Warren hounds are a group of small to medium-sized dogs that originate from the Mediterranean. Known for their amazing rabbit-hunting abilities, these dogs are agile and keen-sighted, developed over many centuries.
Not only are these dogs muscular and lean hunters, but they are loyal and intelligent companions. Find out more below about warren hounds and what makes them unique!
1. Cirneco dell’Etna: Independent, Affectionate, Friendly
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a small and agile hound from Sicily. They are known for their amazing hunting prowess in the rocky and volcanic terrain that surrounds Mount Etna. This breed has a slender and muscular build that is easy to spot.
Standing at about 19.5 inches tall and weighing up to 26 pounds, these little dogs are pretty small compared to other warren hounds but certainly make up for it with their capabilities. Their coats are wonderfully short and sleek, requiring minimal grooming, and usually come in tan, chestnut, or shades in between.
Cirnecos are known for their keen sense of smell and super sharp eyesight which are obviously essential traits for tracking and hunting rabbits. These are extremely intelligent dogs and highly trainable, but they can be too independent and even stubborn sometimes. While this was desirable in the wild, in the home, it requires a lot of patience and positive reinforcement.
Despite their hunting heritage, they are very affectionate dogs. They bond closely with their families and make great pets when their exercise needs are met!
2. Pharaoh Hound: “The Blushing Dog of Malta”
The Pharaoh Hound is a gorgeous medium-sized dog with a very regal appearance. Despite the name, these dogs hail from Malta, not Egypt. These sighthounds stand between 21 to 25 inches tall and weigh around 45 to 55 pounds. They are athletic and graceful, sporting a deer-like gait.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) lists four accepted colors for these dogs: red golden, chestnut, tan, and rich tan. They have large, erect ears and insanely expressive eyes that give them a very noble look. Pharaoh Hounds are known for their speed and agility, that, combined with their sharp sense of smell, makes them excellent rabbit hunters.
One fascinating feature of this breed is their ability to “blush.” When excited, their nose and ears turn a rosy color. They are intelligent and affectionate dogs, forming strong bonds with their families. It’s important to note that these are high-energy dogs with strong prey drives. So, they need lots of exercise to truly thrive.
3. Ibizan Hound: Family-Oriented, Even-Tempered, Polite
The Ibizan Hound, also known as the Podenco Ibicenco, is a dog breed native to Spain. This dog is known for its hunting skills, particularly small game, like rabbits. This breed stands out from many others with its elegant and athletic build, usually standing between 22 to 29 inches tall and weighing roughly 45 to 50 pounds.
These dogs come in both smooth and wire-haired coat varieties, most commonly in shades of red, white, or a combination of both. They have long, slender bodies, large, erect ears, and a very keen, alert expression. Ibizan Hounds are favored for their jumping ability as they can leap high in the air, a very useful trait in rough and uneven hunting terrains.
These hounds are both sight and scent hunters, using their sharp senses to locate and chase down rabbits. Their high energy levels can make them a little hard to keep as pets, but with an active lifestyle and consistent training, they are very gentle and good-natured pets.
4. Portuguese Warren Hound: Hardy, Intelligent, Friendly
The Portuguese Warren Hound, also known as the Podengo Português, is a very versatile and resilient dog. They come in three sizes: small (pequeno), medium (médio), and large (grande). Each size is suited to a different type of game hunting.
The smallest variant is very good at rabbit hunting, while the other sizes are better for hunting larger game. These unique dogs usually stand around eight to 12 inches tall and weigh nine to 13 pounds. They are very easy to spot thanks to their distinctive appearance with either smooth or wire-haired coats that come in various colors including yellow, black, fawn, and white.
They have a great ability to perform in agility, competitive obedience, and other breed-specific sports. They have great hunting instincts paired with an upstanding sense of smell, which is why they thrive as hunters. Still, despite their hunting prowess, they are friendly, affectionate dogs that love children.
However, they are highly energetic and do require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They benefit from firm but gentle training methods.
5. Cretan Hound: An Ancient Dog Breed
The Cretan Hound, or Kritikos Lagonikos, is a very ancient breed from the Greek Island of Crete. Bred as hunters, this breed dates back thousands of years and is considered one of the oldest hunting dogs in Europe.
Cretan Hounds are medium-sized dogs, usually standing between roughly 19 to 27 inches tall and weighing 44 to 66 pounds. Their build is lean and muscular, and they have a short, smooth coat that comes in cream, fawn, gray, and black. This breed has great speed, agility, and endurance, able to navigate the rugged and rocky terrain in Crete with ease.
They are both scent and sight hunters, constantly using their sharp senses to track and chase down prey. Cretan Hounds are intelligent and independent with a strong prey drive, but they love a safe family to bond with. These hounds are loyal and affectionate but require an active lifestyle to prevent boredom and other common behavioral problems.
