Greek Harehound
Description
The Greek Harehound, also called the Hellenikos Ichnilatis, is a scent hound with roots tracing back to ancient Greece. This breed was bred to track hares and foxes using its remarkable nose, a skill that has been valued for thousands of years. Their lean, muscular build and dense short coat suit rugged terrain well, allowing them to navigate rocky landscapes with agility. Known for a strong prey drive and independence, Greek Harehounds require a handler who understands their hunting instincts. They bond closely with family, revealing a gentler side when off duty. Their distinctive vocalizations, often described as "singing to the trail," reflect their tracking heritage and can be quite loud and persistent.
Grooming
The Greek Harehound sports a dense, short double coat that requires regular upkeep to stay healthy. Expect heavy shedding during spring and fall when the undercoat blows out. Brush your dog twice weekly to remove loose hairs, increasing to daily sessions during shedding seasons. An undercoat rake helps manage dense areas effectively without damaging the coat. Bathe every 6 to 8 weeks, ensuring thorough drying to prevent skin issues. Avoid shaving this double coat; it protects the dog in all weather. Their black and tan coloration with a white chest spot doesn’t require special stain treatment but keep the white area clean to maintain brightness. - Brush 2× weekly; daily in heavy shed - Use undercoat rake on dense patches - Bathe every 6–8 weeks with thorough drying - Never shave the double coat Pro tip: Schedule a professional de-shed treatment every 6–8 weeks to keep shedding manageable and coat healthy.
Learn the Dense routine:
→ Complete Dense Grooming Guide
Walking
Greek Harehounds need about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to match their stamina and focus. Morning walks can be brisk and scent-focused, while evening strolls help burn off lingering energy and calm the dog before bedtime. Their hunting background means they’ll want to explore scents thoroughly, so allow time for sniff breaks. Keep walks secure and leash-controlled, as their strong prey drive might trigger chasing instincts if small animals appear. Example routine: - Morning: 45 minutes scent walk, varied terrain - Evening: 40 minutes relaxed neighborhood stroll Short walks won’t satisfy this breed’s tracking instincts.
Boarding
When boarding a Greek Harehound, provide a crate sized between 36 and 42 inches to accommodate their medium build comfortably. These dogs benefit from two active play sessions daily, incorporating scent and brain games to engage their tracking skills and mental sharpness. Avoid toys resembling small animals to prevent triggering their prey drive. Secure fencing is essential in play areas to prevent escapes, as these dogs are skilled climbers and persistent trackers. Staff should be aware of their vocal nature and provide outlets for barking through enrichment and exercise. Socialization with other dogs should be monitored carefully, given their hunting background. Enrichment and exercise are key to preventing boredom and stress during boarding stays.