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Utility · Greece

Alopekis

A walker's guide to the Alopekis: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Small, 3 to 8 kgActiveGreek primitive typeFox-likeAdaptableVery rare
Exercise a day45 min
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleNimble, curious, friendly
With other dogsGenerally sociable

Overview

The Alopekis is an ancient small dog from Greece, with a wedge-shaped head, upright ears and a sickle tail that give it a distinctly foxy look. It was never a show breed; it earned its keep around farms and villages catching rats and keeping the yard clear of pests.

Because the breed is so rare outside Greece, there is little breed-specific walking lore to go on. Treat it as a bright, sturdy small dog of primitive type: sharp senses, a quick mind, a sociable nature with people and a hunting instinct for small prey.

Exercise and walking needs

Forty five minutes a day across two walks is a fair starting point, adjusted to the dog in front of you. They are light and agile and enjoy exploring, with bursts of speed rather than long steady distance.

The short to medium coat is easy to look after and copes with most British weather. A coat may help on very cold, wet days.

Daily minimum45 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timePossible once tested

On the walk

  • Prey: A ratter by trade. Expect sudden dives into hedges and a fixed interest in anything small that moves. Keep the lead short near roads and undergrowth.
  • Recall: Primitive types think for themselves, but many Alopekis are people-oriented enough to come back. Prove it on a long line first.
  • Other dogs: Typically easy-going and good at reading other dogs. Size is the risk, so keep it away from rough play with heavy dogs.
  • Equipment: A small, light harness rather than a collar. The dog is quick enough to twist out of a loose fit.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Let the owner tell you what the dog knows rather than assuming anything from the breed label.
  2. Use scent games and sniffing time to tire the dog; it is a hunter at heart and enjoys using its nose.
  3. Watch it around cats and small pets on routes past gardens.
  4. Note anything unusual you see and tell the owner; with a rare breed, they are building the picture too.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Where did the dog come from, and was it raised around farms, livestock or small animals?
  • What is its recall like, and does it have a strong chase instinct?
  • How does it cope with cold, wet weather, and does it wear a coat?
KokoniGreece's small household dogSmall Međimurje DogA lively little Croatian farm dogSchipperkeA smallDanish–Swedish FarmdogA small