Greek Harehound
A rugged Greek scenthound bred to hunt hare in rough mountainous country. Hardy, lively and keen-nosed, but a single-minded worker rarely kept as a pet.
Overview
A rugged Greek scenthound bred to hunt hare in rough mountainous country. Hardy, lively and keen-nosed, but a single-minded worker rarely kept as a pet.
Good to know — a Greek Harehound is needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Greek Harehound is fine with sensible, older children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a vocal / alert barker, and as a guide they are better with some experience. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Greek Harehound typically needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do a day (roughly 120–180 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is wash-and-go and shedding is moderate. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Greek Harehound should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a medium breed will eat a moderate amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Tough, agile mountain hunter
- Low grooming needs
Things to consider
- Very high exercise needs and prey drive
- Independent and vocal on the trail
Similar breeds
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Cocker Spaniel
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English Springer Spaniel
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionately known as the "nanny dog" — devoted, people-loving and famously gentle with children.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Greek Harehounds good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Greek Harehounds tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Greek Harehound need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Greek Harehound needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (120–180 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Greek Harehounds shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Greek Harehounds easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Greek Harehounds are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Greek Harehounds bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Greek Harehounds good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Greek Harehounds suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Greek Harehound really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.