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Sicilian hound from the large island on the southern part (toe) of Italy on the slopes of the Mount Etna.

Mount Etna Info:

The volcano Etna, situated close to Catania, is 3,320 m (10,900 ft) high, making it the tallest volcano in Europe.
Mount Etna is also one of the world's most active volcanoes.
There have been three eruptions between March 29 and April 29 of this year, there have been no reports of evacuations in the area.
Last December the nearby airport of Catania had to be closed at night for two weeks because of ash blown into the atmosphere
by volcanic activity. Etna's last major eruption was in summer 2001.

The Cirneco moves nimbly on the the rugged volcanic terrian of Mt. Etna

Breed Info:

The Cirneco is a primitive sighthound that is used primarily for rabbit hunting in Italy.
Basically a sighthound, but also quite capable of tracking by scent.
This primitive hound is said to be able to work for hours without food or water.
Usually the hound moves at a trot while working, but quickly changes to a rapid gallop when in pursuit of game.
In Italy, A Cirneco must pass a hunting trial test before they are allowed to earn a title of Italian Champion.

Similiar in looks to the Pharaoh Hound, with the large ears and coloring but much smaller (19 1/2 inches tall and 18-26 pounds).

There are two ideas on where the name "Cirneco" came from, one is from the Latin word cernere meaning "to seek attentively,"
the other from the Greek Kyrenaikos (and Latin Cirenaicus), for a region in northern Africa.
Coins and engravings dating back before Christ, indicate that the Cirnechi existed many centuries ago.

Not yet recognized by AKC here in the U.S. At this time there are approximately 250 Cirnechi in the United States
F.C.I. Classification :Group 5 Spitz and primitive types. Section 7 Primitive type Hunting.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years.

A great running dog that is recognized by LGRA and is running with Provisional Status in ASFA lure coursing since March 1st 2007.

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Information from Dogs of the World by Dr. Erich Schhneider- Leyer (1970)

Sicilian Hound (Cirneco dell”Etna)

Origin: This primitive prick-earer hound is descended from canes sagaces of ancient Rome.

Appearance: Of medium size, slender built and tall, with narrow skull, long muzzle, erect ears and curved tail.
Height for dogs 18 to 19 1.2 inches, weight 22 to 26 pounds:
Bitches 16 to 18 inches, weight 17 ½ pounds.
Head long; skull somewhat oval, twice as long as broad, with occiput only slightly developed.
Forehead flat and stop slight.
Muzzle pointed; about as long as the skull.
Cheek not prominent and under jaw little developed and retreating. Bridge of nose parallel with the top line of the skull.
Nose flesh color or dark brown, but not black; projecting somewhat beyond the apex of the lower jaw.
Mouth with scissor bite.
Eyes small, oval and placed laterally; ochre-yellow, amber or grey to hazel in color;
Neck clean, with gracefully and characteristically arched nape, about the same length as the head and running gracefully into the base of the skull and the shoulders.
Body as long as high. Back long and straight, loins merging smoothly with the back, short, broad, muscular and convex.
Croup clean, flat and strong, falling away at an angle of 45 degrees. Chest narrow and deep; descenting to the level of the elbows. Ribs slightly sprung, sloping and long.
Belly well tucked up. Shoulders sloping at an angle of 55 degrees, long strong and clean 
Forelegs perpendicular, clean and lightly boned. Upper thighs long, broad, with flat muscles and sloping. Hindlegs clean and straight.
Tail set on low, proportionately strong, fairly long and without brush or long hair. When excited may be curved over the back.
Feet round or oval, close, arched toes. Nails not black but brown or flesh color,
Coat harsh to the touch; short on the head and limbs, longer but lying flat on the back, chest and tail.
Color fawn with paler shadings, fawn and white, with white on the head, neck, chest, feet, belly and tip of tail. Pure white, or white with tan markings or fawn saddle are also accepted.

 

Character and Uses:   This slim, vivacious hound moves with a springy gait, and gallops nimbly in pursuit of rabbits.

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Photography By Carl White

Carl White

Carpentersville, Illinios

847-836-1389

 

Send e-mail to carlwwhite@gmail.com

Contact Information