Cirneco dell'Etna
Lively, affectionate, and alert, this agile breed thrives on companionship and activity. Sleek and elegant, it charms with its curiosity and gentle, loyal nature.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
46–50 cm (male)
42–46 cm (female)
WEIGHT
10–12 kg (male)
8–10 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Cirneco dell'Etna: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Cirneco dell'Etna isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Cirneco dell'Etna's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Cirneco dell'Etna is typically affectionate, gentle, and alert, forming close bonds with its family while remaining reserved with strangers. They are known for being independent but not aloof.
Key Personality Traits
Generally sociable with family and familiar people
Quick to learn and responsive to training
Very active, needs regular exercise daily
Enjoys interactive play and activities
Adjusts well to new environments and routines

Strengths
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Naturally clean and low odor
- Highly athletic and agile
- Loyal to family members
- Generally healthy with few genetic issues
Challenges
- Strong prey drive may cause chasing
- Prone to escaping fenced yards
- Sensitive to cold temperatures
- Can be stubborn during training
- Needs significant daily exercise

Protect your Cirneco dell'Etna
Cirneco dell'Etna are active and energetic, but they can develop patellar luxation and ear infections. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Cirneco dell'Etnas are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and quick to learn, though their independent nature can make training a challenge. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods yield the best results with this sensitive breed.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
The Cirneco dell'Etna is highly energetic and requires daily exercise, including long walks and opportunities to run. Mental stimulation is also important to prevent boredom-related behaviors.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Cirneco dell'Etnas are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Cirneco dell'Etna would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs consistent training and patience from new owners
Apartment Living
Small size suits apartments with ample exercise
Active Lifestyle
High energy suits active, outdoorsy lifestyles
Kids
Gentle but can be sensitive with energetic children
Multiple Pets
Generally sociable but may chase smaller pets
Being Left Alone
Prone to boredom and anxiety if left alone for long periods
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Cirneco dell'Etnas compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cirneco dell'Etna
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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