picture
OriginItaly flagItaly
Other Names
What other names does the Cirneco dell’Etna have?
Cirneco
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Cirneco dell’Etna Size and Weight

Size
Is a Cirneco dell’Etna small, medium or large dog?

How big do Cirneco dell’Etna get?

What is the average size of a Cirneco dell’Etna?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Cirneco dell’Etna weigh? How much should a Cirneco dell’Etna weight? What is the normal weight of a Cirneco dell’Etna? How much does a full-grown Cirneco dell’Etna weight?
Male: 22–26 pounds (10–12 kg), Female: 18–22 pounds (8–10 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Cirneco dell’Etna?
Male: 24 pounds (11 kg), Female: 20 pounds (9 kg)
Height
How tall is the Cirneco dell’Etna? Cirneco dell’Etna height:
Male: 18–20 inch (46–52 cm), Female: 17–20 inch (42–50 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Cirneco dell’Etna?
Male: 19 inch (49 cm), Female: 18.5 inch (46 cm)

Cirneco dell’Etna Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Cirneco dell’Etna puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Cirneco dell’Etna in the United States? How much money is a Cirneco dell’Etna?

Where to buy a Cirneco dell’Etna with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Cirneco dell’Etna, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Cirneco dell’Etna for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Cirneco dell’Etna gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Cirneco dell’Etna? How many Cirneco dell’Etna are there in the world?
Frequent: The Cirneco dell’Etna is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Cirneco dell’Etna Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Cirneco dell’Etna? Is the Cirneco dell’Etna breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Cirneco dell’Etna obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Cirneco dell’Etna ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Cirneco dell’Etna dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Cirneco dell’Etna?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Cirneco dell’Etna good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are not the best to protect their territory. Better to have the protection of your house and property supervised by others.

Cirneco dell’Etna Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Cirneco dell’Etna have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
AffectionateLivelyGentle
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Cirneco dell’Etna sensitivity:
Sensitive: Cirneco dell’Etna dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Cirneco dell’Etna a good family dog?
Average to High: Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Cirneco need? Cirneco dell’Etna social needs:
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Cirneco dell’Etna to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Cirneco dell’Etna roam?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Cirneco dell’Etna have high prey drive?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Cirneco dell’Etna Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Cirneco dell’Etnas, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Cirneco bark?
Low to Average: The Cirneco dell’Etna rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Cirneco dell’Etna good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Cirneco dell’Etna in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Cirneco dell’Etna breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Cirneco dell’Etna Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Cirneco dell’Etna be left alone? How long can you leave a Cirneco dell’Etna alone?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Cirneco dell’Etna Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Cirneco dell’Etna has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Cirneco dell’Etna? How much bite force does a Cirneco dell’Etna have? How strong is a Cirneco dell’Etna bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Cirneco dell’Etna bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Cirneco dell’Etna measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Cirneco dell’Etna is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Cirneco dell’Etna bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Cirneco dell’Etna bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Cirneco dell’Etna puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Cirneco dell’Etna, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Cirneco dell’Etna bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Cirneco dell’Etna can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Cirneco dell’Etna bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Cirneco? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Cirneco dell’Etna? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Cirneco dell’Etna has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Cirneco dell’Etna do?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Cirneco dell’Etna dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Cirneco dell’Etna Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Cirneco dell’Etnas tend to have a lot and frequent health issues. Regular vet check-ups are essential with this breed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Cirneco dell’Etna breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Cirneco dell’Etna see the vet?
Frequent
The Cirneco dell’Etna should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs live? How old can a Cirneco dell’Etna be? What is the age limit of the Cirneco dell’Etna? How many years can the oldest Cirneco dell’Etna live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Cirneco dell’Etna?

How long is the lifespan of a Cirneco dell’Etna?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cirneco dell’Etna: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

Cirneco dell’Etna Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Cirneco dell’Etna have? What is the activity level of the Cirneco dell’Etna?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Cirneco dell’Etna need? How much exercise do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs require per day?

Do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs need a lot of exercises?

Cirneco dell’Etna dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Cirneco dell’Etna breed need?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Cirneco dell’Etna Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Cirneco dell’Etna need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Cirneco dell’Etna breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Cirneco dell’Etna? How much food should I feed my Cirneco dell’Etna?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Cirneco dell’Etna risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Cirneco dell’Etna has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Cirneco dell’Etna weight regularly.

Cirneco dell’Etna Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Cirneco dell’Etna have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Fine
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Cirneco dell’Etna coats?
ChestnutTan
Grooming
How to groom the Cirneco dell’Etna and how often? How often should I take my Cirneco dell’Etna to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Cirneco dell’Etna doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Cirneco dell’Etna is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Cirneco? Do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs shed a lot?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Cirneco dell’Etna dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Cirneco dell’Etna need a bath? How often should you give a Cirneco dell’Etna a bath? Can I bathe my Cirneco dell’Etna every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Cirneco dell’Etna breed hypoallergenic?
No
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Cirneco dell’Etna has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Cirneco dell’Etna drool?
The Cirneco dell’Etna is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Cirneco dell’Etna Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs get along with other pets? Are Cirneco dell’Etna dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Cirneco dell’Etna temperament with other people:
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Cirneco dell’Etna dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Cirneco dell’Etna temperament with children:
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Cirneco dell’Etna breed live with a cat?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Cirneco dell’Etna good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs get along with other dogs?
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Cirneco dell’Etna can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Cirneco dell’Etna breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Cirneco dell’Etna breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Cirneco dell’Etna dogs good office canines? Do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Cirneco dell’Etna is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Cirneco dell’Etna dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Cirneco temperament with senior people? Are Cirneco dell’Etna dogs good for elderly owners?
Cirneco dell’Etnas are usually recommended for elderly people.

Cirneco dell’Etna As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Cirneco dell’Etna be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Cirneco dell’Etna is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Cirneco dell’Etna be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Cirneco dell’Etna be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Cirneco dell’Etna is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Cirneco dell’Etna be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Cirneco dell’Etna is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Cirneco dell’Etna be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Cirneco dell’Etna is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Cirneco dell’Etna be a boat dog?

Not really

Cirneco dell’Etna breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Cirneco dell’Etna be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Cirneco dell’Etna is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Cirneco dell’Etna dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Cirneco dell’Etna Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Cirneco dell’Etna pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Cirneco dell’Etna breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Cirneco dell’Etna: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Cirneco dell’Etna have in a litter? How many puppies can the Cirneco dell’Etna breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Cirneco dell’Etna have? How many puppies can a Cirneco dell’Etna give birth to?
3-5 puppies

Cirneco dell’Etna Recognition

AKC Group
Is Cirneco dell’Etna recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Hound breed.
FCI Group
Is Cirneco dell’Etna recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Cirneco dell’Etna Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are easy to train.
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Cirneco dell’Etna breed.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Cirneco dell’Etna doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Cirneco dell’Etna dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Cirneco dell’Etna has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Mouthiness: Cirneco dell’Etna dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Cirneco dell’Etna dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Cirneco dell’Etna dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Cirneco dell’Etnas are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Cirneco dell’Etna dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Health Issues: Cirneco dell’Etnas tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
  • Hypoallergenic: Cirneco dell’Etna dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Cirneco dell’Etna dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Cirneco dell’Etna is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Cirneco dell’Etna History

The Cirneco dell'Etna is a very old breed that has been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. The breed was created in an era before dog breeding records were preserved in writing, thus nothing is known about its ancestors. It is obvious that the Cirneco dell'Etna is an ancient breed and that has been in Sicily for long a time as coins made long ago as 500 B.C. from Segesta depict dogs that resemble the modern breed.

Moreover, the name "Cirneco" comes from a Greek word, "Kyrenakios", which means "of Cyrene", the ancient name of the Libyan city of Shahhat. Kyrenaikos was the oldest and most important of five Greek colonies in Eastern Libya, and it was so important that the region is still known as Cyrenaica, after Cyrene, the city's Roman name. It is generally believed that the Cirneco dell'Etna was originally called the Cane Cirenaico, or "dog from Cyrenaica". Some experts say that this strongly suggests that these dogs arrived in Sicily from North Africa, being brought by Greek traders operating between Cyrene and Syracuse. The second part of the breed's name, "dell'Etna", comes from Mount Etna on the island of Sicily.

Although experts are not sure how the breed arrived in Sicily, it is sure that it became highly valued by the people on the island. As I already mentioned before, the dog was regularly depicted on coins minted by a number of local powers from the 5th to 3rd centuries B.C. The dog is most commonly found on coins minted in Segesta, but it also appears on those from Erice, Piakos, Motia, Palermo, and Messina. These coins frequently depicted the Sicilian God Adranos, the personification of the volcano Etna, on one side and a Cirneco dell'Etna on the other. This suggests that the breed was associated with the Volcane that gives its modern name as early as 2500 years ago. These coins and their positions imply that the Cirneco dell'Etna had religious significance for the ancient Sicilians, which can also be found in the mythology of the region. According to the legend, Dionysus, the Greco-Roman God of wine and revelry, founded a temple on the side of Mount Etna around 400 B.C. The temple was supposedly responsible for breeding many of these dogs, who served the temple in many ways. The Cirneco acted as temple guardian and had the ability to identify thieves and non-believers, who would be attacked immediately.

Furthermore, local hunters have kept the breed in nearly the same shape for millennia, even long after the breed's religious significance had been eliminated due to the spread of Christianity. These dogs can be found on a number of Roman Era artifacts, most notably the mosaics of the Roman Villa Imperiale at Piazza Amerina. The Cirneco dell'Etna came to be found across Sicily, but it was always common in the area immediately surrounding Mount Etna. The breed has traditionally been a hunting dog, and rabbits have been its major prey for ages. Rabbit hunting was highly beneficial to Sicilian farmers are they were considered agricultural pests who consume crops. However, in most of Europe, hunting dogs were primarily kept by the nobility, but the Cirneco dell'Etna was usually owned by poor farmers. The breed remained a highly valued part of Sicilian life for millennia but fell on hard times at the beginning of the 20th century.

As a result of modern technology and social change, fewer people kept these dogs, and the quality of their breeding began to deteriorate. In 1932, Dr. Mauriyio Migneco, a veterinarian from Andrano, wrote an article for an Italian hunting journal that covered the breed's declining numbers. This motivated a group of highly influential Sicilians who decided to work together to save the much-treasured dog. These efforts were led by the Baroness Agata Paterno Castello of the Dukes of Carcaci, better known to her friends as Donna Agata.  Donna Agata dedicated the next 26 years of her life to the Cirneco dell’Etna, known at the time as the Cirneco. She did her best to learn everything she could about the breed and its history before scouring the island for the best examples. She took these dogs to her kennel, Aetnensis, and began to initiate a breeding program. When she felt that she had successfully recovered the type of dog, she consulted with the renowned zoologist Professor Giuseppe Solaro. Professor Solaro studies the dog's anatomy, behavior, and working methods, and published the first Cirneco standard in 1938. The breed, which is certainly the oldest of Italy's many native dogs, was immediately recognized by the Italian Kennel Club. The first breed club was established in Catania in 1951. The Professor served as its first president. Moreover, in 1952 the first Italian Show Champion was crowned, a female named Aetnesis pupa that had been bred by Baroness herself.

The Cirneco was continued to be bred throughout Sicily, but the breed also spread across mainland in Italy as well. However, the dog was mostly unknown outside of Italy un tilt the 1980s. In 1989 the Federation Cynologique Internationale granted full recognition to the breed.  Interest began to increase outside of Italy, especially in France, Finland, and the United States. The first Cirneco dell’Etna arrived in the United States in the mid-1990s and soon a club was formed, the Cirneco dell’Etna Club of America. In 2006, the United Kennel Club became the first of the two major kennel clubs to grant full recognition to the breed as a member of the Sighthound and Pariah Group. Not much later, the American Kennel Club placed the breed in its Foundation Stock Service Program, which was the first step towards full recognition with the club. Eventually, in 2012, the Cirneco dell’Etna was officially added to the AKC’s Miscellaneous Class, the final step before full recognition. Today, the breed is eligible to compete in almost all official AKC events that a member of the hound group is allowed to participate in.

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