Cretan Hound

Also called Kritikos Lagonikos, Kritikos Ichnilatis, Kressa Kyon

Intelligent, noble and eager when hunting, yet gentle and obedient at home.

Size	Medium
Weight	14 to 22 kg (31 to 49 lb)males 16 to 22 kg, females 14 to 20 kg1 2
Height	50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in)males 52 to 60 cm, females 50 to 58 cm1 2
Coat	Short, smooth, hard
Origin	Greece (Crete).2 1

Rare breedShort profile

agile and sure-footed on rocky ground

intelligent, brave and persistent hunter

gentle and loyal with its family

1 2

Personality what they are like

Intelligent, noble and eager when hunting, yet gentle and obedient at home. It is devoted to its family and can be reserved with strangers without being unfriendly.1 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth, hard

A slender, light-footed hunting dog, built somewhere between a scenthound and a sighthound, with a short, hard coat and a long tail that curls into a ring.1 2

Colourswhitecreamfawngreyblackbrindlesolid, particolour or tricolour1 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Cretan Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs plenty of daily exercise and room to run; it is built for speed and stamina over rough terrain and enjoys scent and chase games in a safe area.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy care: an occasional brush for the short coat, plus routine nail and ear checks.1

Home where they are happiest

Best with an active owner and a securely fenced garden or rural setting.2

Company who they like around

Forms a strong bond with its family and enjoys being part of daily life.1

The story where it all began

The Cretan Hound is an ancient hunting dog of Crete, and dogs of similar type appear in Minoan art. It has been used for centuries to hunt hare and other game in the island's rugged mountains, using both scent and sight.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is often described as one of the oldest dog breeds in Europe.2
2
Dogs resembling it appear in Minoan artworks held at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.2
3
Its long tail curls up into a ring when it is active and hangs straight when relaxed.1
4
It hunts using all its senses, combining scent work with speed.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's Greek name, Kritikos Lagonikos, translates to 'Cretan Hound' or 'Cretan Hare Hound,' reflecting its origin on the island of Crete and its traditional use for hunting hare.2

Name ideas for your new friend

KritiLagonikosIchnilatisZefyrosThalassaNikosAegeanRethymnoChaniaIdaDiktiMinos

A day in the life told by a Cretan Hound

The morning sun warms the rocks as I stretch and sniff the air. My human calls, and we're off, a long run across the rugged hills, my nose to the ground, chasing scents that tell stories. I spot a rabbit and give chase, my muscles rippling, but it's a game, and I soon return, proud and panting. At home, I'm gentle, leaning against my person's leg, watching the door with quiet dignity. I'm noble, they say, but to me, I'm just happiest when we're together, running free under the Cretan sky.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Kennel Club of Greece: Recognised nationally in Greece.2
VDH (Germany): Recognised nationally in Germany.3
Breed club standard: Club standard dated 16.01.2019 places it in Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), section 7.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
Splash of water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Cretan Hound, and at what times?

Feed your adult Cretan Hound at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent times work best for their digestion. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should a Cretan Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Choose a high-quality dog food suited to your dog's age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always check the full ASPCA list and consult your vet for a balanced diet.5

How often should I bathe a Cretan Hound?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe as needed, at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep the short coat clean and healthy.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Cretan Hound need brushing?

Brush your Cretan Hound's short coat weekly to remove loose hair and keep it shiny. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends brushing every 7 days, which is easy and quick.6 1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Cretan Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid bleeding. Your vet can show you the proper technique.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Cretan Hound need?

Your Cretan Hound needs plenty of daily exercise and room to run. Plan for daily walks and play sessions, and enjoy scent and chase games in a safe, fenced area. This breed thrives on activity.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Cretan Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently; never push anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki's plan suggests ear checks every 7 days.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Cretan Hound live?

Lifespan varies for this breed, but many medium-sized dogs live 10 to 14 years. Ask your breeder or vet for more specific information about your dog's lineage.

Is a Cretan Hound good with children and other pets?

The Cretan Hound is gentle and devoted to its family, so it can be good with children when raised together. It may be reserved with strangers; early socialisation helps. For other pets, ask your breeder about its prey drive.1 2

Can a Cretan Hound be left alone?

This breed forms a strong bond with its family and prefers not to be left alone for long periods. If you must leave it, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand. Ask your breeder for tips on alone time.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.