Hellenic Hound vs Harlequin Pinscher - Breed Comparison

Hellenic Hound vs Harlequin Pinscher - Breed ComparisonHarlequin Pinscher is originated from Germany but Hellenic Hound is originated from Greece. Harlequin Pinscher may grow 22 cm / 8 inches shorter than Hellenic Hound. Harlequin Pinscher may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Hellenic Hound. Harlequin Pinscher may live 3 years more than Hellenic Hound. Both Harlequin Pinscher and Hellenic Hound has almost same litter size. Both Harlequin Pinscher and Hellenic Hound requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
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Germany
Greece
Height Male:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
47 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
Height Female:
25 - 23 cm
9 - 10 inches
45 - 53 cm
17 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
17 - 20 kg
37 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
6 - 8
Size:
Toy
Medium
Other Names:
Spotted Pinscher, Merle Pinscher, Harlequin Miniature Pinscher, Harlequin Min Pin
Greek Hound or the Hellenikos Ichnilatis The Hellenic Hound, Greek Harehound
Colors Available:
brown, Black, brindle or piebald, fawn patterns of merle, red
Black with tan markings
Coat:
Short and smooth
Short, smooth, sleek
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Playful, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

harlequin pinscherThis toy-sized dog is a type of Miniature Pinscher originating in Germany. The dog was developed by crossing traditional Miniature Pinschers with other toy-sized short-haired terriers. He falls into the Terrier category.

The dog was used to kill rats, but has always been a devoted pet at the same time. They nearly became extinct after World War II, but the breed was once again restored. Today it is an established breed, but it isn’t recognized by any of the major kennel clubs.

In fact, The Harlequin Pinscher Association is the only breed club that recognizes the Harlequin Pinscher. It can be registered with the Harlequins Pinschers Association or with the American Canine Association.

hellenic houndDeveloped in Southern Greece, the Hellenic Hound was bred to hunt hare and is an ancient breed. It is a medium sized breed with strong scent and tracking skills. It is believed to have been in existence for thousands of years. The ancestry of the breed included the Lagonikoi or laconikoi, native to southern Greece in ancient times. The breed was spread by sailors on Greece trading ships and colonization.

Todays Hellenic Hound is found throughout Europe. Kept somewhat isolated by the mountains, the breed was protected from outside breeding and they remained pure for centuries. It is a fearless, smart and hyped up purebred. The Hellenic Hound needs to have a job and if you don’t give him one, he will find one. He is smart and independent which sometimes makes him stubborn. It also takes this dog longer to mature than others, sometime between two and three years. It is not good for first time owners. Today’s hound is still a popular hunting dog and companion animal as well. They are rarely seen outside of the Greek country.

In 1996 the Hellenic Hound was recognized as the first Greek dog breed into the FCI. They are not recognized by the AKC. Its numbers continue to decline.

Description

harlequin pinscher puppy - descriptionThis is a small compact dog standing at 25 – 33cm in height and weighing about 3kg to 4 or 5kg. He has dark eyes and ears which are set high and which are erect with just the top of them folding forwards.

The legs are straight and thin with small cat-like shaped paws. The tail is traditionally cropped, but these days the tail is left longer. He has a short coat which is available in a range of colors – black, brown, red, fawn patterns of merle, brindle or piebald. The Harlequin Pinscher is like a Bambi or a small deer, especially when they're a bit long in the leg.

Temperament:

Alert and inquisitive, the Harlequin Pinscher is a feisty, devoted little dog, brave and loyal and he has a lot of energy. He is intelligent too and with training and socialization, he becomes such a pleasure to have around, obedient and responding well to instructions.

He is known to be good with other pets as well as with children, so long as the children have been taught to respect animals. As always, a dog pretty much turns out the way the owners are, and with training and firmness while being patient and fair, you don’t have to worry about your Harlequin turning into a ‘small dog syndrome’ animal – whining, snappy and disagreeable. He is actually described as a big dog in a tiny dog's body.

The Harlequin Pinscher is a social dog and wants to be with you wherever you go.

hellenic hound puppy - descriptionToday’s Hellenic Hound is not a big dog but rather very average or medium. It is an athletic dog and looks like it. It has a balanced body with a deep chest and thick neck. It has medium height legs that are strong and muscular with paws that are prepared for the terrain it always works on. Its coat is short and tight. The colors of the Hellenic Hound are black with tan or white on the chest. Their heads are noble and rounded with a rectangle shaped muzzle. They have v shaped, long ears and round eyes. Their toe nails are black and so is their nose. It has excellent scent glands, very quick responses, speed and stamina. Their tail is thick and tapers off.

Characteristics

harlequin pinscher dog - characteristicsThe Harlequin Pinscher may have once been good at catching rats but these days they are much more sought after for their ability to be a splendid companion and pet.

He is such an entertaining, social little dog, wanting to spend as much time with you as possible. He is fearless, energetic, playful, confident, loving and intelligent and those who have owned them say they are courageous way beyond their size.

He is strong willed, stubborn and confident and this larger-than-life dog is just waiting to show you what a wonderful friend he can be to you too.

Children friendliness

hellenic hound dog - characteristicsyes, they are very fond of children as long as they are carefully socialized.

Special talents

Great hunter, stamina ,scent, voice

Adaptable

He needs to have a yard or land. He doesn’t do well in apartments.

Learning

The breed is very intelligent and can be very trainable. However, they can also be stubborn and that makes training harder.

Health Problems

harlequin pinscher puppies - health problemsHarlequin Pinschers, just like other dog breeds, have health issues that they are prone to such as epilepsy, dental issues, obesity and Patellar Luxation.

Epilepsy or Seizures:

Some seizures in dogs are genetic or related to illness. A dog could have ingested something poisonous while a head injury can also cause seizures in dogs. If your pet has a seizure you may notice foaming at the mouth, drooling or twitching of the legs.

After a seizure you could see your dog walking in circles and bumping into things. It is important to get your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

hellenic hound puppies - health problemsThe Hellenic Hound is a fairly healthy breed having been isolated on the Island of Greece for the most part. They are susceptible to:

Joint dysplasia

Could be hips, elbows or knees. If untreated can lead to lameness or inability to walk.

Arthritis

Causes joint pain and can cause lameness or inability to walk.

Bloat

Can be fatal if not treated immediately. To avoid it don’t feed a large meal before or after exercise.

Hunting injuries

Can be a variety of things that occur during the hunt.

Ear infections

Need to keep the ears clean and dry in order to avoid infections.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

harlequin pinscher dogs - caringThe short, smooth coat of the Harlequin Pinscher is easy to maintain, shedding little. With such a small, nimble dog, you can even take a damp cloth and wipe him down. You can brush him down once or twice a week to keep his coat healthy and shiny.

Dogs can develop dental problems such as tartar and plaque build-up. and this can lead to canine dental problems which can turn life-threatening as bad teeth affect the heart, kidneys and the liver.

You need to brush your pet's teeth 2 or 3 times a week making use of canine toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use regular human toothpaste for your dog as it can be poison to him. It is why dry kibble is better than soft food as the soft food sticks to the dogs teeth.

Diet:

Your Harlequin Pinscher is also a member of the toy breed group and he has high energy levels. Always choose a high quality kibble for a small dog breed and also which is in keeping with his age and activity levels. He will do well on a high quality dry commercial food, some raw meat or home-cooked food such as chicken, brown rice, pasta and vegetables. If your dog is an energetic dog, he will benefit from a diet rich in protein.

It will be tempting to feed your little pet tasty treats such as chocolate, nuts, coffee and milk but be careful as these can cause severe digestive problems with your dog.

Feeding the puppy

hellenic hound dogs - caringFeed the puppy 2-3 times a day a total of 2 cups

Feeding the adult

Feed the adult twice a day a total of 2-3 cups

Points for Good Health

The Hellenic Hound has excellent stamina, speed and scenting ability.

Games and Exercises

This is a very active, athletic dog that needs to work and needs exercise. He is powerful, quick and has great endurance. It thrives on hunting but will need other activities on the days it doesn’t hunt. It needs a yard or land to play in. Agility, Field Trials, tracking, hunting and fly ball are all activities the Hellenic Hound will enjoy.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Harlequin Pinscher vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Harlequin Pinscher vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Harlequin Pinscher vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Harlequin Pinscher vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Harlequin Pinscher vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Harlequin Pinscher vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Harlequin Pinscher vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Harlequin Pinscher vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Harlequin Pinscher vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Harlequin Pinscher vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Harlequin Pinscher vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Harlequin Pinscher vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Harlequin Pinscher vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Harlequin Pinscher vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Harlequin Pinscher vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Harlequin Pinscher vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Harlequin Pinscher vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Harlequin Pinscher vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Harlequin Pinscher vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Harlequin Pinscher vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Harlequin Pinscher vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Harlequin Pinscher vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Harlequin Pinscher vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Harlequin Pinscher vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Harlequin Pinscher vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison