Alopekis: 40+ photos, reviews, characteristics in the table, keeping and caring for the breed

The Alopekis may win your heart if you enjoy unusual dog breeds. Originating in Greece, this endearing small breed is renowned for its striking appearance and lively disposition. The Alopekis is a wonderful companion in addition to being adorable with its fluffy coat and perky ears. You’ve come to the right place if you’re thinking about bringing one into your family or if you just want to know more about this interesting breed.

We’ll go over everything you need to know about the Alopekis in detail in this article. We’ve collected more than 40 breathtaking images that perfectly capture their spirit and beauty. Additionally, open reviews from Alopekis owners that share their insights and advice on coexisting with this wonderful breed can be found. Additionally, we’ve put together a helpful table that highlights important traits so you can better understand what to anticipate when you bring an Alopekis into your house.

The Alopekis is a dog that requires a lot of care, just like any other. We’ll go over grooming, exercise, and training—all crucial components of owning and caring for this breed. Your pet’s life will be happier and healthier if you are aware of their needs. Together, let’s dive in and discover the amazing world of the Alopekis!

Brief characteristics in the table

Criteria		Information
Breed name		Alopekis
Country		Greece
FCI classification		Not recognized
Purpose		Universal
Life expectancy		12-15 years
Height	Male	25-32 cm
	Female	25-30 cm
Weight	Male	4-8 kg
	Female	3.5-7.5 kg
Excitability		Below average
Friendliness		High
Attitude to loneliness		Tolerates well
Tendency to bark		Low, barks only when necessary (expression of joy or danger).

Advantages of the Alopekis

Members of this breed benefit from numerous advantages:

• loyal friends;
• have a calm disposition;
• obedient;
• easy to train;
• good-natured;
• love children, can act as a nanny;
• hardy, hard-working;
• not demanding of food and care;
• adapt perfectly to various conditions of detention;
• have excellent health, practically do not get sick.

Disadvantages of the Alopekis

Greece is the breed’s native land. It was rare to find them anywhere else. Both the population and popularity are small.

All of the benefits notwithstanding, the Alopekis has a few small drawbacks:

• hyperactivity;
• appearance is not remarkable;
• their small size prevents them from becoming excellent guards.

Features of the Alopecis

Dogs don’t panic or feel scared if they are made to stay by themselves because they have stable minds. They can withstand heat and low temperatures with ease. Since natural selection formed their immunity, they essentially never get sick. are thought to be among the longest-living dogs and are immune to genetic illnesses.

Because alopecks have a robust stomach and are not fussy eaters, selecting a diet and menu is simple for them. They exhibit excellent hunting instincts when it comes to capturing small rodents and shepherding cattle while ensuring their safety.

Exemplars of the breed that are loving toward every member of the family, but they are especially fond of kids. They enjoy living a dynamic life since they are gregarious, easily trained, and lack stubbornness.

The appointment of Alopeckis

Dogs of the Alopeck breed are both shepherds and hunters. The Greeks primarily kept them because they got along well with large shepherd dogs who looked out for livestock on farms or pastures. They were also kept to hunt and kill small rodents and shield birds from predators. They were also involved in the task of escorting buffaloes to pasture in northern Greece. Alopecises are still employed today to protect herds of sheep, goats, and other cattle.

History of the Alopekis breed

The Neolithic era is when the earliest known image of the breed was created. One of the items on display at the Athens Archaeology Museum is a 3000 BC terracotta vessel with a schematic drawing that looks like an alopecia. This proves that the breed’s representatives were present in this region between the seventh and second millennia BC. Rafina also has early Bronze Age images that are similar to these.

The study of the domestication of the breed in Ancient Greece is based on the excavations of prehistoric monuments of the early Neolithic, which began in this area in the 7th century BC.. In the most ancient terrestrial breeds where the settlements of Sitagrf and Seskly lived, the remains of dogs were found that are similar to the bones of a turfhund. This fact suggests that these settlement complexes and remains are much older than the bones in the central European part. This makes it possible to believe that the ancestor of the European Spitz appeared in the territory of Ancient Greece, and not in Europe. Based on this, we can conclude that the Alopekis is one of the oldest breeds in the European part.

Representatives of the Alopekis were referred to as kinalopyx (fox dog), sugar dog, or fox in Greek.

Alopekis was referenced by Aristotle, Xenophon, and Aristophanes. Its representations can be found on antique coins, wood, ceramics, and figurines.

Origin and connection with other European breeds

One intelligent example of a Spitz-like dog is Alopekis. They have a wedge-shaped head, erect ears in the shape of a triangle, a straight bite, and a powerful, harmonious build. Normal-length paws and no indications of dwarfism characterize typical representatives. The breed shrank in size over its lifetime as a result of evolution and habitat adaptation.

The Alopekis bears a resemblance to the ancient European small Spitz and terrier ancestor. The Alopekis has an innate hunting instinct, just like all Spitz breeds. In Crete, there was also a smaller breed that was a hunter and guard similar to the Alopekis. They are now referred to as "Venetaki," or milk dogs.

A section from Ctesias that describes milk dogs fighting bulls and living in herds in Crete while consuming cow’s milk is discussed by Julius Pollux. The ancestors of these dogs are thought to have traveled throughout Northern Europe alongside different ethnic groups, eventually giving rise to the Welsh Corgis and Lancashire Heelers of today. The Alopecia is one of the three small dog breeds that were used for cattle herding; this fact alone can be used to demonstrate the ancestry of these breeds.

Traditional use

Alopekis is a good example of a dog that excels in both hunting and shepherding. Typically, their tasks involved eliminating small rodents and shielding chickens from fox attacks. Alopekis are small in stature, but they are quite strong. Sheep, cows, and buffalo are still herded in Serres and Northern Greece.

Current state of the livestock

Until the 1970-1980s, until the import of dogs of other breeds began in large quantities, Alopekis predominated in cities and villages. This ancient and cute breed of dogs is a universal example of the evolution of small individuals. But in the urban environment, the gene pool of Alopekis was exposed to negative factors: urbanization, treatment of plants with pesticides, mixing with other breeds. According to unconfirmed data, it is believed that the breed is affected by leishmaniasis infection. The problem of maintaining the population is affected by both a small litter and a high mortality rate of puppies, especially in villages and towns. Also, the fact that bitches are ready to mate only once a year has a negative effect. In addition, most of the bitches were sterilized due to the state policy aimed at combating stray dogs.

Due to the resettlement in 1922, which destroyed the traditional way of life, the population of Alopekis started to drastically decline. The breed has been listed as endangered since the 1990s. Data from the Zootechnia-2013 conference in Thessaloniki indicates that the number of purebred representatives remaining in Greece is approximately 58. The public and media are involved as experts take every precaution to protect the population.

There are currently no cynological federations that recognize this breed. As the number of participants rises, the Greek Union of Cynologists is prepared to take this matter under consideration.

Description of the appearance of the Alopekis in the table

Body part	More specifically	Description
Head	Skull	Wide, flat, moderately pronounced stop, well-developed superciliary ridges.
	Eyes	Large, oval, dark
	Nose	Round, with wide nostrils, must be black
	Shape	Small wedge-shaped, reminiscent of a fox
	Jaw	Strong, scissor bite, teeth evenly spaced, correct bite, cheekbones prominent, lips thin and dry.
	Eyelids	Black, tight-fitting
Ears	Medium-sized triangular. Can be erect or semi-drooping. Set wide and high, very mobile.
Neck	Medium length, smoothly flowing into the withers with a slight bend, without dewlap.
Body	Length exceeds height at the withers. Body proportionally built, rectangular.
	Chest		Deep, wide, not flattened and does not look barrel-shaped
	Back		Strong, arched in the area pelvis
	Croup		Sloping
	Withers		Well visible
Tail	Set high, fairly long. Has a saber shape, but does not lie on the back and does not curl into a ring.
Limbs	Front		The shoulder blades are noticeably inclined. Their length coincides with the length of the shoulders. The limbs turn into oval-shaped paws with thick pads and strong claws.
	Hind		The hips are wide, surrounded by developed muscles. The angles of the articulated joints are well expressed.
Movement	Fast, graceful, flexible, light. They are hardy, therefore adapted to long runs in hot weather.
Wool	Consists of a soft undercoat and waterproof awn, up to 5 cm long.

Photo gallery of dogs of the Alopecia breed

Disqualifying defects

There are still some undesirable aspects of the dog’s appearance, even though there isn’t an international standard for the breed:

• different eye colors;
• albinism;
• thin, soft, velvety wool.

Color and characteristics of the Alopecia coat

The breed produces three kinds of wool:

• rather short, dense, close-fitting;
• semi-long, thick, coarse;
• semi-long, hard, with a mustache and beard (brudasta).

Representatives with a hard coat are quite rare. Regardless of the type of coat, all dogs have an undercoat. The breed standard includes exclusively smooth double coat with a hair length of up to 5 cm, while the hair is coarse, not thin, thick and not silky. Alopekis is a guard dog that should feel comfortable outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. In winter, it is quite cold in the mountains and in the North of Greece, and hot in the summer, so it is important for the breed that the coat protects. It does not require special care, and it practically does not get dirty. In addition, dogs are very clean by nature, which prevents the reproduction of fleas and other parasites.

The coat may have one or more colors, but it must not exhibit any albinism. Completely white, black, or brown, as well as mixtures of these hues—black and white, white with brown or black spots, black with white patches, and brown and tan—are the most frequently observed. Light, blue, and yellow eye colors as well as heterochrony are not included in the standard.

Alopekis or Kokoni

Greece has a significantly altered small breed dog population. The Kokoni, or small Greek dog, is the only breed whose ancestry comes from the Alopekis. There are no pedigree traits recognized by the Greek Kennel Club that meet the standard. However, because the breed is not recognized, a dog that resembles an Alopekis greatly is given a name but not a pedigree.

Alopekises are regarded as universal dogs because of their exceptional intelligence and practical qualities. The Kokoni breed, which originated from companion dogs in cities, is more ornamental in nature. The Greek name for their breed even means "daughter or domestic dog." Particularly on the ears, neck, tail, and back of the limbs, they have longer, silkier hair.

Character of the Alopekis

Alopekis are family dogs with the following primary characteristics:

• Sociability and good nature. They interact well with other breeds, pets, including cats. They protect them, do not offend them. They pose a threat only to rodents due to their natural instinct.
• Loyalty and sensitivity. Dogs become very attached to all family members, they perfectly sense their mood. Depending on the situation, they can lie down quietly next to you, or, on the contrary, try to cheer up the owner with their "kisses".
• Cheerfulness. This breed is a typical extrovert. A sea of ​​​​positivity and communication. Get along well with Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Shelties, Welsh Corgis.
• Balance. They do not react with a storm of emotions when the owner leaves the house.
• Vigilance and courage. The breed is not a barker. Barks only in case of danger or in a moment of joy. Little Alopekises are distinguished by their courage, so they boldly go into battle with a larger opponent, especially if there is a threat to the owner.
• Endurance and high performance. Energetic and tireless representatives of the breed today also graze cattle in Greece.

Attitude to children

They enjoy playing with kids and treat them nicely, not caring about sudden prods or powerful arms. Their shepherd instinct makes them want to protect the children, so they can bite—or rather, take—them by the leg and try to get them back to a safe spot.

Security qualities and attitude towards strangers

Alopeks are naturally protective. The dog will definitely bark to let you know if a stranger has entered the home’s territory. They cannot be assumed to be on guard, but this does not imply that they started the fight. They move on to a stranger and attempt to get to know him better if there is no longer a threat.

Education and training of Alopeckis

Representatives of the breed devoted and obedient animals. Although they can be real furies without proper training. Even as a puppy, the dog needs to be taught the rules of behavior in the house and on the street. You need to adhere to a system of prohibitions: temporary and permanent. The first are regulated by the command "No", and the second – "Fu".

They pick up commands quickly and readily because they are easy to train and have a strong interest in the process itself. The owner’s praise serves as motivation.

You should start teaching basic commands to the puppy as soon as they have mastered the nickname. Furthermore, the puppy needs to get used to the harness well in advance, even before going for its first walk.

It is best to enrol in courses if you lack the knowledge necessary to raise a pet. Here, you can learn training methods and your dog will meet other pets. Furthermore, this is a time when your pet is socializing.

You can progress to more difficult commands once you have mastered the basic ones, as alopexises are even capable of performing circus acts. They are hardworking and diligent, and they perform well in dog sports.

Because they are small, alopekis are excellent for keeping in both private homes and apartments.

Walking and activity

Alopekis enjoy taking daily strolls and playing active games. For example, the pet’s energy can be focused on finishing an obstacle-filled path in a set amount of time. Sports discipline allows the dog to stay in good physical condition and fosters a closer bond between it and its owner. Canine sports have the great benefit of allowing representatives of breeds without a pedigree to take part.

Alopekis are southern dogs, but they can walk in the winter without clothing because they don’t mind the cold. Only in extremely cold weather, on long walks in inclement weather, and for pregnant bitches should one wear a jumpsuit.

Periodically releasing the pet from the leash will allow it to run and jump. Because this breed is not prone to digging and running away, it is safe to walk them freely. It is preferable to schedule walks in areas that are less crowded or specifically marked so that the dog won’t bother other people.

How much does it cost to keep an alopecis

Small breeds like Alopecis don’t need a lot of food. A kilogram of weight equals 84 kcal on average. The pet’s daily calorie intake is 504 kcal if it weighs 6 kg. This amount, when converted to grams of dry food at an average cost, indicates that the pet will require 125 grams, rounded up, each day. It turns out that monthly food expenses will be 2250 rubles, or 27,000 rubles annually, given that food costs 600 rubles per kg.

Vaccinations and antiparasitic medication should also be included in the expense item. It will be roughly 8,000 rubles in total. It turns out that the annual cost of maintaining an alopecis is 35,000 rubles.

But keep in mind that puppy expenses increase during the first year of ownership. Shampoos, toys, carriers, bowls, and other necessities must be purchased, after all.

Additionally, you should consider the extra expenses for microchipping, a veterinary passport, and dog training classes separately.

Alopekis care

Although alopekis don’t need particular attention, it’s still important to follow these guidelines:

• This is a clean breed, you can bathe up to 2 times a month as needed. Shampoo is selected depending on the length of the coat.
• You need to brush your teeth once a week, since food debris regularly accumulates in a narrow jaw with a scissor bite.
• For a long-haired pet, grooming is needed with a special medium-hard brush so as not to injure the skin. This is done twice a week.
• Alopekis shed, but it is impossible to predict the onset of shedding. In order not to collect hair around the apartment every day, it is better to buy a bed or a warm rug for the dog. In addition, during moderate shedding, regular combing is necessary.
• In order for the pet to look neat during periods without shedding, it needs to be combed twice a week.

The remaining guidelines are identical to those for taking care of other breeds. Ears are cleaned once a week, and eyes are cleaned every day of discharge. When cutting claws, lifestyle is taken into consideration. Claws deteriorate quickly, especially after a lot of pavement walking.

Features of the Alopecis diet

The dog can eat both prepared food and a natural diet. However, in the first instance, the Alopecis needs to receive extra vitamin treatment. Furthermore, industrially produced dry and wet food already has all the vitamins and minerals required, so your dog doesn’t need to get them from you. Selecting the appropriate food for your pet solely depends on its tastes.

Members of the breed do not experience obesity and are omnivorous. They must be fed in accordance with the recommended feeding schedule, following the guidelines on the food package. Food is given to an adult dog twice a day; for puppies, it can be three or eight times, depending on age.

In this situation, adhering to the drinking schedule is essential. The amount of water that the dog drinks should be double what it consumes in food. to stop diseases of the kidneys and urinary system from developing. Using bottled or pre-filtered water is preferable.

Health and life expectancy of the alopecis

Alopekis, in contrast to other small breeds, have generally good health. They are, nevertheless, frequently vulnerable to infectious dermatitis and lichen, which in severe cases can be fatal. If given the right nutrition and care, dogs typically continue to be active into old age.

• hip dysplasia;
• hypothyroidism;
• inversion of the eyelid;
• urolithiasis.

Although some Alopekis live up to 20 years, the average lifespan is between 13 and 15 years. You must take your dog to the vet once every six months for a preventive checkup and to start treatment for any illnesses right away if you want it to live a long and happy life.

Vaccinations and treatment for parasites

Alopecises receive vaccinations once a year and antihelminthic medication once every three months, just like other breeds. Furthermore, acaricides—drugs that guard against fleas, ticks, lice, and other external parasites—are advised for pets. The treatment plan in this instance is based on the lifestyle.

Mating of Alopekis

Breeding of this breed is limited to enthusiasts. They follow the fundamentals of breeding to maintain the gene pool. Furthermore, castration is a requirement for puppies with behavioral and external defects between the ages of 6 and 12 months.

In addition, the procedure is performed if breeding is not the goal in order to protect the animal from hormone surges during empty estrus, stop cancer from developing, and enhance obedience.

The person is only allowed to be released between the ages of 12 and 18 months if it is intended that they will participate in tribal work. Bitches have had two heats by now. Early mating is deadly for the mother during childbirth and is rife with miscarriages.

Bitches only receive heat once a year, which makes the population’s quick recovery considerably more difficult. Three to five puppies are typically born. The female’s belly becomes round after fertilization. She eats a lot and uses the restroom a lot. The temperature decreases by one to one and a half degrees as they approach, indicating that childbirth is simple and problem-free.

This post will discuss the delightful Alopekis breed, presenting more than 40 eye-catching images and emphasizing the breed’s special traits, maintenance requirements, and owner testimonials. We’ll provide you important insights and useful advice to help you understand what it takes to keep Alopekis happy and healthy, whether you’re thinking about bringing one into your home or you just want to learn more about these endearing dogs.

How to choose an Alopekis puppy

Even in Greece, alopekis are not bred by nurseries; they are Greek dogs. The primary cause is that this breed is not officially recognized. Selecting puppies from the street that are alike in terms of appearance and behavior is not a good idea. Finding specialized forums and getting in touch with private breeders is preferable. Another source of information is a volunteer movement dedicated to the breed’s resuscitation. It is illogical for you to mislead you as this is a charitable organization.

The breed should not be purchased from a Russian Federation source. Fraud is a possibility. It is therefore preferable to locate Greeks who are breeding and take flight in order to obtain your pet.

The fact that the puppies lack a metric or pedigree is crucial to know. However, you must ensure that they possess a veterinary passport, which is issued irrespective of breed and serves as verification of the vendor’s integrity. To protect your rights in the event of property division, theft, or injury to your pet, you should also sign a purchase and sale agreement.

You have to apply a little common sense along with your heart when deciding which puppy is best. Even if the dog is only sick, you should never purchase it.

Cost of Alopekis in dollars

For $300–500, you can purchase Alopekis in Greece. The kennel’s prestige and the parents’ titles are not included in the price.

You can adopt a puppy for free or at a nominal cost if you locate a volunteer organization. This is because volunteers wish to preserve alopexises from extinction by increasing their population.

Happy alopexises are devoted and faithful companions that appreciate their owner and are able to make friends with even the most moody family member. Although they are easily accustomed to human rhythms, they consistently await their owner at the door with loyalty.

Feature	Description
Breed Name	Alopekis
Origin	Greece
Size	Small
Weight	8-18 lbs
Coat	Short and dense
Color	Various, including black, white, and brown
Temperament	Playful, friendly, and intelligent
Life Expectancy	12-15 years
Exercise Needs	Moderate; daily walks and playtime
Grooming	Low; regular brushing
Training	Responsive; early socialization recommended
Health Issues	Generally healthy; watch for hip dysplasia
Ideal Home	Active families or singles
Companionship	Good with kids and other pets
Photo Gallery	40+ stunning images available
Owner Reviews	Positive; praised for loyalty and charm
Caring Tips	Regular vet check-ups, socialization, and exercise

Charm, intelligence, and a playful spirit are all combined to create a delightful breed in Alopekis dogs. Their distinct appearance and amiable disposition make them excellent companions for both individuals and families. Because of their adaptability, they can live happily in a variety of settings, including quieter ones or busy households.

An Alopekis needs their needs to be attended to. To keep them content and healthy, regular exercise, socialization, and grooming are necessary. They make devoted and caring pets because of their loving temperament, which makes them thrive on human interaction.

We’ve included more than 40 images in this post that perfectly convey the spirit of the Alopekis. These pictures beautifully capture the quirky charm of this breed, from their animated poses to their expressive faces. It’s also easier to decide whether this breed suits the lifestyle of a potential owner thanks to the reviews and characteristics table, which provide insights into what owners can anticipate.

In the end, you’re in for a treat if you’re thinking about bringing an Alopekis into your household. These dogs can bring endless happiness, laughter, and companionship into your life if given the right care and attention. Regardless of your level of experience with dogs, the Alopekis breed is bound to win your heart.

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