What makes the Greek Harehound Unique?
The Greek Harehound has a lively, confident and outgoing temperament. These dogs are skilled, fearless hunters, and have a keen sense of smell as well as excellent strength and stamina. Their activity level is high and require regular physical stimulation and a large space to exercise. The Greek Harehound is also devoted to its owner, and generally makes a fine family pet, although they are better with older children.
Breed Groups
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Is the Greek Harehound Right For You?
As a farm dog, it’s happy and useful in many ways, as it is not without a sense of boundaries and it will give voice in the presence of strangers or danger, relentlessly chasing vermin as well. Extremely courageous and resourceful, it possesses the stamina and cunning necessary to face a wild boar.
This is a natural breed that loves open spaces and can be a handful for the inexperienced dog owner. Certainly not a choice for the apartment dweller, this is an open-air breed that shows excellent manners when its needs are catered for.
In 5 Words
- Outgoing
- Friendly
- Brave
- Passionate
- Intelligent
Characteristics
Learn About the Greek Harehound
Description
General Description
The Greek Hound is a rare dog breed originating in Greece. Also known as Hellenikos Ichnilatis, Hellenic Hound and Greek Harehound, this dog is a scenthound that is used to track and chase hares. With athletic and robust built and well balanced symmetry, Greek Hound is a smart and good looking dog. The Greek Hound is an ancient breed of scenthound whose roots dated back thousands of years ago. As with any ancient breeds, origin of the Greek Hound was lost in antiquity although it was believed that the progenitors of this breed are the ancient laconikoi kynes. These dogs are native to Peloponessus or Southern Greece. The Greek Hounds are black and tan dogs noted for being excellent trackers and hunters of hare. Ancient Greek writings praising this outstanding breed exist. This medium size dog stands between 18-22 inches and weighs between 38-45 lbs. The head is long with wide forehead and broad muzzle which slightly tapers to the nose. Large eyes are dark coloured while ears are set high and hang down halfway along the head. Medium length neck is strong and broadens towards the chest. The back is straight and long with a level topline. Chest is deep and broad with well sprung ribs. Legs are well set, angulated and strong. Medium length tail is carried straight or with slightly upward curve. It has a short, coarse and thick coat that comes in characteristic black and tan(Fire red) coat.
Short History of the Greek Harehound
The Greek Harehound is a black and tan hound, built for tracking and chasing hare that is indigenous to Greece. It has existed for thousands of years and its progenitors are the ancient laconikoi (later: lagonikoi, where lagos=hare) kynes (dogs) native in southern Greece (Peloponessus). These were described and praised by many ancient writers and through colonization and sea-trade they became widespread in the ancient world. Descendants of the ancient Greek scenthounds can be found all over Europe and beyond. In its country of origin the breed had no competition and due to its isolation in inaccessible and often mountainous areas the breed remained pure and little changed. Ancient Greece covered most of the Balkans and so the Hellenikos Ichnilatis left its heritage in the neighboring countries, too: black and tan or tricolor scenthounds can be found all over this area. In Greece too, there is a not-yet officially recognized tricolor variety, localized in the very same vicinity that the ancient breed took its first name, in Laconia (Sparta), a south-most part of Peloponessus. In 1996 the Hellenikos Ichnilatis became the first Greek breed recognized by the FCI.
Temperament
The Greek Harehound has a lively, confident and outgoing temperament. These dogs are skilled, fearless hunters, and have a keen sense of smell as well as excellent strength and stamina. Their activity level is high and require regular physical stimulation and a large space to exercise. The Greek Harehound is also devoted to its owner, and generally makes a fine family pet, although they are better with older children. Since the Greek Harehound was originally bred to hunt in packs, it is placid with other dogs, yet they may be wary and suspicious around strangers.
Caring for Your Greek Harehound
Grooming & Bathing
The dog has a short and low maintenance coat that would be clean and healthy with regular weekly brushing. Bathe is needed when necessary. Nails should be trimmed regularly. As it is a hunting dog, eyes, ears and feet should be checked for ticks and burrs after its arrival from a hunting expedition as unattended thorns can infect the dog.
Exercise & Training
The Greek Hound requires a certain amount of freedom and plenty of exercise. This breed thrives on exercise, and if restricted tends to be destructive. It needs to be taken on a daily walk. While out on the walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.
Greek Harehound Picture Gallery
