Alopekis

The Alopekis is a well known breed that belongs to the category of working dogs. These dogs are very easy to maintain as they have no known genetic disorders. Although these dogs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are popular as pets because they can live anywhere, from a small apartment to a farm house. These dogs thrive in urban and rural surroundings.
These dogs are often fox-like in their behavior and appearance. Their coats are usually relatively short and very smooth. The ears are usually pricked but can also drop. They have broad, strong muzzles and strong jaws. The nose is broad and nostrils are well flared. The body of this dog is longer than its height, giving it a foxy look. The eyes should both be of the same color and should not be transparent or watery. A dog with yellow eyes will be disqualified from shows.
These dogs thrive equally well in cities and rural areas. They make faithful and devoted companions and are of pleasant temperament. These dogs are very easy to train but they can be too playful, requiring some disciplining from the owner. However, they are also eager to please their owner and will usually listen to commands. They dogs make good guard dogs, herding dogs and can also prove useful, loving pets. They will protect people and other animals that form a part of the household. They are good at seeking out and killing rodents, which is one reason why they’re popular around farmhouses. These dogs do best in families where the owner does not hesitate to assert their dominance over the animal. It isn’t surprising that the Greek meaning of the name Alopekis is ‘many things in a small package.’
These dogs can be 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in height and weigh about 6.5-15.5 pounds (3-7 kg). They have no known genetic problems. These dogs should ideally be taken on long daily walks. This allows them to bond with their owner and also allows them to exhaust their excess energy. With proper training and care, these dogs can live for 14-16 years.
The ancestry of the Alopekis is assigned to primitive Greek dogs from the proto-Hellenic area of the Pelasgoi people. Some findings related to these dogs date as far back as the Paleolithic settlements in Thessaly. Ancient Greece knew these dogs as ‘alopecis’ which means ‘small and fox like’. Evidence of these dogs has also been found on ancient Greek monuments and sculptures. Recently, these dogs have been found among stray dog populations in Greece. This has led to more careful breeding of these dogs.
In ancient Greece, a hairless variety of Alopekis was found, that was sometimes confused with the Turkish Naked Dog. These dogs have now become extinct due to two main reasons. First, ancient Greece was much warmer than what it is today. As the climate cooled, the hairless dogs gradually died out. Second, ancient Greeks also considered these dogs ugly and did not intervene to save them.

Alopekis

Alopekis

Alopekis

Alopekis

Alopekis

Alopekis

Alopekis

Alopekis