Cirneco Do Etna

Cirneco dell'Etna
A male Cirneco dell'Etna
Alternative names
Sicilian Greyhound
Country of origin
Italy
Common nicknames
Cirneco
Classification and breed standards
FCI:	Group 5 Section 7 #199	Stds
KC (UK):	Hound	Stds
Notes
The UK K.C. currently only carries an Interim breed standard. (as of December 2007)

The Cirneco dell'Etna (plural Cirnechi) 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 but is primarily a sighthound and built for speed over terrain such as that of Mount Etna. It is the smallest of the Mediterranean sighthounds, the others being the Pharaoh Hounds and Ibizan Hounds. Cirnechi were believed to have been brought to Sicily over 3000 years ago by the Phoenician traders.

The Cirneco dell'Etna is a "wise-looking" hound and carries dignity as it hunts. Today they are increasingly kept as show dogs and pets due to their low coat maintenance and friendly nature although they do need regular exercise being an active sighthound. A Cirneco should measure from 43-51cm (17-20in) and weigh between 10-12kg (22-26lb). As with other breeds, those from hunting stock can lie outside these ranges.

[edit] External links

• Media related to Cirneco dell'Etna from the Wikimedia Commons.
• The Cirneco dell'Etna Club of America
• Cirneco dell'Etna UK owners
• Cirneco dell'Etna information

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