Scenthound Medium size 17-20 kg

Greek Hound

A hardy Greek pack scenthound with a loud voice and strong prey drive - best for active rural homes, not close-quarters living.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
17-20 kg, 45-55 cm
High
Activity
High stamina; needs a long daily run or hike
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Pack-minded; dislikes long hours alone
Challenging
Trainability
Independent nose; recall takes real work
Low
Coat care
Short coat; weekly brush and shed control
Good
Fit with kids
Good with kids given supervision
Moderate
Other pets
Generally okay with careful introductions
Moderate
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Bloat

The Greek Hound typically weighs 17-20 kg, stands 45-55 cm, and lives 10-13 years.

Consider this breed if…

you live rurally or hike daily and want a hardy hunting companion,
you can give a strong nose secure fencing and long off-leash runs,
you want a low-grooming, weatherproof dog,
you can live with a loud, baying voice.

Do not consider this breed if…

you live in an apartment or have noise-sensitive neighbors,
you want reliable off-leash recall without months of work,
you keep rabbits, cats or other small pets it may chase,
the dog would be alone for long workdays.

A typical day with a Greek Hound

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Long run or free run before the day heats up
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest after exercise, a bone or chew
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk with plenty of sniffing
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Scent games or a hike in the hills
  5. 19:00 · Evening
    Family time; settles well once tired
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Sleeps soundly after a full day

Temperament and training

Prey drive Very high
Stamina Very high
Independence High
Trainability Low
Vocality High
Affection with family Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Trusting off-leash recall near live scent or small animals · Underestimating the baying noise near close neighbors · Providing too little daily exercise for a working hound

Family and environment

Kids Good
Sturdy and tolerant with children given supervision.
Dogs Good
Pack-social; usually fine with other dogs.
Cats Risky
Strong prey drive; risky with cats and small pets.
Apartment Poor fit
Loud and active; a poor apartment match.
House with a yard Suitable
A securely fenced yard suits it well.
City Poor fit
Noise and confinement do not suit a hunting hound.
Countryside Ideal
Space, scent and a job to do.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Dental Disease Routine home care and cleanings reduce risk
Hip Dysplasia Screen breeding stock; manage weight and joint load
Bloat (GDV) Deep-chested build; learn the emergency signs
Chronic Ear Infections Drop or hairy ears need regular cleaning

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Another Mediterranean rabbit-hunting hound
Cirneco dell'Etna
A small, elegant sighthound-type from Sicily that is athletic and independent - a healthy, low-grooming dog with a strong chase drive.
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Similar pack scenthound, easier to find
Harrier
A sturdy, sociable pack hound like a bigger Beagle - cheerful and good with company, but energetic with a nose that pulls it away.
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Comparable working scenthound temperament
Hamilton Hound
An elegant, good-natured Swedish scenthound - affectionate and fairly trainable, but a strong nose and high stamina still demand real exercise.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

Is the Greek Hound rare outside Greece?
Yes. The Greek Hound (Hellenic Hound) is uncommon outside Greece and the Balkans, and you will rarely find a breeder abroad. Expect waitlists, possible imports, and a limited health-testing history compared with mainstream breeds. Meeting the parents and seeing the working line matters more than paperwork here.
How much does a Greek Hound cost?
Where available, puppies typically run a few hundred to around $1,000, but import costs, travel and paperwork can push the total much higher when buying from Greece. Over a 10-13 year life, food, routine vet care and preventives usually add $10,000-$15,000 or more, and a single emergency like bloat surgery can add several thousand on its own.
Can a Greek Hound live in a city apartment?
It is a poor fit. This is a loud, high-stamina pack hound bred to hunt over rough country. Without long daily runs and space, expect baying, restlessness and frustration. It does far better in a rural or suburban home with secure fencing.
Is the Greek Hound good off leash?
Only in safe, enclosed areas. Once it locks onto a scent, recall often fails and it can range far. Most owners rely on secure fencing and long lines rather than trusting off-leash freedom near wildlife or roads.