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Discover everything about Greek Harehound
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Greek Harehound?
At a glance
Greek Harehound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
As a traditional working breed, the Hellinikos Ichnilatis is extremely robust, which is why there are currently no documented breed-specific hereditary diseases. Nevertheless, buyers should be aware of general issues common in larger scenthounds, such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as there is very little official data available on these conditions. Overall, the breed benefits greatly from its rarity and the lack of pressure from show-ring breeding.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Height
45–55 cm
Weight
17–20 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: Greece
Typical coat colors
- All colors
- color combinations
- except merle
- hard
- dense
- wiry
- medium length
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Greek Harehound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Greek Harehound right for you?
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis (Greek Harehound) is a tenacious, independent scent hound—bred for vocal hare hunting in the rugged, rocky terrain of Greece, where it works for hours without direct instruction.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a true working dog for mantrailing or tracking to properly exercise its excellent nose and enormous stamina.
- You live in a rural area and have a completely escape-proof property, as its genetics will otherwise quickly lead it on its own exploration tours.
- You appreciate a dog that makes its own decisions and have the patience for training based on mutual respect.
- You already have experience with prey-driven dogs and know how to establish a reliable long-line routine.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a companion that trots beside you off-leash in the woods at all times—when it catches a scent, its brain switches to hunting mode; that is its purpose.
- You live in a neighborhood with thin walls, as this specialist in tracking with vocalization is extremely loud when expressing its excitement on a trail.
- You are looking for a pure family dog for leisurely walks that is content with just a few cuddles on the sofa.
The real vibes check
A Greek Harehound is not a dog that follows commands blindly, but a highly specialized tracker built for working at a distance. Once its nose hits the ground and it picks up a fresh scent, you often become nothing more than insignificant background noise to it. If you want to channel this wild, independent nature into shared scent work rather than break it, you will gain a tireless partner.
Breed Profile
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis, also known as the Greek Hound, is a medium to large hunting dog breed from Greece, valued for its endurance and speed. It belongs to the group of running hounds and was traditionally used for tracking and pursuing game. The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is characterized by a slender, athletic build, long legs, and a low-set, straight tail. Its short, dense coat is usually solid-colored or with slight markings, making it particularly easy to care for. In terms of temperament, it is intelligent, alert, and very eager to work, making it a reliable hunting and companion dog. As with many hunting dogs, consistent training and sufficient exercise are important to fully realize its potential.
- Height
- 45 - 53 cm (Female), 47 - 55 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 17 - 20 kg (Female), 17 - 20 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 years
- Character
- Loyal, intelligent, alert, high prey drive
- Coat
- Short, dense, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- All colors and color combinations, except merle; hard, dense, wiry, medium length
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
History
The history of the Hellinikos Ichnilatis, also known as the Greek Hound, dates back to antiquity. This breed was bred in Greece as a versatile hunting dog, especially valued for its endurance and keen sense of smell. Already in ancient times, hunters used the Hellinikos Ichnilatis to track game, particularly hares and other small game. Over the centuries, the breed remained largely preserved in Greece and was appreciated by hunters as a reliable companion. It was not until the 20th century that the Hellinikos Ichnilatis began to be systematically bred and standardized to preserve its special characteristics. Today, it is considered the national hunting dog of Greece and is increasingly popular both as a working dog and as a family pet.
Original Use
This Greek hunting dog was bred to hunt rabbits and hares and is known for its endurance and keen sense of smell.
Origin
Greece
Date
Antike
Character & Temperament
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis, also known as the Greek Hound, is a lively and enduring hunting dog with a strong sense of smell and a pronounced drive to work. It is characterized by its high motivation to cooperate with its human and shows remarkable willingness to learn. This breed is very people-oriented and forms a close bond with its family, excelling both as a hunting and companion dog. The Hellinikos Ichnilatis requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep its temperament balanced. Without sufficient activity, it can become restless or destructive. Its hunting instincts are strongly developed, especially tracking and trailing work, making it an excellent partner for tracking wounded game. At the same time, it is well controllable through consistent training and usually friendly towards strangers without losing its alertness. This breed is robust, enduring, and adaptable but requires clear leadership and consistent training from an early age. The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is a loyal companion distinguished by its endurance, intelligence, and pronounced sense of smell, making it a valuable asset both in hunting and family life.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis, also called the Greek Hound, is a true endurance specialist and was traditionally used for hunting in the mountainous regions of Greece. With its incredible sense of smell and fast running style, it can effortlessly track and pursue prey even in the most difficult terrain – a true Greek racer among dogs!
What Awaits You
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis, also called the Greek Hound, is a lively and enduring hunting dog. It is characterized by its excellent sense of smell and strong hunting instinct. These dogs are intelligent and eager to learn but require a lot of exercise and meaningful activity. The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is well suited for active families and hunters looking for a reliable and hardworking companion.
Housing & Care
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is a lively and intelligent hound that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. It is especially suitable for active people or families who spend a lot of time outdoors and can provide the dog with sufficient exercise. Due to its strong hunting drive, consistent training and early socialization are important to ensure a harmonious coexistence. The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is generally friendly towards family members and can get along well with children if they learn to treat dogs with respect. It usually gets along well with other dogs, especially if it is accustomed to contact from a young age. Keeping this breed exclusively in an apartment is not ideal, as it has difficulty releasing its energy and need for movement. An optimal home includes a garden and regular outings into nature.
- Family Friendly
Gets on well with different people and varying routines.
Family-friendly - Child Friendly
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
With supervision - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Suffers in tight urban conditions.
Needs the countryside
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is an intelligent and hardworking hound that requires consistent and patient training. Similar to the Labrador and German Shepherd, it is important to satisfy its natural need for movement and tracking in order to mentally and physically challenge it. Training sessions should be varied and positive to maintain motivation and foster a close bond between you and your dog. The Hellinikos Ichnilatis learns quickly but needs clear structures and calm leadership to avoid frustration. It is well suited for tracking work, mantrailing, and other dog sports that demand its keen nose and endurance. It is important to avoid overburdening the dog, as it can otherwise become restless or destructive. Early socialization and impulse control training are essential to promote a balanced temperament. The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is a loyal companion who, through consistent, reward-based training, becomes a reliable partner in everyday life and sports. Those willing to invest time and commitment will have a versatile and lively dog that approaches tasks with joy and perseverance.
Nutrition & Care
Hellinikos Ichnilatis (Greek Hound): The Hellinikos Ichnilatis requires a balanced diet that supports its active urge to move. High-quality, protein-rich food is important to strengthen muscles and ensure energy supply. Be careful to avoid overfeeding, as overweight can impair mobility. The coat of the Hellinikos Ichnilatis is short and dense, which makes grooming relatively easy. Regular brushing, about once a week, is enough to remove loose hair and keep the skin healthy. During the shedding season in spring and autumn, increased hair loss can occur; more intensive brushing is helpful here. The Hellinikos Ichnilatis is adapted to the Mediterranean climate and tolerates both heat and moderate cold well. Nevertheless, at high temperatures, sufficient shade and water should be provided to avoid overheating. Overall, this dog is low-maintenance but requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
As a traditional working breed, the Hellinikos Ichnilatis is extremely robust, which is why there are currently no documented breed-specific hereditary diseases. Nevertheless, buyers should be aware of general issues common in larger scenthounds, such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as there is very little official data available on these conditions. Overall, the breed benefits greatly from its rarity and the lack of pressure from show-ring breeding.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure the dog is raised in a way that is easy on its joints and regularly check and clean its floppy ears to prevent painful infections early on.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, and eyes tested and pay close attention to healthy ear canals as well as the highest possible genetic diversity in their lines.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Greek Harehound
Rita M., Halterin aus dem Ruhrgebiet (Hündin, seit 2010)
Wir haben unsere Hündin direkt aus Griechenland adoptiert, wo sie die ersten Wochen ihres Lebens leider an einer Kette im Olivenhain verbringen musste. Sie kam schwer erkrankt bei uns an, hat sich aber zum Glück vollständig erholt und ist heute eine fitte, bildschöne Hündin.
Im Haus ist sie ein absoluter Traum: Sie ist extrem intelligent, lernt schnell und zeigt sich unglaublich lieb und aufgeweckt. Sie kann mittlerweile auch problemlos mal alleine bleiben. Allerdings darf man ihren Dickkopf nicht unterschätzen – sie hat definitiv ihren eigenen Willen und kann phasenweise sehr stur sein.
Draußen liebt sie den Freilauf über alles. Wir haben von Anfang an viel trainiert, weshalb sie auf mehrfaches Rufen meistens sehr zuverlässig zurückkommt. Trotzdem merkt man ihr den ursprünglichen Jagdhund in jeder Sekunde an. Man muss immer aufmerksam sein, da sie extrem aufgeweckt auf ihre Umwelt reagiert.
Stefanie B., Halterin aus Hessen (Hündin, seit 2012)
Unsere Hündin ist ein griechischer Laufhund-Mix und überrascht uns jeden Tag aufs Neue. Drinnen ist sie die Ruhe selbst: absolut genügsam, unkompliziert und sie möchte einem einfach nur gefallen. Wir können sie wirklich überallhin mitnehmen, ohne dass sie auffällt oder Stress macht.
Sobald wir aber die Haustür hinter uns lassen, verwandelt sie sich in einen leidenschaftlichen Jagdhund. Sie stöbert ununterbrochen und sucht mit all ihren Sinnen nach Wild. Wer glaubt, man könne diesen Trieb einfach wegerziehen, irrt sich gewaltig. Wir arbeiten viel mit der Schleppleine und machen gezieltes Antijagd- und Impulskontrolltraining, um den Trieb kontrollierbar zu machen.
Ein reiner Begleithund, der nur neben dem Fahrrad herläuft, ist diese Rasse definitiv nicht. Sie ist eine absolute Nasenspezialistin. Erst seit wir aktiv mit ihr arbeiten und Beschäftigungen wie Fährtenarbeit anbieten, ist sie im Alltag wirklich ausgelastet und ausgeglichen. Man muss bereit sein, rassetypisch mit ihr zu arbeiten.
Thomas K., Halter aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2015)
Ich halte einen reinrassigen Hellinikos Ichnilatis-Rüden und muss sagen: Diese Hunde sind fantastisch, gehören aber absolut nicht in Anfängerhände oder in eine reine Wohnungshaltung. Er ist ein echter Outdoor-Hund mit einem enormen Bedürfnis nach Bewegung und Freiheit. Er nutzt seine feine Nase und seine Schnelligkeit leidenschaftlich gern.
Was man unbedingt wissen muss: Die Rasse jagt spurlaut. Wenn er auf einer Fährte ist, schlägt er mit einer lauten Stimme an, die man kilometerweit hört. Zudem ist er extrem wachsam und verteidigungsbereit, zeigt sich im Beisein von uns aber immer als fröhlicher, freundlicher Begleiter und ist absolut friedlich gegenüber anderen Hunden.
Bei der Erziehung braucht man unendlich viel Geduld und eine sehr feinfühlige, verständnisvolle Hand. Jede Form von rauer Erziehung führt bei ihm sofort dazu, dass er komplett auf stur schaltet und eigensinnig wird. Er ist eben ein selbstständiger Jäger, der mit Respekt geführt werden will.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Greek Harehound
Is a Greek Harehound the right dog for me?
The Greek Harehound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Greek Harehound live?
The average life expectancy of a Greek Harehound is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Greek Harehound need?
Greek Harehound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Greek Harehound good for families with children?
The Greek Harehound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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