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Hellenikos Ichnilatis
Puppies for Sale
Hellenikos Ichnilatis
(Hellenic Hound) (Greek Harehound)
(Greek Hound)
Machi a female Hellenic Hound: Owner Xerovasilas Petros.
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Pronunciation |
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Description |
TheHellenikos Ichnilatis is
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. |
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Temperament |
Brave,
outgoing, intelligent and sometimes impatient, they are passionate hunters but
they are never vicious. Friendly, affectionate and extremely playful. 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. They are surprisingly swift and powerful for their
size. While essentially good-natured, this is an independent breed; young males
are best raised by an experienced handler. Maturity comes late, usually at two
or three years of age. 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 independently 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 if they sense their owners are meek or passive. They are slow at maturing. Rough handling makes them worse as does lack of proper
discipline; they need careful guidance, patience and understanding. |
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Height, Weight |
Weight: 38-44 pounds (17-20 kg.)
Height: 18-22 inches (45-55 cm.) |
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Health Problems |
This breed has an excellent health record. |
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Living Conditions |
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. |
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Exercise |
TheHellenikos Ichnilatis
require
a certain amount of freedom and plenty of exercise. This breed thrives on
exercise, and if restricted tends to be destructive.
They need to be taken on a daily
walk. While out on the walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 11 years. |
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Grooming |
The smooth, short-haired coat is easy
to keep in peak condition. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo
occasionally. Bathe in mild soap only when necessary. Inspect the feet and mouth
for damage after work or exercise sessions. Keep the nails trimmed. This breed
is an average shedder. |
| 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.
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. In 1996 the Hellenikos Ichnilatis became the
first Greek breed recognized by the FCI. |
| Group |
Hound |
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Recognition |
FCI, APRI, ACR |
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FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Hermes, a male Hellenic Hound: Owner Alexopoulos Argirios.
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Greek Champion Max Trikalwn.
Fin.Est.Ch.Ada. Photo Courtesy of Maria Winsor-Ginala.
Hellenikos Ichnilatisz
Pictures 1
Hunting Dogs
Thanks to Maria Winsor-Ginala for her help in adding this breed to Dog Breed Info Center®
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