Cretan Hound

also known as Cretan Rabbit Dog, Kritikos Lagonikos, Cretan Hunting Dog, Kritikos Ichnilatus, Cretan Tracing Dog, Cretan Tracer

Pros History


The Cretan Hound is a breed of dog that originated on the island of Crete in Greece. The breed has a long history dating back to ancient times, and it has played an important role in the history and culture of Crete.

This breed is thought to be one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world, with some experts believing that the breed dates back to ancient Egyptian times. The breed was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for hunting, and it was highly prized for its keen sense of smell and endurance. The Cretan Hound was also used as a guard dog, and it was known for its fierce loyalty and protectiveness.

The Cretan Hound has always been a popular breed in its native Crete, and it has been an integral part of the island's culture and history. The breed was used by the Cretan resistance during World War II to help them fight against the occupying German forces. The Cretan Hounds were used as messenger dogs and scouts, and they played a vital role in the resistance movement.

This dog is a rare breed outside of its native Crete, and it is not widely found outside of Greece. The breed is recognized by a number of kennel clubs, including the Greek Kennel Club, the FCI, and the UKC. The breed is still used for hunting and as a companion in its native Crete, but it is also becoming increasingly popular as a show dog and as a family pet.

The name "Cretan Hound" refers to the breed's origins on the island of Crete in Greece. The breed is known by a number of other names in other countries, including the Kritikos Lagonikos in Greece and the Cretan Hound in the United States. The breed is also known as the Cretan Hound in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.

Breed Information


Type

Is Cretan Hound a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Cretan Hound name? How do you say Cretan Hounds?

kreet-n hound

Purpose

What were Cretan Hounds originally used for?

Hunting, Companion, Watchdog

Lifespan

How Long Do Cretan Hounds Live? What is average life expectancy for a Cretan Hound? How long can Cretan Hounds live?

12-15 years

The average Cretan Hound lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Cretan Hound Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Cretan Hound?

What is the average height of a Cretan Hound? How big is a Purebred Cretan Hound height? Cretan Hound dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 19-27 inches (48.3 - 68.6 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 23.5 inches (59.7 cm)
Female 18-25 inches (45.7 - 63.5 cm) 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 21.5 inches (54.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Cretan Hound? How much should Cretan Hounds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 40-60 pounds (18 - 27 kg) 12.0 pounds (5 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg) 46.0 pounds (21 kg)
Female 35-55 pounds (16 - 25 kg) 10.5 pounds (5 kg) 23.5 pounds (11 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Cretan Hounds get fat easily?

The Cretan Hound is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Cretan Hounds Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Cretan Hound is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Cretan Hound personality? What are Cretan Hound dogs best known for?

Independent
Gentle
Affectionate
Hard working

Shedding Level

Are Cretan Hounds heavy shedders? How Much Does a Cretan Hound Shed?

Cretan Hound dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Cretan Hound. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Cretan Hound dog?

The Cretan Hound dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Cretan Hounds come from?

Island of Crete (Greece)

Ancestry

What are Cretan Hounds descended from?

Unknown

Date of Birth

When were Cretan Hounds first bred? How old is the Cretan Hound breed?

Ancient Times

Cretan Hound Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Cretan Hound eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Cretan Hound nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Cretan Hound coat be naturally?

White
Fawn
Black
Gray
Brown
Brindle
Pied

Coat Length

How long is a Cretan Hounds coat?

Cretan Hounds are known for their short coat.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Cretan Hound Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Cretan Hound?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Cretan Hound have in a litter? How many puppies can a Cretan Hound have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Cretan Hound can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Cretan Hound dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Cretan Hound Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Cretan Hounds have a lot of health problems?

The Cretan Hound is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Cretan Hound?

Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Cretan Hounds?

Ear Infections
Eye Problems

Occasional Diagnoses

Drug Allergy or Sensitivity

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Cretan Hound breed?

Eye examination
Full Physical Examination
Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests
Ophthalmic Examination
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Cretan Hound Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Cretan Hounds have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Cretan Hounds may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Cretan Hounds need socialization? How social are Cretan Hounds?

The Cretan Hound is a breed known for its tendency towards being antisocial. These dogs typically prefer solitude and may not enjoy constant interaction with people. They may not be suitable for households with a lot of social activity or for people who are looking for a dog that enjoys the company of others.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Cretan Hounds get?

The Cretan Hound dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Cretan Hound have? Do Cretan Hounds sleep a lot?

The Cretan Hound breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Cretan Hound drool a lot?

The Cretan Hound is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the Cretan Hound could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

The Cretan Hound is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.

Territorial

Do Cretan Hounds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Cretan Hounds mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Cretan Hound running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Cretan Hound dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Cretan Hounds enjoy doing? How do I keep my Cretan Hound busy?

Walks & hiking, Fetch, Walk

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Cretan Hound? How much energy does a Cretan Hound have?

High

Cretan Hounds are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Cretan Hound walk each week? How many miles should a Cretan Hound walk every week?

14 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Cretan Hound, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Cretan Hound should exercise a day? How much activity does a Cretan Hound need?

120 minutes

In general most Cretan Hounds usually need at least 120 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Cretan Hound?

The Cretan Hound is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Cretan Hound?

Weekly

Cretan Hound should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Cretan Hounds?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Cretan Hound eat?

3 cups

For an average 40-60 pound (18 - 27 kg) Cretan Hound feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Cretan Hound Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Cretan Hound is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Cretan Hound Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Cretan Hound is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Cretan Hound Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Cretan Hound?

The Cretan Hound breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Cretan Hound dog?

Cretan Hound dogs are a less sensitive breed known for their adaptability and resilience. They tend to be less affected by new environments, people and noises. They can make great companions for families or individuals looking for a balanced and less sensitive pet that are not as demanding as highly sensitive breeds.

Affection Dependance

Are Cretan Hound dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Cretan Hound do well in apartments? Are Cretan Hounds good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Cretan Hound in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Cretan Hounds living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Cretan Hounds good with kids? Are Cretan Hounds good around children?

A Cretan Hounds typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Cretan Hounds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Cretan Hounds good with cats? How friendly Cretan Hounds are toward cats?

Cretan Hounds are not cat friendly dogs.

Dog Friendly

Do Cretan Hound dogs get along with other dogs? Are Cretan Hounds OK with other dogs?

Cretan Hounds are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Cretan Hound dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Cretan Hounds friendly with strangers?

Cretan Hounds are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Cretan Hounds are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Cretan Hounds will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Cretan Hounds like to play? Are Cretan Hounds playful?

Cretan Hounds have an average level of playfulness. The Cretan Hounds, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Cretan Hound easily trained?

Cretan Hound may require more time, repetition and patience to learn commands than other breeds, and can be challenging to teach new things, but with patience and consistency, they can be trained.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Loyal and affectionate
    Cretan Hounds are known for being loyal and affectionate towards their owners and family members.
  • Intelligent and trainable
    Cretan Hounds are intelligent and easily trainable, making them a good choice for those looking for a companion that can be trained to perform various tasks.
  • Low maintenance coat
    Cretan Hounds have a short, thick coat that requires minimal grooming to maintain its health and appearance.

Cons

  • Not cat-friendly
    Cretan Hound dogs do not get along well with cats.
  • High energy level
    Cretan Hounds have a high energy level and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
  • Not suitable for apartment living
    Cretan Hounds' high energy level and need for regular exercise make them unsuitable for apartment living. They are best suited for a home with a yard where they can run and play.
  • Prone to certain health problems
    Like many purebred dogs, Cretan Hounds may be prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and ear infections.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People with allergies should be aware that Cretan Hounds may cause allergic reactions.
  • Barking
    This dog's loud bark is a defining characteristic of its breed.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    A Cretan Hound may not be the best choice for a dog to have in an office setting.