(Greek Harehound or scenthound)
Hellenikos Ichnilatisz
(Hellenic Hound) (Greek Harehound) (Greek Hound)
Hellenic Hound
Greek Harehound, Hellenikos Ichnilatis, Greek Hound
History & Origin
The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is a black and tan tracking & chasing hare hound,
indigenous to Greece.
It exists for thousands of years and its progenitors are the ancient laconikoi (later:
lagonikoi, where lagos=hare) kynes (dogs) native in the Southern Greece
(Peloponessus). These were described and praised by many ancient writers and through
colonization and sea-trade they became widespread in the ancient world.
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Descendants of the ancient Greek scenthounds can be found all over Europe
and beyond. In its country of origin the breed had no competition and due to its isolation in
inaccessible & often mountainous areas the breed remained pure and little changed.
Ancient Greece covered most of the Balkans and so the Hellenikos Ichnilatis left its
heritage in the neighboring countries, too: black and tan or tricolor scenthounds can be
found all over this area. In Greece too, there is a not-yet officially recognized tricolor variety,
localized in the very same vicinity that the ancient breed took its first name, in Laconia
(Sparta), a south-most part of Peloponessus.
Form, Function, Requirements
Of medium size and shaped by function rather than fashion, the breed is a prototype
hunter that uses its fine nose and high average speed to track and catch its prey.
There are no extremes in its conformation: athletic, robust and of
normal proportions, the Hellenikos Ichnilatis is slightly longer than tall, with
taught skin and short, sleek hair.
Predominately black with tan markings (there are no specific limitations as to the tan markings,
apart from the fact that the color should be rich and discoloration is a very serious type fault);
a small white spot is tolerated on the chest. The head is noble and houndy but never coarse nor as
heavy as a bloodhound's. The ears should lie flat and be neither too long nor too heavy.
The nose and nails are black and the pigment should be dark and strong. The breed has a
regular scissor bite and the eye-rims should be tight, showing no haw. The Hellenikos
Ichnilatis has a beautiful and loud voice that can be heard for many miles.The breed gives
voice on the chase and is fit to travel great distances on the gallop, capable to hunt
independedly if it has to, before turning the hare towards its handler. This innate ability
means that the breed has a strong temperament and they can be stubborn at
youth and slow maturing. Rough handling makes them worse as does lack of proper
discipline; they need careful guidance, patience and understanding. Also they
require a certain amount of freedom and plenty of exercise.
Character
Brave, outgoing, intelligent and sometimes impatient, they are passionate
hunters but they never vicious. Friendly, affectionate and extremely playful, this is a
natural breed that loves open spaces and can be a handful for the inexperienced dog
owner. Certainly not a choice for the apartment dweller, this is an open-air breed
that shows excellent manners when its needs are catered for. As a farm dog it’s happy and
useful in many ways, as it is not without a sense of boundaries and it will give voice in
the presence of strangers or danger, relentlessly chasing vermin as well. Extremely
courageous and resourceful, it possesses the stamina and cunning necessary to face the
wild boar. However, in the presence of its master, it's a happy and friendly fellow,
wagging its tail and living peacefully with other dogs. Traditionally, the breed hunts in
pairs or small groups of three or four dogs.
Information & Contacts
The height is 47-55cm at the withers for dogs, 2cm less for bitches; the animals should
be athletic, in good condition, neither fat nor too thin.A copy of the official breed standard
(FCI no 214) in english and information about breeders, puppies etc can be obtained by the
parent club: Friends of the Hellenikos Ichnilatis