This breed is also known as the Albanian Greyhound, the Greek Harebound, the Greek Saluki, the Greek Hound, the Hellenic Hound, the Hellenic Harebound or, in Greek, the Hellinikos Ichnilatis (somes given as Ellenikos Icbnilatis). The original function of the breed was to course bare or small deer, not only over open plains but also in the mountains. In earlier times it was bunted in packs but more recently it has been used in pairs.
An unusually large sighthound, standing almost 31 in (80 cm), this impressive black-and-tan dog, with fringed ears and tail, looks remarkably like an oversized Saluki. It is clearly descended from the sighthounds of the Middle East. In recent years it has become an increasingly rare breed.
An early record of an extinct breed called the Grecian Greyhound appears to refer to a different dog, as it was described as being ‘somewhat smaller than the English dog’.
Leave a Reply