Mary Allen
Introduction: Greek Harehound breed overview
The Greek Harehound, also known as the Hellenikos Ichnilatis, is a breed of hunting dog that originated in Greece. They are medium-sized dogs that are primarily used for hunting hare, but they can also hunt other small game. The breed is known for its exceptional sense of smell, speed, and agility, which makes them ideal for hunting in difficult terrain.
Greek Harehounds have a long and rich history that dates back to ancient Greece. They were highly regarded by hunters and royalty alike for their hunting skills and were often depicted in Greek art and literature. Despite their long history, the breed almost went extinct in the early 20th century, but thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders, the Greek Harehound has made a remarkable comeback and is now recognized by many kennel clubs around the world.
Ancient Greek hunting dogs: the origins of the breed
The Greek Harehound’s origins can be traced back to ancient Greece, where hunting was a popular pastime among the nobility. Greek hunters favored dogs with exceptional speed, agility, and endurance, as these qualities were essential for hunting in the rugged terrain of Greece’s mountains and forests. The Greek Harehound was developed through a process of selective breeding, which resulted in a dog that was well-suited for hunting hare and other small game.
The Greek Harehound’s ancestors were likely a mix of local Greek breeds and dogs brought to Greece by invading armies and traders. The breed’s unique characteristics were refined over centuries of breeding, resulting in a dog that was perfectly adapted to the Greek landscape and climate. Greek Harehounds were highly prized by Greek hunters, who valued their keen sense of smell, speed, and agility, which made them ideal for hunting in difficult terrain.