Greek Hound: Facts, Behavior, and Care
| Height: | Males: 18-21.7 inches; females: 17.7-21 inches |
| Weight: | 37-44 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10- 12 years |
| Colors: | The chest is black and tan with white spots |
| For: | Outdoor-oriented, active people/families/couples with daily time for walks/hikes, farm households or those living in the countryside, retired people with lots of free time |
| Temperament: | High intelligence, independence, energy, brave, determination, and fun-loving. |
The Greek Hound or Hellenic Hound (Ellenikos Ikhnelates, in Greek) is an uncommon breed that is relatively unknown. It has the athleticism and character of an Olympian, but it’s also rare. The Greek Hound is a courageous, outgoing, energetic dog that has roots in southern Greece. It can also boast of being an early scent dog. It is believed that the Greek Hound is a pure breed with its historical bloodline, although there isn’t much information about its origin.
They are natural trackers, natural explorers, and natural guides in mountainous and other extreme landscapes. This adventurous, light-footed dog is a great companion for nature lovers and a dedicated farm dog. We have so much to say about Harriers, Beagles, and other scent hounds that we want to share some of our knowledge with you.
Greek Hound Puppies: Before You Buy…
There is very little global breeding of Greek Hounds. They are mostly kept in their home country of Greece and the Balkans where they work as hunting dogs. You should not buy a Greek Hound from a puppy mill or cruel backyard breeders if you are serious about this unique friend.
Second, take the time to think through where you might be able to adopt an adult Hellenic Hound or a puppy. A puppy less than 12 weeks old is not only harmful to their mental and emotional health, but it also perpetuates inhumane shelters or breeding chains.
For the first 12 weeks, puppies need their mother. You might consider contacting larger animal shelters in Greece and the Balkans to find out where your puppy can be found. Before bringing your pet to their home, you should consult a local vet. Ask for a trial period if you aren’t sure about introducing your Greek Hounds to small animals or children. After 6 months of adjustment to a new place, the last thing a loyal hound need is to return to its shelter.
How much are Greek Hound Puppies worth?
Adoption prices vary greatly with shelters asking for donations only while others are looking for donations of up to $200. A pure-bred hound can cost you around $1,000 from a trusted breeder. A puppy is a lifelong commitment. With pet insurance, regular vet visits, vaccinations, and quality food, a doggie could cost around $1,000 per year. This money can be returned in the form of animal love and kindness. Without our canine companions, where would we be? Dogs are man’s best friend, and their spirited spirit is exciting!
Three Little-Known Facts about Greek Hounds
1. The Greek Hounds are Ancient
The mythology and legends of ancient Greece are legendary, and Greek Hounds were a common sight in the country. Artemis, the goddess of hunting, and Hecate were both accompanied by hunting dogs. The Laconikoi Kynes wolf/dogs from Southern Greece that came from Peleponessus are the origins of Hellenic hounds. In ancient literature, “Lacos” is a Greek word for hare. “Kynes,” a Greek dog name, was used to describe the predecessors of the Greek Hound. Legend has it that spiked collars for dogs were invented by the Hellenics to protect their beloved pets from wild wolves.
2. Greek Hounds could be the first scenthounds
It is believed that the celts were the first to breed scent dogs and that similar domestication was happening in Greece. The Greek Hound can be considered a natural, more domesticated breed and one of the oldest hunting hounds still in existence today.
3. First Greek Dog FCI acclaimed
There are many interesting breeds of dogs in Greece, including the Cretan Hound, which is a sighthound that originated in Crete. It may also be one of the oldest scents or sighthounds ever recorded, along with the Hellenic Hound. The FCI recognized the Greek Hound in 1996 as the first international recognition of the breed. This may be due to their extraordinary hunting skills. It is rare outside of Europe so the AKC has not included it.
Temperament and Intelligence of the Greek Dog
Canines of the hound breed are active canines that enjoy being outside. This Greek beauty is no exception.
Are these dogs good for families?
These dogs were meant to be independent. They are closer to the wolf in that they like to be with other dogs, but have the freedom to explore the natural world and look for scents. Their original role was to follow humans on horseback to hunt hares or larger prey. These fast-paced paws can bring unexpected gifts to you after a day in the country.
The dog is a friendly, enthusiastic companion and will play endlessly for you. Your bonding time with your dog is enhanced by exercise and fun. At the end of a long day, they love to curl up with their family. If your dog is boisterous, you should keep an eye on them. However, socialization early in life will be a big help.
Is this breed compatible with other pets?
The Greek Hound is a great choice if you have a large group of dogs. The Greek Hound is a strong and confident leader, making them the Alpha dog. Because of their natural predisposition to hunting, it might be a good idea to keep them away from smaller animals. They may think it is their job and hunt prey if this happens.
They are sociable and easy-going, and will happily hang out with other animals after they’ve done enough work for the day, either in a group or alone. If there is more than one dog in the house, they might enjoy playing together. This helps to ease the pressure when we have the flu or the weather is not so pleasant.
You need to know these things when you own a Greek hound:
Food & Diet Requirements
If they are active and healthy, think of greyhounds or beagles when you feed them. The diet would need to be modified according to history, weight, daily routine, and other factors. It is recommended that you have at least two cups of dry or wet food each day, spread out over the course of the day. The Greek hound is not sensitive to food, unlike other breeds. Therefore, a varied diet and healthy lifestyle are important.
Dogs are not required to eat meat, so ensure there is a variety of meats and vegetables in the food. This dog will enjoy endless entertainment by hiding food around the house or in the garden.
Exercise
These four-legged friends should be exercised as often as possible. This breed is best suited for a home with a large garden or near a park. This agile hound is a great companion for hiking and mountaineering. Hellenic hounds should have daily contact with humans and animals, as this helps to develop not only their physical health but also their emotional well-being. Our furry friends are a great example of holistic health.
Training
It can be difficult to train a Greek Husky because they are stubborn and naturally used to being wild. Although they don’t seem to have any particular traits, all domestic dogs can benefit from positive reinforcement. To keep your dog happy and safe, you can reward them with treats and strokes as puppies. If you live near a highway and don’t want your Hellenic Hound in danger, it is a good idea to drive them to a safe place to exercise and reward them with affection and treats for their loyalty to your garden.
If your Greek Hound has suffered trauma or exhibits an unsettling behavior, a dog trainer and behaviorist may be necessary.
Grooming
There is little to no grooming required, as with all scent hounds. The coats of these hounds are short and shiny, with a tan color. These dark beauties don’t need to be bathed as the oils in their skin keep them glossy. Trimming is not necessary. To aid in shedding season, a mitt can help with grooming. It is important to trim nails depending on the amount of activity your doggie engages in.
Health and Conditions
Due to the lack of breeding, this dog is in exceptional health. This hound lives in isolated mountains in Greece and is therefore not subject to extensive research on rare conditions.
Minor Conditions
- Flea/tick
- Mites
- Arthritis
Male vs. Female
While we tend to believe that male dogs are more dominant and more aggressive than females, this is not the case with canines. First, mothers who have just given birth to their litter are more aggressive than those who have not. This is because their motherly instincts take over. Although the testosterone in male Hellenic Hounds can make them more aggressive than other male dogs, it is only a ritual to establish pack ranks and may cause more barking than biting. Females can be just as assertive as males when it comes to territory, ownership of food, toys, and so on. All dogs are unique and their personalities are rarely determined by their gender.
Last Thoughts
The Greek Hound has a mythological quality and is more like a wild wolf than any well-bred dog. Their sweet, alert faces are full of curiosity and playfulness. It is hard to believe that anyone would want to find a Greek Hound to bring home to their fire. This is not the right set for you if you’re looking for a pet to cuddle and be kept indoors most of the time.
Consider this dog as a single-minded, long-distance runner. See if your family and you are compatible. You may be an outdoor lover, or a family with a lot of canine experience and knowledge looking for a brave, unusual furry friend to go on hiking, trips, and other adventures. This striking and unique animal may be the right one for you. If you happen to find one at a shelter nearby and want to have a fun time with him/her, there’s no reason to not take him/her home.