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Hellenikos Ichnilatis

Description

TheHellenikos Ichnilatis is Ofmedium size and shaped by function rather than fashion, the breed is a prototypehunter that uses its fine nose and high average speed to track and catch itsprey. There are no extremes in its conformation: athletic, robust and of normalproportions, the Hellenikos Ichnilatis is slightly longer than tall, with taughtskin and short, sleek hair. Predominately black with tan markings (there are nospecific limitations as to the tan markings, apart from the fact that the colorshould be rich and discoloration is a very serious type fault); a small whitespot is tolerated on the chest. The head is noble and houndy but never coarsenor as heavy as a bloodhound’s. The ears should lie flat and be neither toolong nor too heavy. The nose and nails are black and the pigment should be darkand strong. The breed has a regular scissor bite and the eye-rims should betight, showing no haw.

Temperament

Brave,outgoing, intelligent and sometimes impatient, they are passionate hunters butthey are never vicious. Friendly, affectionate and extremely playful. As a farm dogit’s happy and useful in many ways, as it is not without a sense of boundariesand it will give voice in the presence of strangers or danger, relentlesslychasing vermin as well. Extremely courageous and resourceful, it possesses thestamina and cunning necessary to face the wild boar. However, in the presence ofits master, it’s a happy and friendly fellow, wagging its tail and livingpeacefully with other dogs. Traditionally, the breed hunts in pairs or smallgroups of three or four dogs. They are surprisingly swift and powerful for theirsize. While essentially good-natured, this is an independent breed; young malesare best raised by an experienced handler. Maturity comes late, usually at twoor three years of age. The Hellenikos Ichnilatis has a beautiful and loudvoice that can be heard for many miles. The breed gives voice on the chase andis fit to travel great distances on the gallop, capable to hunt independently ifit has to, before turning the hare towards its handler. This innate abilitymeans that the breed has a strong temperament and they can be stubborn if they sense their owners are meek or passive. They are slow at maturing. Rough handling makes them worse as does lack of properdiscipline; they need careful guidance, patience and understanding.

Height, Weight

38-44 pounds (17-20 kg.) 18-22 inches (45-55 cm.)

Health Problems

This breed has an excellent health record.

Living Conditions

Thisis a natural breed that loves open spaces and can be a handful for theinexperienced dog owner. Certainly not a choice for the apartment dweller, thisis an open-air breed that shows excellent manners when its needs are cateredfor.

Exercise

TheHellenikos Ichnilatisrequirea certain amount of freedom and plenty of exercise. This breed thrives onexercise, and if restricted tends to be destructive. They need to be taken on a dailywalk. While out on the walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.

Life Expectancy

About 11 years.

Grooming

The smooth, short-haired coat is easyto keep in peak condition. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoooccasionally. Bathe in mild soap only when necessary. Inspect the feet and mouthfor damage after work or exercise sessions. Keep the nails trimmed. This breedis an average shedder.

Origin

The HellenikosIchnilatis is a black and tan tracking & chasing hare hound, indigenous toGreece. It exists for thousands of years and its progenitors are the ancient laconikoi(later: lagonikoi, where lagos=hare) kynes (dogs) native in the Southern Greece(Peloponessus). These were described and praised by many ancient writers andthrough colonization and sea-trade they became widespread in the ancient world.Descendants of the ancient Greek scenthounds can be found all over Europe andbeyond. In its country of origin the breed had no competition and due to itsisolation in inaccessible & often mountainous areas the breed remained pureand little changed. Ancient Greece covered most of the Balkans and so theHellenikos Ichnilatis left its heritage in the neighboring countries, too: blackand tan or tricolor scenthounds can be found all over this area. In Greece too,there is a not-yet officially recognized tricolor variety, localized in the verysame vicinity that the ancient breed took its first name, in Laconia (Sparta), asouth-most part of Peloponessus. In 1996 the Hellenikos Ichnilatis became thefirst Greek breed recognized by the FCI.