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AI-generated imageGreek Harehound
Health grade B- Shoulder height45–55 cm
- Weight17–20 kg
- Life expectancy10–12 yrs
- Puppy price1,500–2,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis (Greek Hound) 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.
- Health grade B: The Hellinikos Ichnilatis (Greek Hound) is considered a robust breed with an average genetic load, for which no breed-specific hereditary defects or fixed screening standards are currently documented.
- 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 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.
Self-check
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Is the Greek Harehound right for you?
At a glance
Greek Harehound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Shoulder height
45–55 cm
Weight
17–20 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: Greece
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 →Colors & coat
What colors does the Greek Harehound come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Greek Harehound — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Coat type
Short
Smooth
Perfect for you if:
- 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 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.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 45 - 53 cm (Female), 47 - 55 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 17 - 20 kg (Female), 17 - 20 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 yrs
- Character
- Loyal, intelligent, alert, high prey drive
- Coat
- Short, dense, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Black and tan (a small white patch on the chest is tolerated)
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
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.
| 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 burning off its energy and satisfying its 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. As with 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 & hereditary diseases
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Hellinikos Ichnilatis (Greek Hound) is considered a robust breed with an average genetic load, for which no breed-specific hereditary defects or fixed screening standards are currently documented. A health-oriented breeder therefore independently ensures the vitality and resilience of their parent animals in daily work. Before purchasing, you should ask to see the general and veterinary health certificates of both parents. Additionally, ensure that the breeder can transparently prove the consistent, gap-free fitness of the breeding line.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
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.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Greek Harehound cost?
A Greek Harehound costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €320, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,880 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (11 years) it comes to about ~€25,420.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€170 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€4,880
Across the dog's life
~€25,420
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
History
The full 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
Owner experiences
Many owners and rescue organizations describe the Hellenic Hound (Hellinikos Ichnilatis) as a dog with two faces.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Many owners and rescue organizations describe the Hellenic Hound (Hellinikos Ichnilatis) as a dog with two faces. At home, families experience it as a surprisingly gentle, calm, and cuddly companion. It bonds closely with its people, often deliberately seeks physical contact, and is considered easy to live with and unobtrusive indoors. It's also consistently described as very sociable and easygoing with other dogs, which is put down to its traditional work in a pack or in pairs.
Outdoors, though, the picture flips instantly. As soon as the door opens, the dog switches into work mode: its nose is glued to the ground, and the slightest movement or trail in the brush immediately sparks its passion for the hunt. Owners stress that off-leash time in the woods or in areas with lots of wildlife is hardly possible without intensive training, because the dog immediately picks up trails on its own and follows them over long distances. Many accounts also mention its loud, piercing bark, the breed's typical voice on the trail, which is why it's considered rather unsuitable for thin-walled apartments or tightly packed neighborhoods.
Sources:tiere-in-not-griechenland.dedogforum.deforum.wildundhund.derundum.dogedogs.de
Accounts of training and handling consistently warn against misplaced harshness.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Accounts of training and handling consistently warn against misplaced harshness. The Hellenic Hound is considered sensitive and at the same time very strong-willed. If owners apply pressure with rigid or rough methods, the breed turns stubborn and stops cooperating altogether. What works instead is patience, composure, and clear positive reinforcement.
A recurring insight from experienced owners is that walks alone don't satisfy this dog either physically or mentally. Because it was bred to hunt independently over wide areas, it needs focused nose work. Owners who keep it busy with tracking, mantrailing, or challenging search games report a balanced dog that's easy to handle. Without this mental work, under-challenged dogs tend to roam the yard or house restlessly looking for something to do on their own.
Sources:tiere-in-not-griechenland.deforum.wildundhund.derundum.dogtackenberg.defellnasen-stuttgart.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
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.
What colors does the Greek Harehound come in?
The Greek Harehound comes in these colors: Black and tan.
Are you a Greek Harehound breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Greek Harehound.