Greek Harehound

Dog breed

Overview

The Greek Harehound (Greek: Ελληνικός Ιχνηλάτης; FCI No. 214) is a rare breed of dog that only comes in a black and tan color, originally bred as a scenthound for tracking and chasing hare in Southern Greece.

Appearance

Description: The Greek Harehound is a medium-sized dog breed with short, black hair and tan markings. They stand from 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 cm) and weigh from 38 to 44 pounds (17 to [dose — ask your vet]). The breed is slightly longer than it is tall. The average lifespan for the Greek Harehound is about 13 years.

History

History: The Greek Harehound is believed to be descended from the extinct Laconian breed, which originated in Ancient Greece. Its genetics have remained relatively unchanged for thousands of years due to isolation in the mountains of Greece. In 1996, the Greek Harehound was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, and it remains the only Greek breed recognized by the FCI.

Every pet is one of a kind. This guide covers what's typical for the breed, but your own dog or cat will have their own personality, quirks and needs — think of it as a friendly starting point, not the final word. Whenever you'd like advice tailored to your companion, the team at OC Pets is always happy to help.
Sources (reused under open licences, with thanks): Wikipedia — “Greek Harehound” (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikidata (CC0) · image (CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons) · Compiled by OC Pets Veterinary Clinic, updated 15-06-2026.