Whilst I do not support breeding podencos, here is a lovely story about the small Cirneco Dell’Etna podencos from Sicily, which are now making a name for themselves in Russia. Unlike the Andaluz, Ibicenco and Canario especially – of which there is massive over-breeding, abandonment and killing, the Cirneco dell’Etna is not well known. So Ekaterina Klimova tells her story.

I Ekaterina Klimova, have been studying and breeding Cirneco Dell’Etna for more than five years. The first woman introduced one to the city of St. Petersburg, imported from Sicily. Now in my kennel Mia Santo’s three bitches Cirneco. Two females are involved in the breeding program, I want to receive and recover the ancient, beautiful unique type Cirneco Dell’Etna.

My dogs and I do exhibitions, but also coursing and agility. As a native breed, extant in its original form, these dogs can work in various fields. Hunting, family pet, show!

They are small podencos, smooth haired, very fast. Cirnecos can also jump very high. Like all podencos, they are very affectionate and loyal to their owners. Cirnecoslove to run and to work, can work in agility, Frisbee, jumping hurdles, and going through tunnels. The dog gets pleasure from interaction with the trainer and searching for objects… also work perfectly with coursing, chasing a mechanical rabbit.

A unique, interesting, thoughtful dog for home, sport and hunting!

My aims are cultivation and restoration of the breed to work in the field, sports, hunting, and for the house and for the soul, as well as for the show. I’ve been living with Cirnecos and now have my first litter. My goal is to restore and maintain a pure breed because Cirneco as a native breed are so versatile.

Thank you, Ekaterina, for sharing your story and photos of your stunning podencos