AKA: Hellenic Hound, Greek Harehound, Greek Hound

Description: The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is a medium-sized hunter dog that has an excellent nose and an athletic body. It is slightly longer than it is tall. It has a fitting skin and sleek short coat. The head is noble, but not as massive as the Bloodhound’s. The ears hang flat, light and not too long. The nose is black and the eyes are a dark brown. The eye rims should be tight, with no haw. The teeth form a scissors bite.

Dynamics: The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is an intelligent and brave breed. It is a powerful and passionate hunter. It is relentless in chasing its prey, possessing a huge amount of stamina and cunning. It is also a very useful farm dog, guarding the grounds and alerting the owners for any suspicious people or activity with their loud bark.

But while it is swift and deadly in the hunt, it has an affectionate and friendly temperament with its owner and family. It is extremely playful, wagging its tail in an eagerness to please. It is good-natured, but it can be willful and stubborn. It has a strong temperament and can be independent. Proper training and discipline is needed, with patience and consistency, to avoid behavioral problems.

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: 38-44 pounds (17-20 kg)

Height: 18-22 inches (45-55 cm)

Color: The coat of the Hellenikos Ichnilatis comes in black with tan markings. Sometimes there is a small white spot on the chest.

Country of Origin: The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is an indigenous dog breed to Greece. It is descended from ancient Greek scenthounds and has remained pure throughout the centuries. It is the first Greek breed recognized by the FCI (in 1996).

Activities: The Hellenikos Ichnilatis needs a certain amount of freedom and a lot of exercise. The breed is used in hunting and is also very useful as a farm dog and family companion.

Grooming: The short sleek coat of the Hellenikos Ichnilatis is easy to care for and groom. Brushing with a bristle brush is enough. Bathe in mild soap and dry shampoo only occasionally. Nails should be trimmed. Feet and mouth should be inspected after work or exercises.

Other Info: The Hellenikos Ichnilatis has a life expectancy of 11 years. It is a very healthy breed, with an excellent health record. The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is not fit for an apartment life as it loves open spaces and has a lot of energy to exhaust.

Photo by Trisha Shears

AKA: Harehound

Description: The Harrier is a medium-sized compact dog with an excellent nose. It has the physical characteristics of an English Foxhound, although it is smaller in comparison. It has a muscular build, with good bone structure. Its body is rectangularly proportional, slightly longer than it is tall.

The head has a strong square muzzle, with pendant ears and brown or hazel eyes. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. Its feet is catlike, and its toes may turn inward. The tail is carried curved high, but not curled over the back.

Dynamics: The Harrier is a sweet-tempered breed, cheerful and playful. It is excellent with children and gets along well with other dogs. It should be watched when among non-canine household pets, however. But with proper socialization and training, it can get along with everybody. This breed is also the curious and brave kind, going off after a smell. The Harrier also likes to be with people and other dogs, preferring to be in the company of others than being alone.

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg)

Height: 19-21 inches (48-50 cm)

Color: The Harrier comes in any color but its coat is usually in combinations of lemon and white, red and white, or white and tan. Black hair along its back is also common.

Country of Origin: The Harrier originated in the United Kingdom, where it retains its popularity as a working pack dog and as an excellent hare and fox hunter.

Activities: The Harrier needs lots of exercise and outdoor activities. Otherwise it might create behavioral problems.

Grooming: The Harrier’s short coat is easy to groom. An occasional brushing and combing is enough to take out dead hairs.

Other Info: The Harrier has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is a generally healthy breed. But it is still prone to common dog breed health issues like hip dysplasia. Epilepsy is also possible in the Harrier. The Harrier is not recommended to live in the city. It needs a lot of space and is at its best outdoors.