Cirneco dell'Etna Dog: Temperament, Grooming, Lifespan, Price

Cirneco dell’Etna Dog: Temperament, Grooming, Lifespan, Price

Last Updated: March 31, 2023

Cirneco dell’Etna is an ancient Sicilian greyhound, recognized by the AKC in 2015. 

This medium-sized slender hound is named after Mt.Etna in Sicily, Italy, where it was first introduced by the hunters to scare off rabbits. 

They were once highly valued by the farmers for protecting their crops from rabbits, making this breed comparatively affordable than other pricey hunting dogs. 

Besides being a skilled hunter, these dogs are also cherished for their affectionate nature, which makes them a perfect choice as house dogs.

If you are looking for a low-maintenance furry friend, Cirneco dell’Etna is your dog.

Let’s know a little bit more about them before you decide to bring this dog home.


How much does a Cirneco dell’Etna cost?

How much does a Cirneco dell’Etna cost?

Though low maintenance, these dogs are limitedly available in their native place and few other locations preserved by some authorized breeders. 

Thankfully, the breed has not been manipulated much because of its unpopularity and is preserved by some reputed kennel clubs after being officially recognized in 2015.

Buying a Cirneco dell’Etna can cost you anywhere between $400 – $1,200, which is quite an affordable deal. 

But as they are rare and hardly preserved by any local breeders, you must contact a reputed breeder authorized by leading kennel clubs like the AKC, Cirneco dell’Etna Club of America to obtain a healthy purebred.


How to select Cirneco dell’Etna breeders?

If you have decided to get a Cirneco dell’Etna dog ignoring their ‘rare’ status, do extensive research online about them and check with the nearest breeders if they preserve this limited edition breed.

Once you connect with any reputed Cirneco dell’Etna breeders, make sure it’s purebred to ensure its sound health, and do check if the breeder is recognized by the AKC or Cirneco dell’Etna Club of America (CdECA) for complete peace of mind.

As they are rare, the price might vary based on your location, and breeder’s reputation. 

But once before confirming, do all essential documentation and the needful observation to stay on the safe side.  

Here are some pointers to keep in mind while selecting the breeder:

  • See if the breeder is recognized by the reputed kennel club
  • Make sure to look at your Cirneco dell’Etna puppy’s health certificate before paying the breeder.
  • Ask the breeder about the pup’s parents’ health condition, temperament, etc. to understand the behavior you can expect from your pup.
  • Don’t rush into buying, instead spend some time with the puppy to observe the environment it is being kept in.

When does a Cirneco dell’Etna get full size?

Curious to know when a Cirneco dell’Etna gets full size? 

Generally, it takes 6 months for your beautiful small hound to turn adult, but that depends on if you are caring for your pup right by feeding the right amount of daily nutrition and following your vet recommended instructions to support its healthy growth in time.

When fully grown a male Cirneco dell’Etna height can be between 18 – 19.5 inches and it weighs 22 – 26 pounds while a female Cirneco dell’Etna height is between 16.5 – 18 inches and will weigh 17 – 22 pounds.

Being a hunting hound, their diet must include high protein and low-fat content. 

This slender dog tends to gain weight when fed an excessive amount of table supply.

Feed your puppy 3 – 4 times a day with high-quality dry dog food rich in protein to support their muscle and bone development. 

If you want your Cirneco dell’Etna puppy to grow into a healthy adult within the recommended duration, start following a consistent feeding time and workout routine besides consulting a vet, as needed, to diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that can hamper its growth.


How to care for your Cirneco dell’Etna puppy?

Caring for Cirneco dell’Etna when they are puppies

If this is your first time adopting a dog, gift yourself the gentle and loving Cirneco dell’Etna puppy whose energy level you can match within a few months of initial puppy care and training at home.

Being a born hunter, your pup might show uncontrollable preying drive when it spots any moving objects and other pets at home. 

But surprisingly, they have lower biting and nipping tendencies, which is somewhat comforting.  

You don’t have to worry much about grooming their short silky coat either, but this particular breed tends to develop serious dental problems because of not chewing food properly. 

So introduce your pup to a consistent oral care routine by following various dog training tips and tricks and early socialization before it enters its 6th month.

Caring for Cirneco dell’Etna when they grow up

Caring for Cirneco dell’Etna when they grow up

As your pup turns adult, you need to introduce newer routines and bring changes in its diet to ensure a problem-free healthy life.

Once your dog enters adulthood, start feeding protein-rich and grain-free dry meals twice a day, depending on how often you offer them treats during training and tasks. 

They tend to obesity, so avoid overfeeding your pet out of excess affection.

Besides regular dental care, don’t forget to check your dog’s straight-up ears that tend to catch dirt while it rolls in the yard and during training. Though their short silky coat doesn’t require regular grooming, brushing once a week is enough to eliminate dander.

Your energetic adult Cirneco needs a daily exercise routine, so 30 mins of regular walk or activities are a must.


How to groom a Cirneco dell’Etna?

Cirneco dell’Etna grooming is comparatively easier and affordable than other high-maintenance hunting dogs, and the best part is they can easily adapt to your limited apartment life.

When it’s about grooming a dog, maintaining their coat is of utmost priority to keep them clean and your allergy flare in control. 

But with a Cirneco dell’Etna, you don’t need to worry much about caring for their short silky coat. 

Brushing once a week and bathing when you think is needed is enough to maintain their coat health. 

But before obtaining or adopting one, keep in mind that such coat type is unsuitable for colder regions, so you will need to wrap your buddy in a blanket or warm clothes so that it does not catch a cold in winters.

Also, as mentioned earlier suit your hound pup to a regular oral routine as they tend to develop dental issues with age which can also impact their overall health. 

Also, don’t forget to check their vertical ears regularly to prevent your dog from getting a painful ear infection.


How much exercise does a Cirneco dell’Etna need?

How much exercise does a Cirneco dell’Etna need?

Every dog needs some amount of daily activities to live a healthy life, but when it’s a hound, their requirement is a bit higher and must be consistent.

Cirneco dell’Etna is a highly energetic breed, that requires a moderate level of physical and mental stimulation regularly for a healthy life. 

They also possess an independent nature, that can make initial puppy training a bit tough for you as a beginner. 

Though it’s a hound, don’t go harsh on this small dog with long hours of vigorous activities that will do more harm than any good.

They love to socialize and be outside, so take them out on regular walks, chasing balls, jogging, and jumping in the lawn or park. 

This happy hound loves being around you and is comfortable jogging with you. 

So, consider adopting or obtaining one only if you have enough time and energy to spend with your outgoing Cirneco. 


Do Cirneco dell’Etna shed a lot?

If you are a clean freak but also an ardent dog lover, welcome home this low-shedding hunting dog and live your pet parenting dream without worrying about rolling and latching furballs everywhere.

This slender hound has a smooth short-haired coat that sheds low to none, making them a great choice for people with pet allergies and to maintain home hygiene.

All you need is to brush their silky coat once a week or as needed to support their coat health and retain the shine.

However, a Cirneco dell’Etna dog with an underlying cause can show unusual shedding patterns, which must be diagnosed and treated timely.


Are Cirneco dell’Etna hypoallergenic?

Are Cirneco dell’Etna hypoallergenic?

Cirneco dell’Etna is the first dog that we can safely approve hypoallergenic because of its short smooth coat that traps less dirt and dander than dogs with a double-layered coat.

However, due to their thin coat, the skin can become dry and flaky during winters, which can trigger your allergy flares. 

As you already know, that it is not their hair that causes allergies, but the dander latching on to their skin and hair strands. 

So keep your dog clean by brushing off its coat weekly and bath with a good quality dog shampoo to eliminate dander and sweat build-up.


Understanding Cirneco dell’Etna Temperament

Wondering, if this ancient mountain hound can adjust into your loving family? 

You will be happy and surprised to know that this skilled sighthound has a gentle and affectionate side that helps them adapt anywhere, be it an apartment or any countryside family.

These easy-going dogs are highly energetic and playful, for which they are considered the perfect playmate for toddlers or grown-up kids. 

A Cirneco dell’Ena temperament is all about oozing love, loyalty, and friendliness. 

As natural hounds, they have a high preying drive, jumping, and digging skills. 

So, start early training your Cirneco pup to socialize and make sure to always put a leash on it so that it can gel along with other pets and don’t chase after birds, squirrels, and smaller animals in the lawn or park.

They are outgoing and love being around you playing or jogging, which is ideally great for their holistic wellbeing. 

But if you ignore playing or going out with your Cirneco and mostly leave it alone because of your busy schedule, it will turn destructive and start howling or barking to release its boredom and seek your attention.


How intelligent are Cirneco dell’Etna?

When it comes to intelligence, a Cirneco dell’Etna’s intelligence is moderate. 

They do take a bit of time to learn and follow commands.

But they are always eager to please and adapt, which eases your job to train them into obedient dogs only with a consistent daily routine and positive reinforcement.

They might be slow learners, but once they are comfortable around you, each training day will be more enjoyable and cherishable. 

Because of their gentle disposition, a Cirneco is easy-going and trainable but sometimes can be a bit independent to follow your instructions. 

This is why early socialization and teaching basic commands are recommended from its 3rd week to make this intelligent active dog comfortable with regular training sessions.

Besides being an intelligent breed, the dog also has a high preying drive to chase after moving objects like squirrels, rabbits, and smaller games in the yard or park. 

So, hold on the leash tight to help your dog focus and release its limitless energy only in training and include a lot of brain stimulation games to support their brain health and development.


How easy is it to train Cirneco dell’Etna?

How easy is it to train Cirneco dell’Etna?

Training the active and eager to please Cirneco dell’Etna is comparatively easier than other sighthounds, with the only condition being a consistent daily routine.

Once you welcome this athletic hound home, start teaching basic obedience commands with easy dog training tips and tricks to tame its independent nature. 

Though they are affectionate and love socializing, late training can turn them reserved and shy around strangers and intolerant to other pets at home.

This hyper-active dog needs a moderate amount of physical and mental exercise to live a complaint-free happy life. 

They also tend to get bored with the same daily walking, fetching, and jogging, so bring variations and include new brainstorming games and exercises to keep them hooked and entertained.

If you don’t want your dog to develop behavioral issues, early training is the only way to a cordial pet-owner bond. 

This curious hound insanely loves your company and keeps wagging when has enough of you. 

But here is the caution, just like other dogs, they also don’t like to be left alone or in someone else’s care for a long time. Doing so will make them destructive.


What type of hunting is best for Cirneco dell’Etna?

These primitive Sicilian hounds were bred to hunt hares and were reliable watchdogs for the farmers in protecting their crops from rabbits, rats, and other small animals.

Cirneco dell’Etna is an Italian working dog with a high prey drive so you will need to put a leash on while you take it for walking or jogging so that it doesn’t react with the slightest movements in your yard and park, and start chasing birds and hares. 

Though they are born hunters but don’t precisely need to be taken on a hunting trip as a pet dog. 

Despite their miniature body, these dogs are tough and durable to hunt for hours without feeding. 

But you don’t need to be that tough with your Cirneco to test its hunting ability. 

Just take them out on regular walks and jogging in the park to let them enjoy and chase after squirrels and birds to keep their hunting spirit up and controlled.


Cirneco dell’Etna Lifespan

Cirneco dell’Etna Lifespan
Photo credit: leguape on Visualhunt.com 

This lean and beautiful Sicilian hound is blessed with an average lifespan of 12 – 14 years.

Cirneco dell’Etna belongs to the breed of low to non-shedding hunting dogs and remains active their entire lifespan.

Being a typical hound, these dogs need plenty of daily activities like long walks with their owners and vet-supervised dog food to survive healthily and sound. 

To ensure a healthy life for your Cirneco dell’Etna make sure you treat it like your family and spend the maximum amount of time with your buddy. 

They are lively and friendly in nature and gel well with other pets only if trained since it’s a puppy.


Common Health Issues Associated With Cirneco dell’Etna 

As an enthusiastic jumper and digger, these active sighthounds are often diagnosed with hip dysplasia and serious injuries in paws and leg muscles.

Surprisingly these lean dogs are prone to obesity which can also lead to diabetes and heart diseases. 

Cirneco dell’Etna has an independent and lively personality that must be nurtured in a friendly environment, the lack of which can turn them aggressive at times.

Other diseases likely to affect this breed are cataracts, patellar luxation, and cancer. 

To avoid your dog turning obese, keep a check on their diet, and don’t hesitate to consult a vet when needed.


Final Thoughts

Hopefully, your search for a low-maintenance, brave, and affectionate hunting dog ends with the Cirneco dell’Etna that can even adapt to your limited city life.

This affectionate hunting hound is a rare breed to find, but once you get connected to a reliable breeder, don’t miss your chance of parenting this beautiful and obedient hunting dog. 

Despite having so many positive qualities, the breed is still striving in the popularity rank to earn that celebrity status. 

If you are looking for an affordable, easy-going dog with an impressive lifespan, gift yourself a Cirneco dell’Etna to enjoy rewarding parenting.

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