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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
Other Names
What other names does the Cretan Hound have?
Cretan Hunting DogCretan Rabbit DogCretan TracerCretan Tracing DogKritikos IchnilatusKritikos Lagonikos
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Cretan Hound Size and Weight

Size
Is a Cretan Hound small, medium or large dog?

How big do Cretan Hound get?

What is the average size of a Cretan Hound?

LargeMedium
Weight
How much does the Cretan Hound weigh? How much should a Cretan Hound weight? What is the normal weight of a Cretan Hound? How much does a full-grown Cretan Hound weight?
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
How much does the Cretan Hound puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Cretan Hound in the United States? How much money is a Cretan Hound?

Where to buy a Cretan Hound with a good pedigree?

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

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Cretan Hound? Is the Cretan Hound breed dumb or smart?
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.

Trainability
Are Cretan Hound dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Cretan Hound?
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 Ability
Is Cretan Hound good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
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.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Cretan Hound dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
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

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Cretan Hound have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
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

Playfulness
How playful is this 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.
Barking
Do Cretan Hound dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Cretan Hunting Dog bark?
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.

Apartment Friendly
Is Cretan Hound good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Cretan Hound in an apartment?
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

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Cretan Hound dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Cretan Hound be left alone? How long can you leave a Cretan Hound alone?
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 Force PSI
Does the Cretan Hound has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Cretan Hound? How much bite force does a Cretan Hound have? How strong is a Cretan Hound bite?

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.

Biting Potential
Do Cretan Hound bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Cretan Hunting Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Cretan Hound? Why do dog bites happen?

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.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Cretan Hound do?
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.

Cretan Hound Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Cretan Hound dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Cretan Hound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Cretan Hound breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Cretan Hound see the vet?
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.
Life Expectancy
How long do Cretan Hound dogs live? How old can a Cretan Hound be? What is the age limit of the Cretan Hound? How many years can the oldest Cretan Hound live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Cretan Hound?

How long is the lifespan of a Cretan Hound?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Cretan Hound: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.

Cretan Hound Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Cretan Hound have? What is the activity level of the Cretan Hound?
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

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Cretan Hound need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Cretan Hound breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Cretan Hound? How much food should I feed my Cretan Hound?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Cretan Hound risk for obesity:
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.

Cretan Hound Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Cretan Hound have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Smooth
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Cretan Hound coats?
BlackGray Cream White Fawn Brindle Sandy
Grooming
How to groom the Cretan Hound and how often? How often should I take my Cretan Hound to the groomer?
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.
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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Cretan Hound need a bath? How often should you give a Cretan Hound a bath? Can I bathe my Cretan Hound every day?
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.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Cretan Hound breed hypoallergenic?
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.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Cretan Hound drool?
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.

Cretan Hound Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Cretan Hound dogs get along with other pets? Are Cretan Hound dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
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.
Child Friendly
Are Cretan Hound dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Cretan Hound temperament with children:
Cretan Hound dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
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
Are they good as service dogs? Can Cretan Hound be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

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 Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Cretan Hound be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Cretan Hound be an emotional support animal?

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.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Cretan Hound be a sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Cretan Hound be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Cretan Hound be a boat dog?

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.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Cretan Hound be a drafting dog?

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.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Cretan Hound dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

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

Cretan Hound Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Cretan Hound pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Cretan Hound breed is pregnant?

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.

Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Cretan Hound have in a litter? How many puppies can the Cretan Hound breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Cretan Hound have? How many puppies can a Cretan Hound give birth to?
3-7 puppies

Cretan Hound Recognition

AKC Group
Is Cretan Hound recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Cretan Hound recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Cretan Hound Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Cretan Hound dogs have great intelligence.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Cretan Hound requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Cretan Hound is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: Cretan Hound dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Cretan Hound dogs love being alone, they need their own free time.
  • Child Friendly: 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
  • Trainability: A slightly harder to train than average.
  • Hypoallergenic: Cretan Hound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: 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.