Cirneco dell'Etna

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Cirneco dell'Etna
Cirneco dell Etna 611.jpg
A male Cirneco dell'Etna
Nicknames Cirneco
Country of origin Sicily, Italy
Notes The UK K.C. currently only carries an Interim breed standard. (as of December 2007)
Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Cirneco dell'Etna (Italian pronunciation: [tʃirˈnɛko delˈlɛtna]; plural Cirnechi [tʃirˈnɛki]) is a small breed of dog originally from Sicily. This hound was historically used to hunt rabbits and can work for hours without food or water.[citation needed] The breed also has a keen sense of smell and is primarily built for endurance over harsh terrain such as that of Mount Etna. It is the smallest of the Mediterranean island hunting hounds, the others being the Pharaoh Hounds and Ibizan Hounds.

Today they are increasingly kept for conformation showing and as pets, due to their low coat maintenance and friendly nature, although as active hounds they do need regular exercise. A Cirneco should measure from 43-51 cm (17-20in) and weigh between 10–12 kg (22-26lb). As with other breeds, those from hunting stock can lie outside these ranges.

External links[edit]

Media related to Cirneco dell'Etna at Wikimedia Commons