Characteristics
primitive, primed for survival
Coat
The Alopekis occurs in three different coat varieties, all with a double layer: a) relatively short, hard and smooth, b) semi-long, thick, and hard and c) semi-long, wiry, hard coat that forms a little longer beard and bushy eyebrows. The wire-haired variety is the rarest. The coat should never be thin, soft and silky or lack a protective and insulating undercoat, as the breed is a small working farm dog that must be able to thrive while outdoors. Winters in the mountains of Northern Greece can be very harsh and summers too hot, so a good quality protective, heat-insulating double coat is essential. The coat is easy to care for. Alopekis dogs are very clean by nature and they often meticulously groom themselves like cats. They do not seem to attract external parasites as much as other dog types and they are not prone to skin infections.
Pastoral Alopekis. Photo from the "Amalthea" archive
Colour
Any. All colors and combinations of colors are acceptable except for extreme discoloration (albinism). Common colors include pure white, black or brown, as well as any two-color combination: black and white, white with black or brown patches, black with white markings, chocolate, yellow, reddish, brindle, black & tan, liver and tan, roan, tricolor etc.
Size
The height ranges from 20 to 30 cm at the withers and the weight between 3.5 to 7.5 kg in excellent physical condition. Unlike most other (modern) dog breeds, its small stature is natural and not the result of selective breeding for the purpose of downsizing.
A Wirehaired Alopekis that worked a cattle herd in Thessaly
Behavior and skills
As a companion the Alopekis is an affectionate, devoted, reliable, loyal, lively, keen little dog. It is not however hyperactive, quarrelsome, vindictive or destructive, nor tends to bark excessively for no reason. The typical temperament is that of a confident dog, very intelligent and very easy to train. Protective and affectionate with children, other dogs and pets, a very brave and determined enemy of rats and mice, a very eager worker, likes to retrieve and play and is curious, inquisitive, stoic, not without a sense of humor. Very patient with young children and tolerant with the animals in the yard, the Alopekis is not nervous and tends to behave magnanimously like much larger dogs. Courageous, alert, athletic, fast, agile and with very fast reflexes. The structure of the Alopekis is sound, a product of natural selection for excellent physical condition and efficiency. On the farm or as a city companion, the Alopekis is a very useful little working dog and a happy companion who adapts well to any environment.
Herding Alopekidae in the Peloponnese, 1960s
From the 4th century BC. in Attica (left) and in Hellenistic Egypt (above), Alopekidae are depicted as companions of children
Health and longevity
The female Alopekides, unlike modern breeds, come into estrus only once a year (primitive trait). They are very good mothers and give birth easily, usually 3, at most 4 or 5 puppies. The Alopekis enjoy excellent health and longevity and do not suffer from known genetic defects, health problems or allergies. They thrive on moderate nutritional requirements and are biologically fit-for-purpose by natural selection in every way. Their average lifespan is 12-15 years in a home environment, with some rare individuals reaching twenty years or older. No inherited diseases have been reported.