Information on AKC Cirneco dell'Etna Puppies
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Cirneco dell’Etna
The Cirneco dell’Etna (pronounced "cheer-nec-ko") is a medium sized hunting dog with an elegant and slender, yet robust, build. The breed is a keen hunter that works by scent, sight and hearing, and can handle working over difficult terrain. Its short coat ranges in color from light to dark shades of tan or chestnut, with white markings acceptable.
A Look Back
The Cirneco dell’Etna has been present in Sicily for over 2,500 years and shares a common origin with the Pharaoh Hound and other breeds throughout the Mediterranean basin. As a hunter of small mammals and fowl, the Cirneco is a hardy, compact dog that was successful in hunting under adverse conditions – high heat, on rugged terrain formed by volcanic lava and with little food or water over extended periods of time. The affix "dell’Etna" was only added to the name Cirneco in 1939 when the first breed standard was accepted by the Italian Kennel Club. Etna comes from Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, situated on the east coast of Sicily and the area with the highest concentration of Cirnechi.
Right Breed for You?
The Cirneco has the strong, independent temperament necessary for a hunter, but is friendly and affectionate with people making it a good family pet. The breed needs moderate physical exercise, requires mental stimulation to satisfy an intensely intelligent and inquisitive nature and responds well to gentle methods of training. Its short coat requires minimal grooming upkeep.
If you are considering purchasing a Cirneco dell’Etna puppy, learn more here.
- Miscellaneous; Hound Group designation.
- Ideal size: Between 18-19½ inches tall at the shoulder for males and between 16½ -19 inches for females.
- Small mammal/fowl hunter.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Cirneco dell’Etna Breed Standard
General Appearance
Medium sized hunting dog, elegant, slender build but strong and robust. Long limbed, of light construction and square outline. The following description is that of the ideal Cirneco dell’Etna. Any deviation from the below described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation.
Characteristics
A keen hunter. Adaptable to difficult terrain. Hunts by scent, sight and hearing.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Height: Dogs 18-19¾ inches, tolerance 17¼ -20½ inches; bitches 16½ -18 inches, tolerance 15¾ -19¾ inches. Height not within the tolerance is a disqualification. Length from point of shoulder to haunch bone equal to height at withers.
Head
Expression - Alert expression. Eyes - Relatively small, oval in shape, semi-lateral position. Amber or ochre blending with coat. Pigmentation of the eyelid rims corresponding to the color of the nose. Walleye is a disqualification. Ears - Set very high and close together, erect and rigid, parallel or almost parallel when alert. Triangular shape with narrow tip. Length not more than half the head. Totally hanging ears or bat ears are a disqualification. Skull - Width of skull no more than one half the length of head, in profile almost flat. Lean and well chiseled. Stop - Slight stop. Muzzle - Length of muzzle equal to or only slightly less than length of skull. Planes - Top of skull and foreface parallel or slightly divergent. Nose - Bridge of nose straight. Nose rather large, flesh colored, blending with coat. Cheeks - Flat cheeks. Mouth - Lower jaw lightly developed with receding chin. Overshot mouth or undershot mouth is a disqualification. Lips - Thin, taut lips, just covering the teeth of the lower jaw. Bite -Regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Teeth - Full dentition desirable.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck - Strong, clean, well arched and muscular. Set well into shoulders. Topline - Straight topline sloping from withers towards croup. Body: Chest - Reaches to, or nearly to, the elbow, without going beyond. Ribs - Slightly sprung, narrow but never flat. Underline & Tuck-up -Clean, gently rising underline, lean without excessive tuck-up. Back - Upper profile straight, with muscles short and firm but not very conspicuous. Loin - Length of loin is about 1/3 of length of the chest. Width of loin is close to length. Croup - Croup has flat profile, sloping steeply downwards to root of tail. Tail - Low set, fairly thick at base, reaching to point of hock. Of equal thickness for most of its length. Carried high and curved when dog is in action; sabre fashion when in repose. Hair on tail is semi-long and close. Tail curled over the back is a fault to be severely penalized.
Forequarters
Angulation - Shoulder blade (Scapulum) to horizontal 55° - 60°. Shoulders: -Strong, long, moderately laid back. Shoulder blades - Upper tips close together. Length close to 1/3 the height at the withers. Upper Arm - Length of upper arm slightly less than length of shoulder blade. Elbow - Level or below the line of the brisket and well tucked in. Legs - Forelegs straight and parallel when viewed from the front. Pasterns - Strong and slightly sloping. Dewclaws - May not be removed.
Hindquarters
Strong and muscular. Limbs parallel when viewed from behind. Angulation - Not excessively angulated. In profile a vertical line from rear point of buttock to ground close to or touching the tips of the toes. Angle between pelvis and upper thigh is about 115°. Legs: Upper thigh - Broad, long, upper thigh with flat muscles. Stifle - Moderate bend of stifle. Second thigh - Slightly shorter than the upper thigh. Lean and distinct musculature with light bone structure. Groove at Achilles tendon well marked. Hock joint - Angle at the joint is about 145°. Hocks - Wide outer surface, cylindrical shape and vertical position. Length from sole of foot to point of hock is just over a quarter of the height at the withers. Dewclaws – Absent.
Feet
Strong, well knuckled, firm, slightly oval, turning neither in nor out. Pads - Well padded, hard and of the same color as the nails. Black pads are a disqualification. Nails - Brown or flesh colored. Black nails are a disqualification.
Coat
Short on head, ears and legs. Short to semi-long (about 1¼") on body, but sleek and close, ranging from fine to slightly coarse. No feathering.
Color
Self-colored light to dark shades of Tan or Chestnut. With a mixture of slightly lighter and darker hairs, or with more or less extensive white. White collar, self-colored white or white with orange patches is less desired. Total depigmentation, self-colored brown or liver; brown patches or hairs; brindle coat or any presence of black patches, hairs, pigmentation or mucous membranes are a disqualification.
Gait
Springy trot without excessive extension. Viewed from behind, hind legs track the forelegs. Tendency to throw feet sideways or hackney action undesirable.
Temperament
Strong, lively, independent temperament. Gentle and affectionate.
Disqualifying Faults
Walleye; overshot mouth; undershot mouth.
Totally hanging ears or bat ears.
Total depigmentation; self-colored brown or liver; brown patches or hairs; brindle coat; any presence of black - patches, hairs, pigmentation, nails, pads or mucous membranes.
Height not within the tolerance.
Effective January 1, 2012
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