Greek Shepherd

The Greek Shepherd, sometimes referred to as the Greek Sheepdog, is a breed with a deep connection to its Greek heritage and a lengthy history. These dogs were first developed to keep livestock safe in the untamed landscapes of rural Greece from predators. They are great protectors of families as well as sheep because of their innate instincts and protective nature.

General characteristics of the Greek Shepherd breed

The breed was primarily popular in Greece at the time of registration, which readily explains the name "Greek Shepherd." It served as the house’s guard and for herding sheep. These dogs are constantly on guard, prepared to defend the owner’s belongings from any threat. tolerant of wolves and unafraid of bears.

Shepherds have outstanding hearing, vision, and sense of smell. They are also hardy and humble. They can run great distances and do so quickly. They work well as security guards and bodyguards and are qualified to be police officers. These dogs seem to be of the same character—stern and formidable. They become aggressive and uncontrollable if they are not given the right training and socialization from an early age.

Pros

In Greece, this breed is well-liked. It is prized for both its superb functionality and striking appearance. The ensuing benefits are worth mentioning:

• Endurance, unpretentiousness;
• Loyalty, loyalty to the owner;
• Vigilance, alertness;
• Pronounced guard instinct;
• Courage, determination;
• Balanced temperament;
• robust health.

Cons

This is a serious working dog that isn’t meant for everyone and won’t make a good friend. Owner reviews indicate that it has the following drawbacks:

• tends to dominance;
• recognizes only one owner;
• needs physical exercise;
• can be aggressive.

A remarkable breed, the Greek Shepherd is well-known for its intelligence, loyalty, and strong herding instincts, which make it a great companion for homes and workplaces alike. This article examines the temperament, history, and distinctive traits of the breed to show why these canines make wonderful pets for people who value their spirited nature and protective instincts in addition to being excellent livestock guardians. You’ll find out what makes Greek Shepherds unique, whether you’re thinking about bringing one into your house or you just want to know more about this interesting breed.

History of origin

Greek Shepherds have their origins in ancient Greek breeding practices. Shepherds used them; they were mentioned as early as 2000 years ago. Scholars surmise that these are the ancestors of all shepherds in southern Europe. The Romanian, Alentejo, Anatolian, Bulgarian, Carassian, and some other shepherds have similar appearances, as you can see if you examine the photos. Furthermore, they resemble the Alabai the most in character.

It was not until the end of the 20th century that targeted selection was implemented. The strongest, toughest, bravest, and most diligent people were chosen by shepherds. There was a lot of variance within the breed since they were indifferent to outward attributes.

Breeders have only recently started to keep an eye on the outside; in 2017, a standard was created. Although the breed is not recognized by the FCI, it is registered with the Greek Kennel Club. There are now only 3,000 of these dogs in the world, and they are practically nonexistent outside of Greece.

Appearance

A large, muscular dog belonging to the Molossus group is the Greek Shepherd. Its body is rectangular and strong, with good balance. Males exhibit strong sexual dimorphism, with their size differences from females. They weigh approximately 50 kg at maturity and can grow to 75 cm in length. Typically, females weigh no more than 42 kg and are no taller than 68 cm.

The following characteristics of these dogs are standard:

• the head is large, but proportional to the body;
• the stop is shallow, the muzzle is elongated, but not pointed;
• the jaws are powerful, the lips are fleshy, forming small flews;
• the eyes are almond-shaped, brown, set wide apart;
• the ears are triangular, semi-drooping, wide at the base, located at eye level;
• the back is straight, the loin is raised, the croup is sloping;
• the tail is long and fluffy, can rise above the back and curl into a semicircle;
• the limbs are straight, strong, the paws are oval, large;
• medium-length fur, fluffy, with a dense undercoat, hard to the touch;
• the color is different, usually white with black, gray or red spots, less often – monochromatic, can be zonal with a dark mask on the head.

Additional images of these canines:

Character and behavior

Serving their owner is a Greek shepherd’s primary responsibility. She selects one and follows him without question for the rest of her life. However, to achieve this, the right relationships must be formed at a young age. The owner must assert his authority, but he must never be impolite or resort to physical punishment when disciplining.

These shepherds are watchful and alert, and they possess a strong guard instinct. They view strangers with suspicion and distrust. Lack of communication, appear gloomy and uninterested in anything. But after receiving the right instruction, they stop being aggressive. These dogs don’t take well to noise and fuss, so leaving them with kids is not advised.

Images depict the behavior:

It is not possible to keep a Greek Shepherd indoors, particularly in an apartment in the city. This dog must be active all the time to guard the area and safeguard the home and belongings. It is robust, effective, and modest. can endure any weather when living outside.

It is preferable to let these dogs roam the area freely rather than chaining them up or keeping them in an enclosure for an extended period of time. If they are unable to run, they should be taken for a walk; they should engage in physical activity for at least two hours each day. They are playful, inquisitive, and enjoy chatting with their owners when they are young.

These shepherds don’t eat a lot and don’t require complicated care. They are also not picky eaters. They have their teeth and ears cleaned multiple times a week, and they are combed. They can take several annual baths. There are no inherited illnesses, and their health is excellent.

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A remarkable breed, the Greek Shepherd is renowned for its power, devotion, and protective nature. These dogs were originally bred to protect livestock in the untamed regions of Greece, and they have an innate capacity to flourish in outdoor environments. Their temperament has been shaped by their history of close work with farmers; they are both vigilant guardians and devoted companions.

The Greek Shepherd is distinguished by its special fusion of independence and intelligence. This breed has a quick learning curve but a distinct personality. Since they learn best from positive reinforcement, training them takes time and persistence. They can be extremely affectionate and form strong bonds with their families when trained appropriately.

Being physically fit is crucial for Greek Shepherds. These dogs do best in environments with lots of room for play and roaming. Frequent exercise helps them focus their energy on healthy behaviors in addition to maintaining their health. Playing active games, like fetch or a long hike, is essential for their mental and physical health.

In conclusion, the Greek Shepherd is a devoted friend and protector in addition to being a working dog. They are suited for families who can provide them with the affection, discipline, and room they require because of their special qualities. This breed might be a wonderful fit for you if you’re searching for a loyal friend with a strong sense of morality.

Video on the topic

Greek Shepherd. 26. 09.17

Greek Shepherd

Greek Shepherd

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