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Cretan Hound Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Cretan Hound so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank222
Reviews1
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Cretan Hound dog profile picture
OriginGreece flagGreece
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Cretan Hound known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Cretan Hunting DogCretan Rabbit DogCretan TracerCretan Tracing DogKritikos IchnilatusKritikos Lagonikos
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Cretan Hound? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Cretan Hound Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Cretan Hound? Learn how big the Cretan Hound breed typically grows.
LargeMedium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Cretan Hound weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Cretan Hound breed.
Males: 44-66 pounds (20-30 kg), Female: 44-66 pounds (20-30 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Cretan Hound?
Males: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
How tall is the Cretan Hound? Cretan Hound height:
Male: 19-27 inches (48-68.5 cm), Female: 19-27 inches (48-68.5 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Cretan Hound?
Male: 23 inches (58 cm), Female: 23 inches (58 cm)

Cretan Hound Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Cretan Hound puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Cretan Hound costs.
Unknown
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the price of the Cretan Hound. If you have a Cretan Hound for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Cretan Hound gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Cretan Hound? How many Cretan Hound are there in the world?
Average: The Cretan Hound is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

Cretan Hound Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Cretan Hound? Discover the Cretan Hound's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Cretan Hound dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Cretan Hound is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Cretan Hound? Learn about the Cretan Hound's trainability and response to training methods.
A slightly harder to train than average. Cretan Hound dogs aren't famous for their trainability. This breed needs more time and repetition to obey. It's challenging to teach them new commands, but not impossible.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Cretan Hound as a watchdog? Learn about the Cretan Hound's alertness and guarding instincts.
Cretan Hound dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Cretan Hound dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Cretan Hound protective of its territory? Learn about the Cretan Hound's guarding instincts and behavior.
Cretan Hound dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Cretan Hound Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Cretan Hound have? Learn about characteristic Cretan Hound temperament and behavior traits.
IndependentAffectionateGentleHard working
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Cretan Hound sensitivity:
Cretan Hound dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. They aren't receptive to their owner's emotions and handle soft punishment quite well.

They don't mind an always changing daily routine, a hectic household, young children, a noisy or office environment, and frequent guest visits.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Cretan Hound a good family dog?
Average to High: Cretan Hound dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Cretan Hunting Dog need? Cretan Hound social needs:
Cretan Hound dogs are known to be antisocial. They prefer being left alone. This breed doesn't like being around people all the time.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Cretan Hound to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Cretan Hound roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Cretan Hound is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Cretan Hound have high prey drive?
Cretan Hound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Cretan Hound dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Cretan Hound Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Cretan Hound bark a lot? Learn about typical Cretan Hound vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average to High: The Cretan Hound is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Cretan Hound? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Cretan Hound breed.
Average: Cretan Hounds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Cretan Hound live in an apartment? Learn about the Cretan Hound's suitability for apartment living.
It is not recommended to keep the Cretan Hound breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Cretan Hound indoors by introducing daily routines.

Cretan Hound Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Cretan Hound to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Cretan Hound's flexibility to new situations.
Average: Cretan Hound dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Cretan Hound be left alone? Learn about the Cretan Hound's tolerance to solitude.
Cretan Hound dogs love being alone, they need their own free time. You don't have to worry about leaving them for a few hours alone at home.

Cretan Hound Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Cretan Hound biting potential? Learn about the Cretan Hound's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Cretan Hound has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Cretan Hound mouthy? Learn about the Cretan Hound's tendency to use mouth during play.
Cretan Hound dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Cretan Hound dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Cretan Hound bite? Learn about the Cretan Hound's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Cretan Hound bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Cretan Hound measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Cretan Hound is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Cretan Hound bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Cretan Hound bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Cretan Hound puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Cretan Hound, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Cretan Hound bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Cretan Hound can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Cretan Hound Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Cretan Hound live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Cretan Hound breed.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cretan Hound: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Cretan Hound handle different weather? Learn about the Cretan Hound's climate adaptability.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Cretan Hound? Discover typical conditions affecting the Cretan Hound breed.
The Cretan Hound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Cretan Hound need vet visits? Learn about the Cretan Hound's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Cretan Hound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Cretan Hound Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Cretan Hound? Understand daily activity needs of the Cretan Hound breed.
Cretan Hound dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Cretan Hound need? How much exercise do Cretan Hound dogs require per day?

Do Cretan Hound dogs need a lot of exercises?

Cretan Hound dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Cretan Hound breed need?
Cretan Hound dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Cretan Hound Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Cretan Hound prone to weight gain? Learn about the Cretan Hound's obesity risks.
Average: The Cretan Hound has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Cretan Hound weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Cretan Hound need daily? Learn about the Cretan Hound's feeding requirements.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Cretan Hound Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Cretan Hound hypoallergenic? Learn about the Cretan Hound's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Cretan Hound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Cretan Hound come in? Discover all possible Cretan Hound color variations.
BlackGray Cream White Fawn Brindle Sandy
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Cretan Hound need? Learn about Cretan Hound coat maintenance requirements.
Effortless: The Cretan Hound requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Cretan Hound is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Cretan Hound drool a lot? Learn about the Cretan Hound's drooling habits.
The Cretan Hound is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Cretan Hound could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Cretan Hound.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Cretan Hound smell bad? Learn about the Cretan Hound's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Cretan Hound has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Cretan Hound have? Learn about the Cretan Hound's fur characteristics.
Smooth
Bathing Needs
How often does a Cretan Hound need baths? Learn about the Cretan Hound's bathing requirements.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shedding Level
How much do Cretan Hound dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Cretan Hunting Dog? Do Cretan Hound dogs shed a lot?
Cretan Hound dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Cretan Hound Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Cretan Hound good with children? Learn about the Cretan Hound's behavior around kids of different ages.
Cretan Hound dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Cretan Hound get along with other pets? Discover the Cretan Hound's compatibility with other animals.
Cretan Hound dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Cretan Hound temperament with other people:
Cretan Hound dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Cretan Hound dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Cretan Hound breed live with a cat?
Cretan Hound dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Cretan Hound good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Cretan Hound dogs get along with other dogs?
Cretan Hound dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Cretan Hound can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Cretan Hound breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Cretan Hound breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Cretan Hound dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Cretan Hound dogs good office canines? Do Cretan Hound dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Cretan Hound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Cretan Hound dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Cretan Hunting Dog temperament with senior people? Are Cretan Hound dogs good for elderly owners?
Cretan Hounds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Cretan Hound As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Cretan Hound be a service dog? Learn about the Cretan Hound's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Cretan Hound is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Cretan Hound good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Cretan Hound's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Cretan Hound is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Cretan Hound good at detection work? Learn about the Cretan Hound's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Cretan Hound is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Cretan Hound do search and rescue? Learn about the Cretan Hound's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Cretan Hound is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Cretan Hound good on boats? Learn about the Cretan Hound's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Cretan Hound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Cretan Hound pull carts? Learn about the Cretan Hound's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Cretan Hound is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Cretan Hound used in military service? Learn about the Cretan Hound's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Cretan Hound Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Cretan Hound usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
3-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Cretan Hound pregnant? Learn about the Cretan Hound's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Cretan Hound: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Cretan Hound have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Cretan Hound Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Cretan Hound in? Learn about the Cretan Hound's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Cretan Hound in? Learn about the Cretan Hound's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Cretan Hound Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Cretan Hound dogs have great intelligence.
  • Grooming Requirements: Effortless: The Cretan Hound requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Cretan Hound is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Rating: Cretan Hound dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Cretan Hound dogs love being alone, they need their own free time.
  • Child Compatibility: Cretan Hound dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Cretan Hound dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Cretan Hounds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Cons
  • Training Difficulty: A slightly harder to train than average.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Cretan Hound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: It is not recommended to keep the Cretan Hound breed in the home.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Cretan Hound is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Cat Friendly: Cretan Hound dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Cretan Hound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Cretan Hound dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

Cretan Hound History

The Cretan Hound is a primitive hunting breed, which is believed to be one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world. The breed derives their name after the place they are from, a Greek island, Crete. Documentation, writings, and artifacts were found in Crete, and in other Greek islands from at least 3,500 years ago.

This documentation state that the Cretan Hound was developed and used by the Minoan civilization which dominated most of the Aegean, the eastern part of Peloponnesus, and the Cyclades islands. The breed is the result of some scent hounds and sighthounds, but these are mostly unknown. It is imaginable that their predecessors came all the way from North Africa, yet they were subsequently adapted to this very unique climate and environment of Crete. The Minoan people used the Cretan Hounds during hunting practices, mostly in chasing and catching wild rabbits and hare on the harsh and rocky terrain. Many classic authors praised and portrayed the Cretan Hound as the best hare-hunters known to mankind. Furthermore, during ancient times, the breed was exported to most of the Greek colonies, and to other countries in Europe, even reaching Spain and the British islands. The Cretan Hound was also used to improve other already existing hound breeds in other countries too.

Interestingly, the Cretan people were very proud of the breed they have created, consequently, also very secretive about the Cretan Hound’s exact breeding methods. It was said that the oldest and most talented Cretan Hound breeders lived in far away, remote villages, hiding their best specimens from the public’s eyes. As they protected the dogs’ purity, they also made the Cretan Hound quite rare outside of their native Greek island. Their breeding techniques are believed to be quite unusual and harsh because the Cretan breeders only kept the best males with the intention of protecting the breed’s overall health, strength, and stamina. Sadly, other puppies were disposed, in order to make sure that the lineage is going strong. This breeding practice has resulted in a very strong and healthy breed, which is on the other hand, became a very rare one. 

Even though the Cretan Hound is a long-established, and perfected breed, the AKC (American Kennel Club) did not recognize them yet, however, some of the European kennels and organizations, like the UKC (United Kennel Club) did register the breed. The Cretan Hound is considered to be a very athletic, gentle, affectionate, loyal, humble, and tolerant breed, which makes them perfect family members. The breed is even good with children, which makes them more desirable. Besides these great qualities and the breed’s beautiful lean appearance, they are mostly kept around their indigenous areas.

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Cretan Hound Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Shari Hales / Zeus

    Feb 9, 2023, 6:10:33 PM:

    Hi! As the AKC doesn't recognize Cretan Hounds as a dog breed, the DNA tests that I've found don't test for this breed. Do you have any information on DNA testing that would include this breed? Thank you.