The Cirneco dell'Etna (pron: "cheer-nay-ko") is a small hound from Sicily. While it is found all over the Italian island, it is particularly in the area surrounding Mount Etna, an active volcano, where they are used for rabbit hunting on the rough volcanic terrain.
The Cirneco is an ancient breed that has changed very little for perhaps 3000 years. They undoubtedly share ancestry with the other similar breeds of the Old World, such as the Ibezan Hound and clearly the Pharaoh Hound, with which Cirnechi (the plural of Cirneco, pronounced "cheer-nay-kee") are frequently confused. Over the millennia, man has hardly altered them, and we really have to thank nature for giving the breed its ability to work for many hours in the heat with little food and water. Cirnechi are extremely hardy and free from inherited health problems. Loyal, friendly and very affectionate, they are attentive, keen to learn, and highly intelligent, though a little mischievous!
Any info you find here is purely the opinion of the author. If you wish to obtain authoritative information about Cirnechi visit any or all of these sites;
As Cirnechi remain a rare breed, finding a puppy will require patience. Be under no illusion that they are readily available, only a handful of pups are born each year.
We don't breed or source puppies directly through this site. We'd recommend that any prospecting Cirneco parents first contact any of the above breeders.
Others who may be able to provide you with a wonderful addition to your family in the shape of a Cirneco pup are Jennifer Holzke's Sambuca Show Dogs - in the USA, and Jonathan Lappin's Eindackel Kennel in Northern Ireland is planning for a litter in 2009.
You'll find other breeders that I have had no contact with in this massive list provided by Kennel Iosono in Finland. Iosono hounds descend from the Italian Hadranensis kennel as does our Lorenzo.
This domain was created late in March 2006 (just after returning from Crufts - pictures in Lorenzo's pages). I had intended this site solely as a showcase for my beautiful hound Lorenzo, however as soon as the site was up, I realised I'd love to share it with any other Cirnechi who want to show off.
As a result of conversations with interested people at Crufts in 2007 I've also decided, it would be the ideal portal for all those wishing to keep up to date with news about the breed in the UK. Also it will hopefully become the place to find breeders who can get you a gorgeous Cirneco.
If you want to be kept informed about all things Cirneco, aimed specifically to those in the UK, please email your details (name, address, phone etc.) to
Please be assured that we are compiling these details in the interest of the breed and will treat your details in the strictest confidence. They will not be passed on to anyone not directly connected with the Cirneco ’dell Etna and its introduction into the UK nor used by us for any other purpose whatsoever.
Crufts - "The World's Greatest Dog Show" next takes place from 5th to 8th March 2009 at the Birmingham NEC (UK). There's always a Cirneco stand in the Hounds section of the ever growing Discover Dogs area. See pictures of the 2006 Cirneco standhere. Check crufts.org.uk for official info about Crufts!