Greek Harehound
Temperament:
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis, also known as the Greek hound, belongs to FCI Group 6, which includes hounds, sighthounds and related breeds. It is a very rare breed. A robust working dog. An intelligent dog. An independent dog. The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is certainly not a dog for beginners.
Characteristics
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis reaches a weight of 17 to 20 kg. Males reach a shoulder height of 47 to 55 cm. Females remain somewhat smaller. They reach a shoulder height of 45 to 53 cm. The coat is short, dense and smooth. It is tan and black. There is often a small white mark on the chest.
The tail is set high. It is strong and curved like a sabre. The ears are set high. They hang down flat. The head is elongated with a broad forehead. The physique of the Hellinikos Ichnilatis is elongated and strong.
Hellinikos Ichnilatis is very independent, but also loyal and affectionate. He gets on well with other dogs. At the same time, he has a very strong hunting instinct. He is intelligent and has a strong urge to move.
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis' senses are excellent. The sense of smell in particular is outstanding. This dog can also move safely in rough terrain. The barking of the Hellinikos Ichnilatis is loud and persistent.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.
Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.
Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.
Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.
Health & Care
Grooming the Hellinikos Ichnilatis is easy. Brushing every now and then is enough.
The ears must be cleaned regularly and checked for infections. Teeth should also be brushed 1 to 2 times a week. If the claws do not wear off by themselves, they need to be trimmed. It is best to start grooming your dog when he is a puppy so that he has enough time to get used to these rituals.
Your Hellinikos Ichnilatis definitely needs plenty of exercise. If your hobby is long walks, you will have a lot of fun with your dog. Agility and similar dog sports are too playful for him. He loves running and nose work.
In addition, the Hellinikos Ichnilatis definitely needs consistent training. He is stubborn and independent. It is best to train him to hunt or at least attend a good dog school.
This breed is very robust. Health problems are therefore rare.
Suitable accessories
In terms of accessories, the Hellinikos Ichnilatis needs no more than the usual dog accessories. You will need a collar or harness with a lead, a drag lead would also be useful, a dog basket or dog mat as a retreat, a water and food bowl, tick tweezers, claw clippers, a mild dog shampoo, brush and comb, toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs, a transport box for transportation in the car and a first aid kit. Ask your vet what belongs in the first aid kit.
Origin & History
Tracker dogs were already known in ancient Greece. The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is said to be descended from him. In the last century, the Greek hound was crossed with the Jura hound and the Italian hound 'Segugio italiano'.
This is how today's Hellinikos Ichnilatis came into being. The breed was recognized by the FCI in 1959. It was the first recognized Greek dog breed. The breed is very rare. There are also only a few of them in Greece. Therefore, there is only limited data and experience about this breed.
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is still used as a hunting dog today. It hunts alone or in a pack and barks loudly the whole time. This means that the hunter always knows where it is. The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is very fast, persistent and very independent. It therefore needs consistent training and should be well exercised.
