Alopekis

The breed of these cheerful and loyal little ones appeared a very long time ago; some researchers beleive their ancestors existed over 18,000 years ago! This makes the Alopekis one of the oldest dog breeds in Europe. The ‘little foxes’, which courageously hunted rats, mice and small pests, were loved by the ancient Greeks. Dogs with the appearance of a short-legged shepherd were depicted in vase painting and sculpture, and their silhouettes are found on coins and the walls of ancient buildings.

Interestingly, unlike specialised hunters such as the Hellenic Hound, Alopekis were always universal ‘yard’ dogs. They guarded chickens from foxes, announced the arrival of strangers and warmed their owners on cold nights.

Interest in Alopekis was revived twice – in the mid-20th century and at the beginning of the 21st century. However, the breed never gained broad global popularity, and the number of its representatives is declining alarmingly. Currently, being unrecognised by the FCI at the international level, Alopekis are on the verge of extinction, and enthusiasts in Greece are making titanic efforts to save this genetic treasure.

Despite their small size, Alopekis have a well-developed body and strong legs. Their anatomy is a masterpiece of natural selection, not breeding for fashion. The body is slightly longer than the height at the withers, reminiscent of the build of other herding dogs, for example, such as the Welsh Corgi Pembroke, but the Alopekis looks lighter and more graceful.

• Head: Wedge-shaped, resembling a fox. The skull is broad, with a pronounced transition from forehead to muzzle.
• Ears: Large, triangular, mobile. Most often erect, which gives the dog an alert look, but individuals with semi-erect ears are also found.
• Eyes: Almond-shaped, dark, with an intelligent and piercing gaze.
• Tail: Bushy, long, usally raised up in a sickle or ring shape.

Traditionally, the coat is smooth, short or slightly lengthened (up to 5 cm), with a dense undercoat. As an exception, wire-haired coats occur. It is worth noting that Alopekis with very long hair are often confused with another breed, so they are usually classified in the related group of small Greek domestic dogs (Kokoni). ‘Little foxes’ can have any colour, but there are no albinos among them. The lightest variant is when white acts as the main tone. The most common combinations are: white with black, white with red or tricolour.

Alopekis live to please and serve their owner. This is their key evolutionary strategy. They have a developed hunting instinct regarding rodents, however, above all, they are companion dogs. They won’t run away from you into the forest, as a hound might do.

Obedient and loyal, they can stand up for a human, as their bravery significantly exceeds their physical size. Of course, this is not an Alano Español capable of stopping a bull, but the Alopekis will definitely raise the alarm with its ringing bark, working like a burglar alarm. However, aggression towards humans is not typical for them.

Good nature and a friendly attitude make Alopekis favourites of children. The dogs get along well with other pets, love socialising and active games. If there are other dogs in the house, even large guard breeds like the Akbash, the little Alopekis usually finds a common language with them, often becoming the ‘ringleader’ in games thanks to its cunning and speed. They are very clever and know how to amuse those around them with their artistry.

The little Alopekis has huge immunity and robust health. This is the result of centuries of natural selection in the harsh conditions of the Greek village, where only the strongest and smartest survived. When bringing a puppy home, the owner need not worry about typical genetic diseases that plague artificially bred breeds.

Representatives of the breed have practically no hereditary ailments, and good treatment and care significantly extend their lives. Unpretentious and hardy, the Alopekis joins a family for 16-18 years. Moreover, their life is not overshadowed by frequent visits to the vet. The only thing to pay attention to is the prevention of parasites (fleas, ticks) and regular vaccination.

The dog will settle down next to the owner, wherever they live. A flat in a metropolis or a country house – the Alopekis adapts easily to various conditions. It will gladly use a pen or an outdoor kennel in the warm season, but during frosts, it will definitely come home to warm up. Do not forget that this is a social animal.

Hygiene and grooming

A native of warm Greece, the Alopekis has an adaptive coat. Care for it is minimal but regular:

• Brushing: 1-2 times a week with a rubber mitt or brush. During the moulting period – daily.
• Bathing: Rare. Such a dog is bathed only two or three times a year, or if heavily soiled. Frequent washing can wash away the protective layer of fat from the skin.
• Claws: Usually Alopekis move a lot and wear down their claws naturally, managing the length themselves. But if the dog lives exclusively in a flat on soft carpets, check their condition once a month.

Perhaps the only strict requirement of the breed is active daily walks. This is not a ‘sofa cushion’, but an energetic explorer who needs to burn off energy.

The intelligence and quick-wittedness of the Alopekis, multiplied by a heartfelt desire to please humans, make them excellent students. Training is easy; the dog shows sincere interest in learning, perceiving it as a game. Thanks to an excellent memory, it grasps commands quickly. However, monotonous repetition of the same thing can quickly bore this intellectual.

It is enough to start a session, and the ‘little fox’ will already be entertaining the household with new tricks. Alopekis are curious about everything new, so they enjoy agility or freestyle. It is important to use the method of positive reinforcement – treats and praise. Harsh methods of education are unacceptable with this breed; they can make the dog fearful.

The Alopekis is one of the most undemanding pets in terms of food. It is unlikely to upset owners with whims near the dog bowl and will gratefully eat everything offered. However, this lack of fussiness hides a danger – obesity. The owner must control the calorie content of the diet.

• Natural diet: Base – lean meat (beef, turkey), offal, rice or buckwheat, seasonal vegetables.
• Dry food: Choose ‘premium’ or ‘holistic’ class foods for small breeds with medium activity.

This mouser dog can be fed a mixed diet, but it is better to stick to one strategy. A separate bowl should be filled with clean drinking water daily, especially in hot weather.

To better understand this amazing breed, here are a few little-known facts:

• The breed name comes from the ancient Greek word ‘alopex’, meaning ‘fox’.
• In ancient times, it was believed that these dogs originated from crossing dogs with foxes (although genetically this is impossible).
• Female Alopekis are extremely caring mothers who have very easy births.
• For a long time, they were not singled out as a breed, being considered simply ‘mongrels’, which almost led to their disappearance through assimilation.

Is the Alopekis suitable for allergy sufferers?
No, this is not a hypoallergenic breed. They have an undercoat and moult, which can cause a reaction.

Do they bark a lot?
Yes, they are vigilant watchdogs. They react to new sounds with barking, but with proper upbringing, they easily calm down on command.

Where can I buy an Alopekis puppy?
This is a difficult task. Most kennels are located in Greece. Be careful with adverts on the internet so as not to stumble upon ordinary mixed breeds passed off as a rare breed.