Il Cirneco dell'Etna, also known as cinneco, is a breed with very ancient origins, remained unchanged over the centuries. If we observe it in action, in pursuit of the rabbits when he best expresses his abilities, he retains the same characteristics as his ancestors.
The origins of the Cirneco dell'Etna date back topharaonic era. For many years it was thought that the Sicilian breed was a descendant of pharaoh hound, national dog ofisland of Malta very similar to the species drawn on the tombs of the pharaohs. More in-depth studies have shown that it is actually one native breed island Sicilian and which developed at the same time as the pharaoh hound and Ibizan Hound, originally fromIbiza island skilled in hunting the rabbit. All belonging to the category of graioids united by the cone-shaped head, the long snout and the slender body.
The oldest information on the breed dates back to Aristotle. Like some colleagues, he often cited dogs originating from Cyrene hence the name of the breed. In reality, more ancient evidence can be seen in artistic finds preceding the Greek philosopher. In many archaeological finds on the island such as coins or mosaics, there are depictions of dogs very similar to the Cirneco while he is intent on hunting. For this some historians have come to the conclusion that the dog descend directly from abyssinian wolf.
The spread of the species remained limited to Sicily for many centuries, so much so that the recognition as a hunting breed by the ENCI dates back to the 40s of the last century. The spread outside the borders of the island is due to the breeding of Agata Paternò Castello. Even today the circulation of the species on the Italian territory is limited compared to more popular breeds. This aspect, however, does not affect his value as a hunting dog and as a faithful companion.
Physically the Cirneco dell'Etna remember a greyhound with agile and graceful body. The fawn coat, the pointed ears and the alert and lively eyes make it unique in its kind. Even if it can come to a maximum of 50 cm It's a dog agile and snappy able to tackle any terrain with a smooth and light gait. Due to its origins it is used to face steep terrain and paths so even if apparently fragile it is a dog resistant and able to cope with any situation.
Il Cirneco is a dog with a natural predisposition to hunting refined over the years. His instincts mostly appeal to the rabbit thanks to the speed and sight that make it suitable for other land prey as well. Its innate characteristic is the tenacity, it tends to seek and track down its prey even in the most inaccessible areas. If he perceives the presence of game in a position that is not too comfortable, persists in the search creating an opening so as to signal its location to the hunter. Although particularly predisposed to rabbit hunting, if properly trained it is skilled in the search for fox,porcupine and prey hidden in the most inaccessible places for man.
While being a skilled hunter even without training, the need for it should not be underestimated work on his character and on trust in the master. The primitive races they are naturally predisposed to be independent and therefore not inclined to follow the directions of the hunter. If the dog is raised and educated in close contact with its owner, it will prove to be a faithful companion able to establish with him a exclusive relationship it's particular.