Alopekis

The Alopekis

The Alopekis is not a particularly well-known dog, yet he has been in existence for hundreds if not thousands of years. The dog goes by a few other names such as Alepouditsa, Bouboudi, Venetaki, and his nickname is Bobis.

He originally comes from Greece, and his name means little fox. The dog has three distinct variations wire-hair, short-hair, and medium-hair.

The breed has not been recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club. He's a small breed with the males growing to a maximum of twelve inches and weighing up to fifteen to sixteen pounds, and the average lifespan of the Alopekis is between fourteen and sixteen years.

Unfortunately for this little dog, mass importation of foreign dog breeds occurring during the 1970s and 80s saw a rapid decline in the population of the Alopekis from what was conceivably the most well-known dog in Greece to facing extinction.

They were bred to hunt mainly small vermin and to protect chickens and ducks from their namesake, the fox. They have also been known to help out around farms with a spot of herding and working with the farm’s sheepdogs.

The Alopekis Temperament

An Alopekis is typically a very devoted and affectionate breed; they are very lively and require a decent amount of exercise. Confident, amenable, and very friendly are all traits that describe the Alopekis personality.

They are not anxious or highly-strung dogs and don't tend to bark very much; they will bark at strangers if they come to the home because they make excellent watchdogs.

But they don't possess that quintessential trait of yapping incessantly like so many small breeds.

The Alopekis is very happy to be around family, including children; in fact, this is not a dog to be left alone for very long; he’s not happy about being alone.

He's a terrific little dog to live with and is capable of adapting to live almost anywhere, as long as he's with those he loves.

Even though training comes easily to the Alopekis, it doesn't mean they aren't stubborn and like to have their way.

If you own or think of owning an Alopekis, then this needs to be borne in mind. Having his way of thinking can lead to problems if owners don't take firm (not harsh or cruel) control from a very young age.

Allow them too much latitude or not teaching them the rules, and they can develop behavioral traits associated with dominance.

You might see instances of food aggression or aggression towards some family members, especially children or whomever the dog feels is lower in the house’s pecking order.

These behaviors can be prevented by early socialization and training before any bad habits form. The best age to begin socialization is between six and sixteen weeks.

Hopefully, the puppies' breeder has already started socializing before you collect the puppy to bring him home.

Alopekis Exercise

Exercise is a must for the Alopekis, for his heart and muscles, and he needs his brain exercising regularly just as much. Long daily walks are necessary.

They are small dogs, so they can live comfortably in a small house or apartment, but provide them with long walks each day. They can be let off-leash in a secure area so they can free-play.

For their brain, try some agility exercises where they get to work on health and mental well-being.

Grooming An Alopekis

The Alopekis is definitely not hypoallergenic. They might appear to be at first glance, but they shed their hair all-year-round, and you will need to use your vacuum cleaner frequently.

Grooming requirements are minimal, you’ll need to brush them every day to reduce the hair fall on your furniture, but they don’t need much else.

Of course, pay attention to the everyday grooming needs such as dental, nail clipping, and keeping their eyes and ears clean.

Alopekis Health

Fortunately, the Alopekis is a healthy dog, and there are no known breed-specific or genetic disorders attributable to the dog.

Alopekis Nutrition

As with all dogs, a healthy, balanced nutritious diet is essential for dogs to live a long and healthy life.

The Alopekis requires the correct nutrients combining proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Protein in his food should be high-quality animal proteins, at least the first four on the list of ingredients. It's also essential his food should be grain-free.

Conclusion
The Alopekis is a lively, fun-loving little dog. Enjoys being with his family and is an excellent watchdog. His maintenance is straightforward and is a healthy breed, but he must have daily exercise to keep his body and mind that way.

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