✓ Verified · Reviewed datavaries by registry
Greek Harehound
Hound breed from Greece
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Greek Harehound
The Greek Harehound is a medium-sized hound breed originating from Greece. It has a short, dense black and tan coat. The breed is known for being energetic, independent, alert, courageous, intelligent, and loyal. Its energy level is high (score 5 out of 5), and it has moderate trainability (score 3). Grooming needs are low (score 1), and shedding is moderate (score 3). The breed is moderately suitable for children and other dogs (both score 3) and less suited to apartment living (score 2). Adult weight is estimated at 17–20 kg for both sexes, height 47–55 cm, and lifespan 10–13 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Greek Harehound at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginGreece
Lifespan10–13 years
Male weight17–20 kilogram
Female weight17–20 kilogram
Male height47–55 centimetre
Female height47–55 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Greek Harehound is an ancient breed native to Greece. According to one source, it is believed to be descended from hounds brought by Phoenicians. The breed was developed as a hardy, tenacious scenthound for hunting hare in rugged, rocky terrain. It was officially recognized by the FCI in 1996 as the national breed of Greece. However, the exact timeline and details of its early development are not fully documented, and some claims about its origins remain uncertain.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
17–20 kilogramAdult weight47–55 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsBlack and tanRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Energeticindependentalertcourageousintelligentloyal
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Greek Harehound-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
Similar breeds
Continue comparing
Related comparisons
Compare this breed
Growth chart
Greek Harehound puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight17–20 kilogramAdult female weight17–20 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Greek Harehound?
The Greek Harehound is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight is 17–20 kg for both males and females, and height is 47–55 cm. Estimated lifespan is 10–13 years. These figures are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Greek Harehound?
The breed is described as energetic, independent, alert, courageous, intelligent, and loyal. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every dog will display all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does a Greek Harehound need?
The Greek Harehound has a high energy level (score 5 out of 5). It likely requires substantial daily exercise, but specific needs can vary by individual.
What are the grooming requirements for a Greek Harehound?
Grooming needs are low (score 1 out of 5) due to its short coat. Shedding is moderate (score 3). Regular brushing may help manage loose hair.
Is the Greek Harehound suitable for apartment living?
The breed has low apartment suitability (score 2 out of 5). It may be better suited to a home with a yard, but individual adaptability can vary.
How does the Greek Harehound get along with children and other dogs?
Child suitability and dog compatibility are both rated moderate (score 3 out of 5). While generally good-natured, interactions should always be supervised, and individual temperaments differ.
Where does the Greek Harehound originate from?
The breed originates from Greece. It is an ancient breed, possibly descended from hounds brought by Phoenicians, and was developed for hunting hare in rugged terrain. It was recognized by the FCI in 1996 as the national breed of Greece.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.