Also called Hellenic Hound, Hellinikos Ichnilatis, Greek Hound, Gkekas · Greece
An energetic, eager and bright hound that loves to work.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Weight | 17 to 20 kg (37 to 45 lb)12 |
| Height | 43 to 57 cm (17 to 22 in)males 45 to 57 cm, females 43 to 55 cm12 |
| Lifespan | 13 years3 |
| Coat | Short, dense, slightly hard |
| Origin | Greece (southern Greece)43 |
| Group | FCI group 6 |
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
A typical home-care rhythm for a Greek Harehound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
High: bred for long days tracking hare over rough, hilly ground, so it needs vigorous daily exercise and scent-based activity.13
Best in an active, outdoor-oriented home with secure space.1
Comfortable working with other hounds in a pack.1
Feed adult Greek Harehounds at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent morning and evening times work well. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
A high-quality dog food suited to its life stage is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always consult your vet for a tailored diet.6
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. A bath every three months is a good general guideline.7
Brush your Greek Harehound weekly to keep its short, dense coat neat. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends brushing every 7 days.127
Trim nails when you hear clicking on the floor, about every 28 days as a starting point. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick. If unsure, ask a vet or groomer.7
This energetic hound needs vigorous daily exercise, including long walks and scent-based activities. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends daily walks and play.13
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them, especially since floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.7
The Greek Harehound typically lives around 13 years, a lovely long life for an active companion.3
This hound is comfortable working with other hounds, but its temperament with children and other pets can vary. For specific guidance, ask a good breeder or an experienced vet.1
This energetic hound thrives with activity and company, so leaving it alone for long periods may not suit it well. It's best to ask a good breeder or vet about your specific dog's needs.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Running costs for a Greek Harehound, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
| Foodabout 86 kg of dry food a year | 282 GBP ↗ |
|---|---|
| Routine vet care | 345 GBP ↗ |
| Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age | 384 GBP ↗ |
| Dog tax | 0 GBP ↗ |
| Licence and registration | 12 GBP ↗ |
| Gear to start | 531 GBP ↗ |
| Microchip and registration | 26 GBP ↗ |
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Greek Harehound in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
See the rules and sources for every country
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
The breed is named for its primary function: hunting hares in Greece. It is also known as the Hellenic Hound (Hellinikos Ichnilatis), where 'Hellinikos' means 'Greek' and 'Ichnilatis' means 'tracker' or 'scent hound'.8
I’m a Greek Harehound, and every morning starts with a long run over rocky hills. I follow every scent with my nose to the ground, barking joyfully when I find a trail. My human laughs and calls me back, but I can’t help it, I love the chase. After a good romp, I curl up in the sun, dreaming of tomorrow’s adventure.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Developed in southern Greece to track and chase hare, this hound is thought to descend from the ancient Laconian hounds. Mountain isolation kept the type largely unchanged, and the FCI accepted the breed in 1959.34
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
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