CIRNECO DELL’ETNA

It is a very ancient breed which has maintained inalterable, judging by its representation in VI century A.C. Sicilian coins. Traditionally bred for hunting rabbits, survived due to countrymen that, in the course of the centuries, have achieved in keeping it pure, using it mostly in the inaccessible mountainsides due to the Etna’s solidified lava. Currently there are breeders in Sicily as in other Italian provinces that select it with enthusiasm and export it outside of Italy very successfully.

PHYSICAL TRAITS of the CIRNECO DELL’ETNA
The cirnerco males stand between 46 and 50 cm and weigh between 10 and 12 kg; the females don’t go over 46 cm nor 10 kg in weigh. Its constitution is light but solid, slender and elegant, in a square looking body. The head is long, the muzzle is wide with a bulky nose that varies in colors according to the coat shade, the small and sunken eyes have a very characteristic expression in the breed, and the color can be ochre, amber or gray. The stop is much defined and the ears, triangles shaped, are moderately long and erect in position, with the auditory pavilion forward. The short fur is uniform tawny or tawny with white spots.

TEMPERAMENT AND ADAPTATION of the CIRNECO DELL’ETNA
The dog belonging to this breed, has the particularity of “falling in love” with its owner, a single owner with which it likes to walk and, mostly, accompany it and serve it during the hunting journeys. With the rest of the family it comes across as indifferent, not aggressive, but grouchy if something bothers it. Although it accepts training well, it is not a dog that adapts well to domestic life.

CUIDADOS Y EJERCICIO
It does not need special care but it does need a lot of exercise, as an animal with its traits.