Alopekis

The Ancient Greek word () means 'mongrel between fox and dog'. Ancient sources like Aristophanes also describe them as "" (), which has the same meaning. The dog has many additional names including Alepuditsa, Alepudoskylo, Venetaki, Zacharoskylo, Moropa, Bombis or Bouboudi, Tsoupi or Tsupaki, and Fneli / Fnoudi (local idioms). == History ==

The domestication of the Alopekis dog in Greece dates before the Mycenaean era., i.e. 1750 B.C. Ancient Greek classical authors mention the breed, including Aristotle, Xenophon and Aristophanes. Xenophon describes the Alopekis as one of the two main Greek examples of hunting dogs in his work Cynegeticus. Ancient authors including Xenophon believed that Aopekis were created by mating dogs and foxes. The Alopekis has experienced a massive reduction in population, in part because of the mass sterilization of dogs in some regions to reduce the number of strays. There are still small populations in Northern Greece. Greek native groups are now working to preserve the breed. == Description ==

Appearance Alopekis are small, fox-like, relatively short-haired with wedge-shaped head, erect ears and sickle-shaped tail. Their body is longer than their height. Alopekis average high at the withers and weigh an average of . The breed has three types of double coat: a) a short, hard, and smooth coat, b) semi-long, tufted, rough coat and c) semi-long, hard, wiry coat. The coat is usually never thin, sparse, soft and silky, nor is the protective-insulating undercoat missing, because this is a robust small-medium sized breed of general utility that should be able to live outdoors comfortably. The coat is easy to groom and the texture and quality of the coat helps keep it clean. Alopekis are very clean by nature and clean themselves frequently and diligently. All colors and color combinations are acceptable, except for the absence of pigment (albino). The most common colors are white, black, brown and bicolor (black and white, white with black or brown patches, black with white markings, brown with fiery markings), and less often whitish, pale yellow and other colors. Temperament As a companion, Alopekis are very obedient, quiet, and loyal to their owners. Alopekis are usually very expressive and friendly towards people, however they are alert dogs that are protective of other farm animals and good with children. Alopekis are also good hunters, especially against pests like rats. Alopekis are high energy dogs capable of covering very long distances. They are versatile dogs suitable for either an urban or rural home, and adapt readily as a companion for all ages. == Usage ==

Alopekis populations existed throughout Greece until recently and one of their traditional uses was the extermination of rodents such as rats and mice, as well as the protection of domestic poultry from foxes, jackals and ferrets. With their small-medium size, Alopekis comfortably nest together with hens and ducks in the backyard chicken coop and also coexist & work well with the larger Greek sheepdogs and livestock guarding dogs, such as Molossian LGDs, on the farm. The breed is an excellent watchdog, showing bravery and strength when needed. ==See also==