Cretan Hound

The Cretan Hound is a breed of dog.

Aliases Κρητικός Λαγωνικός, Cretan Rabbit Dog, Cretan Hound, Kritikos Ichnilatis, Kritikos Lagonikos, Kretahound, Crete Hound, Kretischen Hund Size Medium Height (Male) 24 - 30 Inches (52-60 cm) Height (Female) 19 - 25 Inches (50-58 cm) Weight (Male) 44 - 66 Pounds (15-30 kg) Weight (Female) 44 - 66 Pounds (15-30 kg) Origin Greece, Crete Group(s) Hound Dogs Hunting Dog Yes Family Friendly Very friendly Color Fawn, Sand, White, Cream, Black, Grey Coat Straight & Short-haired Shedding Average Temperament Aristocratic, Meek, Elegant, Gentle, Tolerant, Affectionate

The Cretan Hounds have a documented history going back over 5000 years. Known only inside their country of origin, even in Greece they are very rarely seen outside the island of Crete, where the locals have used them to hunt hare from time immemorial. A lot of archaeological findings and ancient documents as well as the investigations of dog bone findings and an extensive genetic analysis by the University of Heraklion and the Natural History Museum of Crete prove that this type of dog has survived almost unchanged up to now. Isolated on its native island, this primitive hound has barely changed at all since the times of the Minoan civilization, which flourished in the Aegean before the volcanic eruption of Thera.

Crete is near the shores of Northern Africa & Egypt. It is possible that the sea-going Minoan people were trading goods, including dogs, with ancient Egypt and that the Cretan Hound was influenced by these. The ships of Crete were sailing in the whole of the Mediterranean sea and beyond. Relatives of the Cretan Hounds can be found today among the breeds of Southern Italy, Malta, Spain, and Southern France.

Minoan Crete ruled over the Aegean, including the islands of Cyclades. When the volcano of Thera erupted, it caused a disaster that ruined the prosperous cities of the Minoic civilization. Thera is thought by some to be the legendary Atlantis. During the time of the Turkish rule, the dog population on Crete was reduced drastically. The socio-economic development of the island in modern times brought the Cretan Scenthound (Kritikos Ichnilatis) almost to extinction. For the last 20 years, some enthusiastic breeders have made every endeavor to save this breed. After the breed was recognized in March 2003 by the Kennel Club of Greece (KOE, FCI) with the official name Cretan Hound (Cretan Hound) in the group of Primitive Hunting Dogs, they applied for recognition by the international The FCI. A Greek team of the Save Foundation looks after the Cretan Hound in a conservation project for endangered breeds.

Today a handful of breeders serve this unique breed at its native island. Prominent among them is Mr. Geneiatakis from Heraklion, who travels to the International Dog shows held in Athens with his magnificent white hounds, giving an opportunity to the foreign visitors to meet the oldest European breed.

Built for speed and agility, Cretans use both sight & scent to hunt rabbit on the harsh terrain of the island.

Appearance: A slender but muscular dog with long legs, abdomen deep rib cage and slightly retracted. The type shows characteristics of the sight hounds as well as of the Pharaoh or Basenji dogs. The coat is very short and smooth, a bit longer on the sides of the neck, the thighs, and the tail. Special breeding characteristics are the very mobile triangular ears which can be erected and then set back at the sides, and the curled tail which is stretched out to rest or when the dog is nearly running. The dog is extremely nimble, its movements elegant and flexible with a springy trot. It has the ability to sprint quickly, and it owns exceptional jumping abilities.

Characteristics: The Cretan Hound is lively and agile with the need for physical exercise, but at home it is quiet and very clean, easy-going and easy to look after. With strangers it is reserved or shy, otherwise gentle and friendly and easy to get along with other dogs. It is intelligent, sensitive, playful, and gregarious. It is considered to be trained easily, if you offer it enough action and physical exercise and are considerate of his love of freedom and his hunting instincts. It can not stand gruff and harsh treatment and is bored by monotonous training.

Usability: In the rugged mountains of Crete, the Cretan Hound is mainly used for hare hunting. Optimally adapted to the harsh terrain and the hot climate, it is the favorite dogbreed of the Cretan hunters. The dogs hunt alone or in small groups, track down the prey, chase, kill and retrieve it. Meanwhile they make eye contact with the hunter at regular intervals and are guided by optical and acoustical signals. They are fast, tireless, and have a remarkable ability for climbing and jumping. In the past and at present, these dogs are also used for guarding cattle and homes. They are well suited for agility, tracking, and coursing.

The Cretan Hound is long-living, and hereditary diseases are unknown.

Rare even in his native land, there are none outside of Greece, except one male and one female dog in Germany, one female dog in the Netherlands, one male dog in Canada, and one male and one female dog in Finland.

The Cretan Hound is an archetypal, Sighthound hound, slender, wiry, athletic and quick. He has long legs, slightly raised with a deep chest and moderately curved ribs. The fine, slender muscles are well developed. The dog is strong but not heavy, but nimble, flexible, and capable, with lightning-fast reactions and a fast gallop.

Head: The head is elongated, wedge-shaped and dry (gutgemeisselt) with pointed eyebrows, and a furrow between the eyes. The stop is not very high, arched upper head slightly. The nose is quite large, stands out about the lip line and black, or (in brown dogs maroon) dark. The medium sized eyes are almond shaped and dark, the lids are also well pigmented. The jaw is strong with a complete scissor bite. The medium sized, triangular ears are set high, very broad at the base and slightly rounded at the ends. They can be raised to erect ears, are very mobile. The dog turned his ears to the sides or rear and they can even fold and put on the side of the neck.

Neck: The throat is dry and muscular, with a slight bow at the neck.

Forequarters: The shoulder blades are long, well muscled, but not voluminous. The shoulder blades protrude slightly. The long, slender legs are light but powerful and strong-boned. The feet are elongated, rather than round, and have long, strong, mobile toes and tough pads.

Body (trunk): The torso is muscular, lean, powerful, but not heavy. The depth of the chest not quite reaching the elbow, the lowest point of the sternum and the ribs behind the shoulder blade tip. In the front, the chest is not very wide. The back is narrow, and in the lumbar area slightly vaulted. The loin is short, strong and muscular. The pelvis is long, oblique, also well-muscled, the tips of the upper hip bones easily visible. The underside of the hull is raised in a graceful arc towards the belly.

Hindquarters: The hindquarters are not exaggerated, and matching the angled forehand. The thigh muscles are highly developed, but more in length and width than in thickness. Thigh and pelvis together form a powerful lever system for the muscle attachments and the drive. The hocks are parallel to each other, as are the relatively long, dry feet means.

Tail: The tail reaches the hocks not completely drawn down. Wide approach, it becomes narrower towards the tip. It is taken up and forms a curve, a half ring or a ring on the back. If the dog is relaxed, the tail hangs down loosely. The underside is more hairy. The tail is an important breed characteristic. The Cretan Hound uses them as a stabilizer and means of expression.

Movement: The dog moves light-footed, quick and graceful, with even increments without the feet to cross. Of an elastic, springy trot at a slow pace, he tends to change rapidly in the gallop.

Skin and hair: The thin, delicate skin is pretty solid and durable, free from wrinkles, the visible mucous membranes well-pigmented. The hair is short, thick, and perfectly smooth, very fine and short on the head, ears, and underside of the body. Slightly longer hair is found on the sides of the neck, the thighs, and the tail.

Color: There are many colors: A. Monochrome White, whitish-beige, blond, Fawn, red, maroon, (in different shades, with or without lightening or shades); White patches are allowed on the chest, paws, and tip of tail. B. Two-tone Brindle, brown and tan, black and white, maroon and white, black and tan C. Tricolor Brindle, brown/tan/white, black/tan/white

Size: The height for males is 52-60 cm, for females at 50-58 cm, the weight is about 15-20 kg. Dogs should be proportionate and in good condition.

The Cretan Hound provides specific requirements in terms of its attitude to its people. He has a very strong movement he needs. A short walk will not meet this dog, he needs several hours a day at a sufficiently large free-surface to fully develop his gallop to. He is not a dog for phlegmatic, and expect to live on the floor to him should in any case. Should not be underestimated his freedom and his hunting behavior. If he is in the garden is too boring, he goes for a walk. In a two-meter-high fence will be skipped without difficulty, every little hole is a slip through (where the head durchpaßt, also fits the rest of the dog). If anything interesting is out of the plot, he can dig under the fence in seconds. However, it is not true that the Cretan dog is uncontrollable, as soon as he leaves off the leash. A loving, sensitive and consistent education makes him a reliable, obedient companion, but who also likes to go its own way.

One can never expect him to "blind obedience", and educational methods, based on severity and punishment, are entirely inappropriate. Because of the intelligence and sensitivity of this dog have a profound impact failure in education. So you should already have experience of dogs and be prepared to adapt to the specific needs of this breed, if you want to live with a Cretan Hound. Particularly important is early socialization. Especially to strangers, it behaves suspiciously, this refers both to objects and sounds, as well as individuals. These dogs with their distinctive social behavior are not only happy, they love the company of her roommate, and are ideal second dog.

Ideal partners are sports people. Even in ancient times, the Cretan hounds accompanied the hunters on horseback. Reitbegleithunde than they actually are very good, as they compete in speed and endurance without problems with any horse. Your natural caution and attention, and their quick reactions are the benefit of the process of the horses she always kept in mind. When Dogs Agility is especially suitable because it suits the play instinct and urge to move these dogs, exploiting the skills in climbing and jumping and she mentally asks. This is very important to keep their balance. All forms of games and learning "tricks" they enjoyed when the practice is, however, monotonic, the dog turns to more interesting things. Other applications include trail work and Jagdcoursing. Dhias has successfully completed an apprenticeship in Mantrailing and works with great joy and concentration in the search for missing persons. The best job for these dogs is of course the hunting work.

With regard to the maintenance of the Cretan Hound is no great claims. Be very short coat, which on the back a bit harsh and is provided only there with a touch of undercoat should occasionally be treated with a soft brush. The dog is self-cleaning, so to speak, as he struggled mightily after every stay outdoors cleaning. He developed a wet dog fur smell hardly lose little hair and a bath is necessary only in exceptional cases. Occasionally, the nails must be cut and cleaned the ears. He is an extremely late-ripening dog and becomes active by about 4 years as an adult. The females are usually in heat with about 18 months for the first time, usually only once a year. The harsh conditions that formed this breed, have a beneficial effect on their health, genetic diseases are not known. To this day, the dogs are mainly bred for performance criteria, and until a few years ago it was almost impossible to breeders, to be treated under veterinary sick or injured dogs, so that a kind of natural selection took place. Nevertheless, one should note, as owner of this dog some basic rules which also apply to similar breeds. Her effervescent temperament, may mislead the young dogs, is to ask too much, you should persuade them so occasionally take a break. Immediately after a meal, the dog should also be suspended to prevent the risk of Bloat. The life expectancy of the Cretan dog is relatively high. With good maintenance, they reach an age average of 14 to 18 years, but also about 20 years old dogs are not uncommon.

As with any breed of dog the training of character and behavior of the Cretan Hound of course, be influenced strongly by its environment. But there are some characteristics and behaviors that are seen in almost all individuals of this breed and can be considered as typical. In general, it shows the behavior of a pariah with a large repertoire of communication options. Body language and facial expressions are very complex and complicated and it becomes visible through a wealth of sounds. He has a very original social behavior that is friendly to other dogs and unobtrusive. In conflicts, it behaves rather defensive. Strangers he meets with indifference or a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, especially to strangers, he is reluctant to suspicious. Cretan from a good dog, the same virtues as required by a young Cretan man, persevering and daring in the hunt, polite, friendly and discretion in handling. The Cretans have a word for it: Levendis. Dr. Basourakos described the characteristics of the Cretan Hound as follows: Lively, intelligent, cautious, nimble and agile, with very fine sense of smell and great resilience. He has worked actively and carefully in the hunting of rabbits as well as on wild rabbits, usually alone or in pairs, and it is suitable for all terrains, even for craggiest, toughest and roughest. In pursuit of the spoils in a short distance it reaches high speeds. His voice is not very loud, you hear them commonly called "battle cry" in the attack on the rabbit. In the standard, written by Maria Ginala, we read about the character and skills: lively, intelligent, kind, gentle, full of enthusiasm for hunting, courage and perseverance, persistent, courageous and tireless (diaponos), in the house, obedient, well-mannered, good comrade, pleasant. Somewhat reserved with strangers, affectionate with his family, showing his feelings and affectionate. He lives peacefully with other animals in the house and the yard (along parippos - ran alongside the riders in the ancient world) and in general is the behavior of the dog balanced and reliable. Late maturity and highly instinct. His senses are remarkably sharp and he has a quick power of comprehension, vividness, and a sharp mind. Alert, curious and inquisitive, he is easily trained to optical signals and to run the distance. In ancient times it was regarded as the best dog for hunting deer, wild boar and even bears. Its use for hunting game birds should be completely avoided, since the dog is lazy and thereby lose the interest, this task is beneath his abilities. He is born for the hunt and only with her, he draws from his full physical and intellectual potential. In its portrait of race Cretan Hound Ginala Mary also writes: gently, lovingly, aristocratic, yet deadly to the chase, he is a polite dog that comes to life in the presence of prey. Clean, friendly, elegant in appearance and movement, he is never vulgar or pushy in his gestures. He is friendly and affectionate with children. He rarely barks, but he says, know when to approach strangers in the house. On the farm he kills rats and mice.

Vassili Lekkas describes the ancient Cretan Hound as a family dog that is suitable for various tasks and is used in various fields. Apart from his outstanding hunting abilities, and he accompanied the cattle guards, protects the livestock and guarded the house and property. He is easily trainable, loyal, sensitive, charming and aristocratic. The Cretans say about their dogs that they are very humorous. In fact, they are often disposed to jokes, love toys, and try to draw attention to themselves by silly, but only if the situation permits, because they have a very keen sense of atmosphere. Outside the home, this dog is an active, very spirited companion who is capable of because of his attention and high intelligence, coupled with the robust physical condition, to great achievements. It is therefore very important to him both physically and mentally to offer sufficient employment (see husbandry and care). Like all sighthound he has a pronounced desire for freedom, and of course a similar hunting behavior. He loves to poke around and dig for hours and in the hunt for mice, rats and other small animals, he is very successful. In unfamiliar situations and unfamiliar objects to the Cretan dog shows a typical behavior for him. Curious but cautious, he approaches all foreigners under extreme tension and always willing to make with a great leap to safety. He reacts, but not overly anxious or even panicky, but only very cautiously.

Even if the Kritikos Hound is a versatile working dog used, he unfolds his true capabilities, particularly in the hunt. The rabbit hunt in Crete is due to the extreme terrain conditions particularly high demands on the dogs. The hardness and sharpness, which they place, stating the date, stands in stark contrast to her usual behavior. Most hunters take one or two dogs, often without a gun in remote mountainous areas. Occasionally, in addition to training young dogs to be taken. The hunt begins at dawn and lasts for many hours, often at temperatures around 40 degrees. The dogs to hunt with all your senses. Are you looking for the track with the nose of the rabbit who hides in crevices or in the thorn scrub (maquis). They pursue no Spurlaut the freshest trail that leads directly to the hiding place of the rabbit. On the busy tail game, the hunter knows when the prey is nearby. With ears pricked, listening to it on every movement of her victim. Meanwhile, the dogs interact with each other about their game rods, and the sudden solidification of a dog, with high aufgeringelter rod, showing the hunter that the hideout was discovered. If the rabbit has been hunted, the hunt begins at high barking over sharp rocks and thorny vegetation. These dogs perform spectacular jumps and turns to intercept the hare hakenschlagenden way. Often, deep gorges and smooth walls several meters high to be overcome. With elegance and ease to move the dogs in the difficult terrain. The dogs work together and the experience teaches them "how the rabbit runs. They are quick enough to catch the rabbit in the course. If a dog has taken the spoils, he retrieves it to his master, without the other dogs try to dispute him. Hunters may his dogs run the add again make eye contact with him, through visual and verbal cues from a distance. However, the dogs provide these services only in accordance with good ties to their keeper that comes only through a lot of affection. The training of hunting dog takes several years to complete and requires a lot of empathy. It is based on a good human-dog relationship, and it will work with much patience and care, without undue hardship. A trained dog is correspondingly valuable and expensive. For a hunter who sees the dog only a commodity, not the Cretan Hound suitable.

Classification: FCI Group 5 (Spitz and Primitive Dogs) Section 7 (Primitive Hunting Dogs)

Origin: Greece. More specifically, the grand isle of Crete, where the breed exists unchanged for at least five millennia. Findings depicting the Cretan hound and specific mention of the "Kressai Kynes (Cretan Hounds) date already from the prehistoric period of the Aegean civilization, the Cycladic, Minoan and Mycenaean art and Homer's epic poems.

History: Artifacts Portraying the Cretan hound chasing already appear in the prehistoric settlements of the Isle of Crete that pre-date the Minoan civilization (3200-1700 BC). A metal-made piece showing the ship of the "Great Goddess" bears the characteristic silhouette of the Cretan Hound on its bow (Herakleion Museum). Stamp Stones, ceramics and metal utensils, ornamental objects, sculpture and murals of successive historical periods offer us the form of the Cretan Hound without change since, and through the centuries. Of particular importance is the Minoan-style mural of Thera, presenting to us the authentic breed type. The distinguished archaeologist Professor S. Marinatos had extensive laboratories dedicated to this living monument of Greece, certifying its continuous historical existence on the Iceland with the same conformation and working characteristics to the present day.

General characteristics: Primitive chasing hound, lithe, sinewy, athletic, fast. Prick-eared, smooth-haired, long-legged, with an elongated, wedge-shaped head and circular tail. Powerful muscular development, wih long and fine muscles. Nimble, agile, robust, swift, with quick reflexes and fast gallop, the Cretan Hound hunts the hare (and the wild rabbit) alone or in pairs using sight and scent so. Enduring and effective on all terrains, especially the rocky and harsh ones where his climbing abilities come to the fore, he seeks, finds, forces out from the hideout and chases prey with great vehemence, hunting prowess and remarkable agility, able even of capturing it. He gives "voice" (which is idiomatic: thin, bemoaning and rather low in volume) at the sighting of the prey, and during the chase. A low-maintenance animal with moderate needs, built strong and vigorous nature, he is able to work for long hours even on the most demanding mountains and ravines of his birthplace where, in the past, he also hunted the local wild mountain goat successfully.

Temperament and abilities: Alert, intelligent, gentle, on the hunt full of dash, dare and stamina, persistent, brave and tireless (diaponos = laborious), at home meek, obedient, well-mannered, affectionate, graceful. Somewhat reserved towards strangers, with his family tender, expressive, and devoted, calmly co-existing with other house pets and farm animals, (parippos = horse-by, used to run alongside the riders in antiquity) and in general the hound's behavior is balanced and reliable. Slow maturing and highly instinctive. His senses are remarkably acute, and he has a great degree of perceiving ability, liveliness and a sharp mind Arrentive, curios and inquisitive, he is easily trained to visual commands and distance control. In the ancient times he was considerd best for hunting deer, wild boar and even the bear. His use for feathered game is to be avoided completely as it makes the lazy hound and losing interest, this task being below his abilities. He is born for the chase and only through this he reaches the full physical and mental potential.

Head: Elongated, wedge-shaped, well-chiseled (especially under the eyes), with skull and muzzle preferably equal in length. Cranio-facial axles parallel or very slightly diverging. The top of the skull is very slightly rounded and broad, like the cheeks that converge evenly towards the front. The sides of the skull are slightly rounded off cranio-facial angle (stop) smooth, progressive and shallow, eyebrows (frontal lobes) moderately developed, visible median furrow between the eyes, and progressively less towards the top skull, occipital protuberance only very slightly noticeable.

Muzzle: Wedge-shaped open, with top line of nose straight, tapering evenly towards the nostrils, the nose itself is quite large, moist, elastic and with wide-nostrils. The nose overhangs the lip line and is dark-colored (black or in brown dogs, deep chestnut).

Muzzle: Wedge-shaped open, with top line of nose straight, tapering evenly towards the nostrils, the nose itself is quite large, moist, elastic and with wide-nostrils. The nose overhangs the lip line and is dark-colored (black or in brown dogs, deep chestnut).

Mouth: Jaws strong, full and complete dention forming a scissors-like bite (pincher / level bite tolerated). Teeth well-developed and sound. The opening of the mouth and the lips is deep. Lips fine, tight, black (brown in brown dogs can be) without flaccidity.

Ears: Medium-sized, triangular, erect, broad at base, set high and carried slightly conical to the front. Pointed to the end and only very slightly rounded off at the tips. The leathers are fine-skinned, the very well-developed muscle, cartilage and the strong. The ears are very mobile, vigorous and tense. Depending on the occasion, the dog moves the ears turning them to the sides or backwards, or folding them down on the sides of the neck. Cropping of the ears is prohibited.

Neck: Dry, muscular, with a slight arch at the nape.

Forequarter: Shoulder blades long, laid-back and muscular without being loaded. The withers Protrude slightly. Upper arms slightly shorter in length than the blades. The angle formed at the point of the shoulder is moderate. Legs straight, sinewy, long, with light but powerful oval bone. Pastern joints strong but not dilated, pasterns resilient, elongated and slightly oblique. Feet large, oval, with long toes and strong, powerful curved nails and hard, resilient pads.

Body: Trunk muscular, long, dry, powerful but not heavy. Its depth qute not reach the elbows. Chest of moderate width, deep enough; fore chest and sternum not particularly developed in front but more towards the back and its lower parts. Ribcage very well-extended to the rear, arched ribs and, in the area of the elbows, flattened inwards. The deepest part of the ribcage and sternum is behind the withers. Back strong, sinewy, muscular, elongated, straight, forming a slight curve over the loins. Loin area short, powerful, muscular and dry. Pelvis long, oblique, muscular. The upper edges of the hip-bones are slightly noticeable. The underline of the body is gracefully retracted high towards the abdomen and belly, which is dry and muscular.

Hindquarters: Angulations matching the front and not excessive. Thighs muscular and developed in width but not so in thickness, long, flattened and powerful, the thigh-bones forming the pelvis with an efficient lever system of muscla attachment and motivation. The angle formed in the knee-joint stifle is, ideally, equal to the angle formed between shoulder and upper arm in the front and in any case never exaggerated. Stifle log, muscular, sinewy, dry on its lower parts and powerful. Hock joints well-knit, strong and parallel to each other. Rear pasterns dry, quite long and perfectly parallel to each other, without dewclaws. Feet as in the front.

Tail: Set quite low, does not reach the hocks. Broad st base, tapering evenly towards the tip. Carried to curve upwards, forming a semi-circular or ring on the back, but without a hook (ankylosis) in the end. In repose the tail relaxes downwards without any sign of fracture or side-twist. The hair is longer underneath. The Cretan Hound his tail used as a tool os stability and therefore of expression. Tail-less, short-tailed or docked dogs are untypical and therefore disqualified.

Movement: Light-footed, easy, fast and graceful strides with even steps, without crossing the legs or feet. From a springy trot at low speed the dog tends to soon change his gait to a gallop.

Coat: Skin fine, rather taut, durable, without wrinkles or looseness, with well-pigmented visible mucous membranes. Coat smooth, hard, perfectly straight, dense, very short and fine on the head, the ears and underneath the body, a bit longer on the sides of the neck, the buttocks (breeches) and the tail.

Color: Desirable patterns: solid colors (white, off-white, fawn, reddish) with or without highlights, and darker shades. Spots of white on chest, feet and tail tip permissible. Bi-color (brindle, brown and tan) tri-color (brown and tan or brindle with white markings) Acceptable patterns: Black Black and white, and black and white and fawn tanBlack and tan with white markings

Size: Height at the withers for males 52-60 cm, 50-58 cm for females. Weight: 15-20 kg, always in proportion to the size of the dog and in fit physical condition.

Faults: Any clear deviation from the above desirable characteristics is a fault, which results in lower fault qualifications according to the degree of the deviation from the ideal and the seriousness of the. More serious faults are those affecting the efficiency, the behavior and the expression of the correct breed type.

The Cretan Hound is heavier, leaner, but also muscular dog with short, smooth fur, which can have many colors. The head is elongated and wedge-shaped with almond shaped eyes and well-pigmented eyelids. The medium sized triangular ears are extremely mobile, there are both semi-erect ears before, and rose ears. You may be aware, but are also created. The tail is curled over the back, at full speed and in a relaxed state it is stretched. In the course of the elegant, springy trot is characterized, as is the leaping gallop. As a hunter, he is agile, fast and persistent, with lightning-fast reactions, he is pursuing the tracked deer. He hunts with all the senses, followed without Spurlaut the freshest scent of the hare. In the sprint, he achieved even in rough terrain at speeds of 60 to 70 km / h. [2]

Usage The Cretan Hound is now mainly used for hunting hares, as well as in the past to herd the cattle and as a watchdog. Like Podencos he hunts with his nose and eyes. But unlike the Podencos but he still keeps contact with the man who leads him and reacts even over long distances to acoustic and optical signals.

Character Traits The Cretan dog is alert, intelligent and friendly. He has a quick power of comprehension, is highly instinct, social and communicative. In the house he is quiet, sensitive, and humans, but reserved with strangers. When hunting, but he is full of enthusiasm, courage and stamina. [Edit] Health

Due to the circumstances: in the summer on your own, harsh conditions in the mountains, he has preserved the natural ruggedness. Previously, the dogs were taken only during the hunting season to the house. Genetic diseases are not known. Surprising is the life expectancy: 20 years are not uncommon. Moreover, they are very late-maturing, are only about 4 years with an adult. The heat usually occurs at the age of 18 months, usually only once a year.

Origin and History

As early as 4000 years ago the population of Crete hunted with dogs of this type. From the looks but was suspected previously a relationship to the sighthound dogs of the Mediterranean, for example, the Podencos in Spain have been. Crete was occupied over a period of 230 years by the Ottomans. During this time, the stock of the race went back so much that she was on the brink of extinction. The socio-economic changes on Crete in the last decades had an impact too negatively. In remote areas of the mountainous island, however, was able to get this race in its purest form. In 1994, the first written breed standard was created, and since then regularly take place in Crete specialty shows. Cretan Hound is considered the national dog of Crete, but is still very rare. The breed has since 2003 by the Greek Kennel Club (KOE, a member of FCI) recognized on a national level, will participate in the international recognition by the FCI under preparation. The Cretan Hound dogs is one of the primitive types Hunting (FCI Group 5, Section 7).

The Cretan hound is a hunting dog breed belonging to the island of Crete, Greece.The roots of this breed date back to 4,000 years ago and it is considered to be one of the oldest hunting breeds in Europe. This multi-talented dog is a phenomenal hare hunter. Cretan hounds have shown impressive guarding instincts as well, though it is believed that they were born to hunt, given their exceptional hunting skills. The article dwells at length on the history, appearance and temperament of Cretan hounds. Read on to know more about this breed. History Documentation on Cretan hounds reveals that these dogs have existed for over 3500 years. The ancient Minoan civilization extensively cultivated and used this breed. These hounds were used for chasing and catching hare and wild rabbits in harsh terrains of Crete. Some ancient authors have called them the best hare-hunting dogs. Cretan hounds were also exported to the Greek colonies and other countries in Europe, to improve the local hounds by cross breeding. Their ancestry is traced to Africa and they later adapted to the unique living conditions in Crete, though there is no concrete evidence to prove the same. Appearance Cretan hounds have a slender body that places them somewhere between a scenthound and sighthound. The head of this dog breed is in the shape of a wedge. During the chase, its pricked ears fold backwards, just like that of a greyhound. The skin may reflect many colors and fits tightly on the body. Their distinct tail is long and curved upwards, forming a ring. At the base, the tail is covered with a brush of longer hair. The legs are well-muscled, strong and slender and the ribcage is spacious, without being too broad or too rounded. This dog breed comes in different colors, such as pure white, cream, sandy, fawn, grey, black or brindle, bi-colored or tri-colored. Temperament Though Cretan hounds look meek and affectionate, they are nothing less than deadly on the chase. This dog breed is known to be polite, clean, gentle, and elegant in form and movement. The gestures are never overwhelming or vulgar. Cretan hounds are seen to be slightly reserved with strangers. They are tolerant of other domestic animals and seem to be happy in their company. These dogs are excellent with children, as they are very affectionate towards them. Cretan hound will rarely bark, but notify if strangers approach the home. Its body constitution requires the challenge of a true chase to keep the dog fit and active. The ability to communicate with dogs is essential in the owner of this breed. Genetic Disease The Cretan hound is a fairly healthy breed, with very few health concerns or issues. Genetic diseases to this breed are not known. As long as these dogs indulge in plenty of exercise, health issues may not raise at all. Grooming Brush the coat with a firm bristle brush and bathe in mild soap only when required. Occasionally, you may need to dry shampoo the Cretan hounds. Trim the nails regularly.

A Kritikos Ichnilatis (Cretan Hound) (Greek:Kρητικός Iχνηλάτης) is a hunting dog breed from the island of Crete, in Greece. It is considered to be one of the oldest hunting breeds in Europe, with a history that goes back to 4,000 years ago.

This is a multi-talented dog that comes directly from Crete. It has excellent scent, speed, agility, durability, that make it an exceptional hare hunter. Cretan Hounds also have guarding instincts as well as pastoral instincts.

Appearance
The Cretan Hound is a slender dog, somewhere in the middle between a scenthound and a sighthound in body, particularly light on its feet (that are oval rather than cat-like) and strong in loin, specially adopted for swift reflexes and high speed over dangerous, rocky terrain. The head is wedge-shaped, elongated and dry, with pricked and very mobile ears that fold backwards like a greyhound’s during the chase. The tail is a most important breed characteristic: long and curved upwards, forming a loose or tight ring and covered with a brush of longer hair underneath. The dog is slightly longer than tall, with medium angulations, slender legs and good muscle; the ribcage is spacious but neither too broad nor too rounded and it doesn’t quite reach the point of elbow. The loin is slender yet powerful and there is good tuck-up, with the points of the hipbones slightly prominent. There should be a balance between characteristics of speed and stamina, the conformation being a compromise producing great agility. Flabby, clumsy, heavy individuals not to be tolerated.

The colors of this breed can range from: pure white, cream, sandy, fawn, grey, black or brindle, bi-colored or tri-colored.

Temperament
The Cretan Hound uses both sight and scent on the hunt and they have a particular tendency to taste the aerial or ground scent, even to the point of sucking it from pebbles and stones. When the prey is sensed, the tail moves in circular fashion and the hound becomes rigid, moments before the chase begins. Meek, affectionate, aristocratic, yet deadly on the chase, it’s a polite hound that comes alive in the presence of prey; clean, gentle, elegant in form and movement, it’s never vulgar or overwhelming in gestures. Slightly reserved with strangers, it’s naturally inquisitive and tolerant. The Cretan Hound lives happily together with other domestic animals but will ruthlessly chase the neighbor’s cat! Excellent, gentle and very affectionate with children. It rarely barks but will give notice of strangers approaching its home; at the farm it will kill mice and rats and it’s not indifferent to feathered game, but the latter use will make the breed lazy and untidy in the hunt; its constitution needs the challenge of the true chase.

History
A primitive hunting breed, its existence on the Greek island of Crete is documented in writing and artifacts for at least 3500 years. It was extensively cultivated and used by the Minoan civilization which, at its peak, dominated over most part of the Aegean, the Cyclades islands and eastern Peloponessus. A tracking and coursing hound, it was always used in chasing and catching hare and wild rabbits on the harsh terrains of its native island. The classic authors praised the Cretan hounds (Kressai Kynes) as the best hare-hunters known to man and in ancient times they were exported to the Greek colonies and other countries in Europe, reaching as far as Spain and the British islands, to mix and improve the local hounds. The dogs have many such peculiar traits and they are evidently a truly ancient species, probably the oldest dog breed in Europe. It is possible that their ancestors came from Africa but they were subsequently adapted to this unique habitat of Crete, an island remote enough to host other unique species of animals also, such as a unique sub-species of wild goat, lynx and others. Isolated there for millennia, these dogs were formed by function to perform a particular and challenging task and they remained pure and unchanged to this day. Due to a long history of struggle against outside enemies, the Cretan people are a freedom-loving race, proud, independent, somewhat suspicious and even stubborn. They don’t like to give their dogs to outsiders and even to this day the best specimens are kept hidden from the public eye. Breeding practices are ruthless and the limited means of the past taught the locals to neuter all but the best males and destroy the dogs that were lacking in the hunt. This resulted in a particularly strong and healthy breed, but also one very small in numbers. For years they were kept secret and even now they rarely leave Crete, apart from on the rare occasions they take part in International dog shows held in Athens, where visitors have the opportunity to meet a true living legend.