Hellenic hound

Scenthound Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

The Hellenic Hound is a medium sized scenthound that originated in Greece.
The Hellenic Hound was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006.

General Appearance

A medium sized, short coated, black and tan hound that appears strong and vigorous.

Characteristics

Lively and keen.

Head

The head is long, and has divergent planes of the top skull and muzzle.

Serious Fault: Parallel planes of the skull and muzzle.

SKULL

The width of the skull is not more than half the total length of the head. The forehead is quite broad, and the skull is fairly flat. The superciliary arches are high. The stop is not pronounced.

MUZZLE

The muzzle is as long as, or slightly longer than, the skull. The nasal bridge is straight or slightly arched in males. The lips are well developed, and the edges of the lips are black.

Serious Faults: Pointed muzzle. Concave nasal bridge.

TEETH

The Hellenic Hound has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors or level bite.

Disqualifications: Overshot or undershot bite.

NOSE

The black nose overhangs the forward vertical lip line.

EYES

The medium sized, brown eyes have a lively, intelligent expression. The eyerims are black.

EARS

The medium length ears are set on high. They are flat and slightly rounded at the tips.

Disqualification: Semi-erect ears.

Neck

Muscular and powerful, without dewlap.

Forequarters

The shoulder blades and upper arms are sloping and muscular.

FORELEGS

The legs are straight, long and well boned. The pastern joint is lean, and the pasterns are fairly long, strong and quite upright.

Body

The length of the body is 10 percent greater than the height at the withers. The chest is well developed and deep. The ribs are lightly sprung. The withers are slightly raised, and the topline is straight to the loin, which is slightly arched. The back is long and straight. The croup is long, broad and slightly sloping. The belly is lean and slightly tucked up.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are well muscled and robust.

HIND LEGS

The thighs are long and strong. There is good angulation at the stifle and hock joints. The rear pasterns are lean and quite long.

Feet

The feet are rounded and compact, with arched toes and hard pads.

Tail

The tail is set rather high. It is thick at the root, and tapers to the end, which reaches just to the hock joint. The tail is carried in saber fashion.

Coat

Short, dense and close fitting.

Color

Black and tan. A small white spot on the chest is tolerated.

Disqualification: Any color other than black and tan.

Height and Weight

Height at the withers for males is 18.5 to 21.5 inches. For females, it is 17 to 20.5 inches.

Weight is approximately 37 to 44 pounds.

Gait

Swift and light.

Eliminating Faults

(An Eliminating Fault is a Fault serious enough that it eliminates the dog from obtaining any awards in a conformation event.)
Height more than one inch over or under the standard.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Overshot or undershot bite.
Semi-erect ears.
Any color other than black and tan.