The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
Medium sized hunting dog, elegant, slender build but strong and hardy. Long-limbed, of light construction and square outline with a fine coat and upright ears, always alert.
Expression – Alert expression. Eyes – Relatively small, oval in shape, semi-lateral position. Amber or ochre blending with the coat. Pigmentation of the eyelid rims corresponding to the color of the nose. Brown or yellow iris is a fault to be severely penalized. Walleye, an eye with a whitish iris or a blue eye(s) is a disqualification. Ears – Set very high and close together, upright and rigid, parallel or almost parallel when alert. Triangular shape with a 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 the length of the 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.
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, without conspicuous muscles, the length is approximately three times the length of the loin.
Loin – Length of loin is approximately one-fifth of the height at the withers and its width is nearly the same as its length. Short, slightly developed muscles but firm. The width of loin is close to length.
Croup – Croup has a flat profile, sloping steeply downwards to the root of tail.
Shoulders – Strong, long, moderately laid back. Shoulder blades – Upper tips close together. Length close to one-third 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.
Angulation – Shoulder blade (scapulum) to horizontal 55 to 60 degrees.
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. The angle between pelvis and upper thigh is about 115 degrees.
Legs – Forelegsstraight and parallel when viewed from the front. Pasterns – Strong and slightly sloping. Dewclaws – May not be removed.
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 degrees.
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.
Nails – Brown or flesh colored. Black nails are a disqualification.
Short on head, ears and legs. Short to semi-long (about 1¼ inch) on body, but sleek and close, ranging from fine to slightly coarse. No feathering.
Tail – Low set, fairly thick at the 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.
Standing under 20 inches, the Cirneco (“cheer-NEK-o”; Cirnechi is the plural) is often described as resembling a smaller version of the Pharaoh Hound, its cousin from the island of Malta. This slender but rugged hunter’s coat ranges from light to dark tan or chestnut. The large, upright ears point up the alert expression of the eyes, whose amber or ochre color smartly complements the coat.
In many ways, these lithe and leggy Sicilians are typical sighthounds: sweet-natured, independent and, of course, breathtakingly swift. It is said, though, that Cirnechi are a bit more trainable than the usual sighthound. These living artifacts of antiquity have sprinted into the 21st century relatively unchanged by passing fads and fancies.
The Cirneco should be fed a high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet or the dog’s breeder if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should always be available.
The Cirneco’s short-haired, smooth coat requires minimal care. Gentle weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or hound glove should keep him looking his best, with an occasional bath only as needed. His ears should be regularly inspected for dirt or buildup of excess wax and cleaned if needed with soft gauze and an ear-cleaning solution—the dog’s breeder or the veterinarian can recommend a good brand to use. The nails should be trimmed often if not worn down naturally, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort.
Moderate physical exercise and mental stimulation are essential to satisfy the Cirneco’s intensely intelligent and inquisitive nature. He does best when he has a function, whether that means competing in the show ring or other canine events or being an interactive family member. He enjoys long walks and activities with his people. Because of his strong hunting instincts, he should not be allowed off lead in areas that are not securely enclosed, as he may not be able to resist the urge to run off after perceived prey. He does well with a fenced backyard where he can enjoy playtime with his owner, although he should not be just left alone outside with no attention for long periods, as he would be lonely and unhappy.
The Cirneco has a strong, independent temperament necessary for a hunter but is friendly and affectionate and makes an excellent family pet. They respond well to gentle methods of training and can be successfully trained for obedience, rally, agility, tracking, and of course the breed’s historical reason for existence: hunting. Many Cirnechi especially enjoy lure coursing. Due to the breed’s strong prey drive, care must be exercised when introducing the Cirneco to cats and small animals. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended and help to ensure that the Cirneco grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion.
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a very hardy and healthy breed. Given excellent nutrition, regular veterinary care, parasite control, and the mental and physical stimulation he needs, he will be a happy and long-lived companion. Every week the owner should do a quick check of the dog’s ears for any signs of infection, and the Cirneco’s teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
No recommended health tests.
Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement.
Medium sized hunting dog, elegant, slender build but strong and hardy. Long-limbed, of light construction and square outline with a fine coat and upright ears, always alert.
Expression – Alert expression. Eyes – Relatively small, oval in shape, semi-lateral position. Amber or ochre blending with the coat. Pigmentation of the eyelid rims corresponding to the color of the nose. Brown or yellow iris is a fault to be severely penalized. Walleye, an eye with a whitish iris or a blue eye(s) is a disqualification. Ears – Set very high and close together, upright and rigid, parallel or almost parallel when alert. Triangular shape with a 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 the length of the 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.
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, without conspicuous muscles, the length is approximately three times the length of the loin.
Loin – Length of loin is approximately one-fifth of the height at the withers and its width is nearly the same as its length. Short, slightly developed muscles but firm. The width of loin is close to length.
Croup – Croup has a flat profile, sloping steeply downwards to the root of tail.
Shoulders – Strong, long, moderately laid back. Shoulder blades – Upper tips close together. Length close to one-third 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.
Angulation – Shoulder blade (scapulum) to horizontal 55 to 60 degrees.
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. The angle between pelvis and upper thigh is about 115 degrees.
Legs – Forelegsstraight and parallel when viewed from the front. Pasterns – Strong and slightly sloping. Dewclaws – May not be removed.
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 degrees.
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.
Nails – Brown or flesh colored. Black nails are a disqualification.
Short on head, ears and legs. Short to semi-long (about 1¼ inch) on body, but sleek and close, ranging from fine to slightly coarse. No feathering.
Tail – Low set, fairly thick at the 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.
| Description | Standard Colors | Registration Code |
| Chestnut | Check Mark For Standard Color | 070 |
| Tan | Check Mark For Standard Color | 195 |
| Description | Standard Markings | Registration Code |
| White Markings | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 014 |
