What is "cirneco dell'etna"

n. A hound bred to hunt rabbits in Sicily.

The Cirneco dell'Etna (; plural Cirnechi ) is a small breed of dog originally from Italian island of Sicily. This hound was historically used to hunt rabbits and can work for hours without food or water. The breed also has a keen sense of smell and is primarily built for endurance over harsh terrain such as that of Mount Etna. It is the smallest of the Mediterranean island hunting hounds, the others being the Pharaoh Hounds and Ibizan Hounds.

Today they are increasingly kept for conformation showing and as pets, due to their low coat maintenance and friendly nature, although as active hounds they do need regular exercise. A Cirneco should measure from and weigh between . As with other breeds, those from hunting stock can lie outside these ranges.