Greek Harehound Dog Breed Complete Guide

The Greek Harehound is a rare and ancient dog breed that has been used for centuries to hunt small game, particularly hares and rabbits. It's a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat.

Their distinctive feature is their long, narrow head and their ears are small and folded back against the head. They have a strong prey drive and are naturally good at tracking and chasing small game.

Greek Harehounds are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 12-14 years. They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, as their short coat requires minimal attention.

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The Greek Harehound is a medium-sized dog, weighing between 17-20 kg. This breed is a great size for families or individuals who live in apartments, as they don't require a huge amount of space to run around.

Males typically reach a shoulder height of 47-55 cm, while females are slightly smaller, reaching a shoulder height of 45-53 cm.

The Greek Harehound's coat is short, dense, and smooth, and comes in a beautiful tan and black color. Some individuals may have a small white patch on their chest, but this is not a requirement for the breed.

The head of the Greek Harehound is elongated, with a broad forehead. The ears are set high and hang down flat, giving the breed a unique and elegant appearance.

Here are the specific physical characteristics of the Greek Harehound:

The Greek Harehound's tail is strong and curved, similar to a sabre, and is set high on the dog's back. This unique feature adds to the breed's elegant appearance.

The Greek Harehound has a lively, confident, and outgoing temperament, making them skilled and fearless hunters with a keen sense of smell and excellent strength and stamina.

They require daily exercise and opportunities to exercise their hunting instincts, such as through hunting or scentwork games. This is essential to keep them happy and healthy.

Their activity level is high, and they need regular physical stimulation and a large space to exercise. If they don't get enough physical and mental stimulation, they may show destructiveness when bored or left alone for a prolonged period of time.

The Greek Harehound is devoted to its owner, but they are generally better with older children. They are also placid with other dogs, yet may be wary and suspicious around strangers.

Training a Greek Harehound can be challenging due to their independent and strong-willed nature. They have a short attention span and are easily distracted, so they should be trained from an early age using positive reinforcement and consistency.

Here are some key characteristics to keep in mind when training your Greek Harehound:

The Greek Harehound is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Their sleek coats should be brushed regularly with a firm bristle brush, especially after long walks.

Their coats are naturally glossy due to oils, so bathing is not necessary often. Trimming is also not required.

During shedding season, weekly grooming with a mitt can help aid the process.

The Greek Harehound has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years.

The breed's ancestors were the ancient laconikoi (later: lagonikoi) kynes, native to southern Greece, specifically in the Peloponessus region.

These dogs were highly valued for their tracking abilities and were used for hunting hare.

In ancient times, the breed was widespread due to colonization and sea-trade, leaving its heritage in neighboring countries.

The breed remained relatively unchanged due to its isolation in inaccessible and mountainous areas of Greece.

The Hellenikos Ichnilatis, a type of Greek Hound, is believed to be one of the first scenthounds, with the Celts being credited with their domestication.

The breed was crossed with the Jura hound and the Italian hound 'Segugio italiano' to create the Hellinikos Ichnilatis, which was recognized by the FCI in 1959.

The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is a rare breed, with limited data and experience available about it, but it's still used as a hunting dog today, known for its speed, persistence, and loud barking.

The breed requires consistent training and regular exercise to maintain its physical and mental health.

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The Greek Harehound is a social animal that gets along well with other pets, especially if you have a pack of dogs in the house.

They're natural hunters, so it's essential to keep an eye on them when introducing them to smaller animals, as they might view them as prey.

This breed is easy-going and loves to play, which makes them a great companion for other dogs in the household.

However, they do require plenty of physical and mental stimulation, so if you're not an experienced dog owner, they might be a handful.

Greek Harehounds thrive in open spaces and are not suited for apartment living, so if you're a city dweller, this breed might not be the best fit.

They're fiercely loyal and will alert you to any strangers or potential threats, but they also need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

The Greek Harehound is a lively and confident breed. They're skilled hunters with a keen sense of smell and excellent strength and stamina.

Their high activity level means they require regular physical stimulation and a large space to exercise. This is essential to keep them happy and healthy.

These dogs are devoted to their owners and make fine family pets, especially with older children. They're not as suitable for households with very young kids due to their high energy levels.

The Greek Harehound's fearless hunting nature means they're not for the faint of heart. They're a breed that thrives on adventure and excitement.

Their outgoing temperament makes them a great addition to active families who can provide the exercise and attention they need.

The Greek Harehound is a free-spirited dog that's more like a wild wolf than some well-bred dogs.

If you're looking for a cuddle buddy that stays indoors a lot, this isn't the right dog for you. They're single-minded long-distance runners that need plenty of exercise and outdoor time.

This dog is perfect for outdoors lovers or nature-enthusiastic families with plenty of canine understanding and experience. They thrive on hikes, trips, and other adventures.

If you're up for the challenge, this striking and unique pooch may be just what you're looking for.