9 Things to Know Before Owning a Cirneco dell’Etna
If you’ve never heard of the Cirneco dell’Etna (pronounced “cheer-neck-oh”), you’re not alone. These sleek little sighthounds from Sicily are one of the most underrated dog breeds out there — but they’re absolute gems for the right kind of home.
We’ve spent time with sighthounds, and the Cirneco is one of those breeds that quietly wins your heart. Here’s what you should know if you’re thinking about bringing one home.
Small, Fast, and Surprisingly Chill
Yes, this is a sighthound — meaning it was bred to hunt using speed and sight, not scent. But don’t let the “hunter” label fool you. While the Cirneco can hit speeds over 26 mph (and even faster in some cases), this isn’t a hyperactive dog that needs to run marathons every day. One solid walk with playtime or a good sprint in a secure dog park is usually enough. After that, they’re perfectly content to snooze on the couch for hours.
We’ve seen this firsthand with similar breeds — once they’ve had their workout, they’re like little statues of calm.
Apartment or House? Either Works
One of the best things about the Cirneco is how adaptable they are. They’re small (around 17–26 pounds) and don’t take up much space, so they do just fine in apartments as long as they get daily exercise. At the same time, they’ll thrive in a house with a yard — just make sure your fencing is secure. These dogs can climb and dig, and their prey drive means they’ll chase anything that moves.
We always recommend supervising them in the yard, especially if you’ve got squirrels, rabbits, or a low fence.
Affectionate, Not Clingy
If you want a dog that loves to cuddle but also doesn’t lose its mind when you leave for work, the Cirneco is ideal. They’re affectionate with their people, great with kids, and usually do well with other dogs too. We’ve had fosters with similar temperaments, and it’s such a relief knowing they’re not prone to separation anxiety when you have to step out.
They’re a bit like cats in that way — independent, but always happy to curl up next to you when you’re home.
Socialization Matters
Cirnechi are sweet, but they can be a little reserved or shy with strangers if they’re not socialized early. That’s true for many sighthounds. They’re not aggressive — more likely to hide than bark — but it’s still important to help them build confidence.
Take them places. Let them meet people and dogs. Keep those early interactions positive and low-pressure. And if you’ve got cats or small pets at home, early introductions are key — their prey drive is real.
Easy Grooming, Minimal Shedding
One of the perks? That short coat is low-maintenance. A quick brushing a couple of times a week is usually enough to keep it clean and sleek. They don’t shed much, and they generally don’t smell “doggy,” which is always a win in our book.
We recommend a monthly bath, regular ear checks, and weekly tooth brushing to keep them in tip-top shape.
Healthy and Long-Lived (With Good Care)
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a hearty breed with a lifespan of about 12–14 years — sometimes longer with the right care. Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain issues like epilepsy, kidney disease, or hypothyroidism, so it’s important to find a responsible breeder who tests their dogs.
Routine vet visits, a good diet, and regular exercise go a long way. We’ve known Cirnechi that stayed active and playful well into their senior years.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a quiet, low-shedding, affectionate dog that doesn’t mind apartment life and isn’t glued to your side 24/7, the Cirneco dell’Etna deserves your attention. They’re graceful, quirky, and full of personality — just don’t expect them to ignore a squirrel.
This breed is still flying under the radar, but for the right home, they’re an absolute joy. Don’t sleep on the Cirneco.