Greek Harehound

Also called Hellenic Hound, Hellinikos Ichnilatis, Greek Hound, Gkekas

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From Greece (southern Greece)1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight17 to 20 kg3 4

Height, male45 to 57 cm3 4

Height, female43 to 55 cm3 4

Lifespan13 years2

Sizemedium

FCI gives 17-20 kg; UKC about 37-44 lb (17-20 kg). Not split by sex.

lively and keen

great stamina

ringing voice

3 4

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, slightly hard

A lean, strong, medium-sized scent hound, a little longer than tall, with a short, close-lying coat that feels slightly harsh.3 4 2

Coloursblack and tan (a small white chest spot is allowed)3 4

Personality what they are like

An energetic, eager and bright hound that loves to work. It hunts well alone or in a pack and uses a clear, carrying voice when on a trail.3 4

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High: bred for long days tracking hare over rough, hilly ground, so it needs vigorous daily exercise and scent-based activity.3 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal: an occasional brush keeps the short coat neat.3 4

Home where they are happiest

Best in an active, outdoor-oriented home with secure space.3

Company who they like around

Comfortable working with other hounds in a pack.3

The story where it all began

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 1959.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It comes in only one colour pattern: black and tan.2
2
Wikipedia describes it as the only Greek breed recognised by the FCI.2
3
Its gait is described as swift and light, and the tail is carried in a sabre curve.4

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 214 (Hellinikos Ichnilatis), Group 6, Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds; definitive acceptance 16 Oct 1959; current standard dated 19961
UKC: Recognised 2006 as Hellenic Hound, Scenthound Group4

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Greek Harehound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

FCI nomenclature: Hellinikos Ichnilatis (214) fci.beused for recognition
Wikipedia: Hellenic Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, lifespan, facts
FCI-Standard N° 214 fci.beused for size, weight, coat, colour, use
UKC Hellenic Hound ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, weight, temperament

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.