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Greek Hound Breed Description

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Breed Organization

United Kennel Club (UKC)

Native Country
Greece

Other Names
Hellenic Hound, Greek Harehound, Hellenikos Ichnilatis

Life Expectancy
Approximately 10-12 Years

Litter Size
No Information Available

Breed Group
FCI Hound

General Description

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.

Like other scenthound breeds, the Greek Harehound is independent and strong-willed at times. Males in particular require a confident owner to be in charge. These dogs can also be stubborn and impatient at times, so they should be trained at an early age. Positive reinforcements and proper discipline is necessary when training a Greek Harehound and rough handling should be avoided. Due to their original hunting purposes, the Greek Harehound is vocal and extremely loud, and may enjoy chasing small animals and moving things. They may also show destructiveness when bored or left alone for a prolonged period of time.

These dogs can be challenging to train and are not recommended for the inexperienced dog owner as well as apartment life. They are more suitable as hunting dogs than house pets unless the owner is willing to exercise appropriately.


Breed Standard

Head: Long. Flat skull. Stop not very pronounced. Straight or slightly curved nosebridge. Strong jaws. Fairly developed lips.
Ears: Medium-sized, set on high, flat, rounded at the tip, pendulous.
Eyes: Normal in size, brown.
Body: Slightly longer than it is tall. Mesomorph. Neck powerful, muscular, without dewlap. Well-developed chest. Slightly circular ribs. Slightly arched, short, strong, well-muscled loin. Slight tuck-up. Long, straight back. Croup long, broad, nearly level.
Tail: Short, thick at the base and tapering slightly toward the tip. In action, carried in saber fashion.
Hair: Close-lying, dense, somewhat hard.
Coat: Black and tan. A small white spot on the chest is tolerated. Visible mucosa, nose, and nails are black.
Size: Dog: 47 to 55 cm. (18.5-21.5 in).Bitch: 45 to 53 cm. (17.5-21 in).
Weight: 17 to 20 kg (37-44 lb).

History

This very ancient breed indigenous to Greece is believed to be descended from hounds brought from Egypt by the Phoenicians. The Hellenic Hound is not very well-known outside his native land.

Behavior

Very hardy, vigorous, and lively, the Hellenic Hound has a subtle nose and a far-reaching, melodic voice. Skilled in hunting on rugged terrain, he is a speedy and light-footed tracker of all game alone or in small packs. He is not well-suited to being a pet. He needs firm training.

He needs space and a lot of exercise. Regular brushing.

Function

Hunting Dog Pet.

Health

The Hellenic Hound is a healthy breed with no known genetic defects. But like other dogs with pendulous ears, their ears are more prone to infections and need to be cleaned frequently.


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