Greek Harehound

Other names: Hellenikos Ichnilatis, Hellenic Hound, Greek Hound

Greek Harehound

The Greek Harehound is an athlete with great stamina. Not only is he a great scent hound in the sporting field, but he is also strong and fearless. This isn’t unusual, as he was originally bred for hunting wild boar and other game. This breed thrives when it has access to acres of space to run freely; it certainly isn’t suited to living in a small space. 

Key facts about the Greek Harehound

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Playful Hunter

Size :

Origins and history

The Greek Harehound’s ancestors date back to thousands of years ago. His heritage dates back to the ancient “Laconikoi” canines of the Peloponnese. This dog has hardly changed in appearance or demeanour through the years. This is probably because there was no competition from other breeds in the mountainous regions of Greece. The bloodline has therefore remained true to his ancestry. 

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

Section

Section 1 : Scent hounds

Physical characteristics of the Greek Harehound

Adult size

Female : Between 18 and 21 in

Male : Between 19 and 22 in

Weight

Female : Between 37 and 44 lb

Male : Between 37 and 44 lb

Coat colour

Black
Red

Type of coat

Very short
Hard

Eye colour

Brown

Description

This is a well-proportioned medium-sized dog. His head tapers slightly, with a longish muzzle. He has a muscular body, as befits a dog of his athletic capabilities. As a working dog, his long legs are certainly of great benefit to him.

Good to know

On the whole, the Greek Harehound is a free spirit. He isn’t purposely defiant, but sometimes turns a deaf ear to his master’s commands. His great desire is to run free, which can certainly cause problems in a home setting.

Temperament

  • 66%

    Affectionate

    Although he is a working breed, the Greek Harehound is often loyal, loving and gentle towards his owner.

  • 100%

    Playful

    Affectionate, friendly and extremely playful too.

  • 66%

    Calm

    Keen and enthusiastic in the hunting field, but calmer when in a home setting.

  • 66%

    Intelligent

    The Greek Harehound is a dog with great intelligence, able to work alone when hunting. 

  • 100%

    Hunter

    These dogs are fearless, skilled hunters. They are scent hounds with a keen sense of smell.

  • 33%

    Fearful / wary of strangers

    The Greek Harehound can be suspicious and wary around strangers. 

  • 100%

    Independent

    Like other scent hounds, the Greek Harehound is very strong-willed and independent.

    Behaviour of the Greek Harehound

    • 66%

      Tolerates solitude

      As a strong-willed dog, the male of the breed is often slow to mature and won’t reach adulthood until he is aged 2 or 3. He is not a dog to leave alone for several hours, or he will become bored and destructive around the home.

    • 33%

      Easy to train / obedience

      Harehounds are notoriously strong-willed and difficult to train. In fact, training this dog can be quite challenging.

    • 100%

      Barking

      As a scent hound, he will bark when he recognises any prey, to alert his master. His bark is extremely loud.

    • 66%

      Tendency to run away

      As his main aim in life is to chase after prey and hunt them down; given the chance to escape and be free to roam off his lead, he will attempt to run off by himself. 

    • 66%