Hellenikos Ichnilatis
🧠 Temperament & character
The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is lively, determined and tough, with a pronounced hunting drive and great endurance. On the trail he works persistently and uses his sonorous voice to good effect. Towards strangers he is rather reserved, but loyal to his family. His original, independent nature calls for consistent, understanding leadership.
📜 Origin & history
The Hellenikos Ichnilatis looks back on a very long history in Greece and is regarded as a descendant of old hunting dogs of the Balkans and the Mediterranean. For centuries he was bred for the demanding hare hunt in mountainous, barren terrain. He is the only Greek breed with FCI recognition and is hardly widespread outside his homeland.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Hellenikos Ichnilatis's short, dense coat is weatherproof and very easy to care for. As an enduring, original hunting dog he needs a great deal of exercise and demanding scent work in varied terrain. His independence makes training demanding and calls for patience as well as a fair, consistent hand. Without real stimulation he is hardly content.
🩺 Health
The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is a robust, weather-hardy hunting breed with a life expectancy of about twelve to thirteen years. As an original, little-overbred breed he is largely free of breed-typical hereditary diseases. As with all scenthounds, regular checking of the ears is advisable. Responsible breeders pay attention to healthy, work-capable parent animals.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is first and foremost a hunting dog for experienced, active owners who appreciate his primitiveness and independence. He is poorly suited to the city apartment or a quiet family life because of his hunting drive and his urge to move. He needs plenty of exercise in varied terrain and a meaningful task. Outside Greece, and thus in Switzerland too, he is hardly ever encountered.