dog breed · 927 on Animalso
Alopekis Dog Breed Guide
- Animal
- Dog
- Origin
- Greece
- Life expectancy
- 14 years
The Alopekis is a small, ancient, primitive landrace from Greece and nearby Balkan regions. It developed as a multipurpose farm dog, used for hunting, watching property and shepherding. The breed has prick ears, a curved tail and a double coat. Its recorded life expectancy is 14 years, and it is critically endangered.
What the Alopekis is
The Alopekis is a small landrace from Greece and adjacent parts of the Balkan peninsula. It is found across Greece, especially in northern farming and village areas.
It was bred as a multipurpose farm dog, with hunting, watchdog and shepherding roles.
Getting to know the breed
A new owner can expect a dog with prick ears, a curved tail and a double coat. The breed’s recorded life expectancy is 14 years.
Its history is tied to Greek farms and villages, rather than one narrowly defined job.
What stands out
The Alopekis combines three traditional jobs: hunting, watching and shepherding.
It is a small, ancient Greek landrace with a long recorded lifespan.
Points to consider
The Alopekis is critically endangered, and the exact number of remaining specimens is unknown.
Its documented range centers on Greece and nearby Balkan regions, so prospective owners should confirm availability before making plans.
Price and availability
No purchase price is provided here. Because the breed is critically endangered, availability may be limited.
Who may want another breed
Skip the Alopekis if you need a readily available dog or a breed with a different documented purpose. Explore other dog breeds from Greece or browse all dog breeds instead.
Verdict
The Alopekis suits someone drawn to a small Greek landrace and its broad farm heritage. Its documented roles cover hunting, property watching and shepherding, giving the breed a varied historical identity.
Choose it with clear eyes about its endangered status and uncertain population. If those limits matter more than its origin and working background, another dog breed may be a more practical choice.
What stands out
- Small landrace from Greece
- Historically served as hunter, watchdog and shepherd
- Ancient, primitive breed
- Prick ears, curved tail and double coat
Worth knowing
- Critically endangered
- Exact number of surviving specimens is unknown
- Availability may be limited
Suits
- Owners interested in a small Greek landrace
- People drawn to multipurpose farm-dog history
Think twice if
- You need a readily available breed
- You prefer a dog without endangered-status concerns
In short
The Alopekis is a distinctive choice for an owner interested in Greek and Balkan canine history. Its small size and three traditional farm roles give it a clear identity, while the 14-year recorded lifespan offers a useful planning figure. The breed’s critically endangered status is central to any decision, since the remaining population is not known. Consider this dog when its heritage and multipurpose background are your priorities. Look elsewhere when immediate availability or a more established population is essential.
Questions
Where does the Alopekis come from?
The Alopekis comes from Greece and adjacent regions of the Balkan peninsula.
How big is an Alopekis?
It is described as a small dog. No height or weight figure is provided here.
What was the Alopekis bred to do?
It was bred as a multipurpose farm dog for hunting, watchdog work and shepherding.
How long does an Alopekis live?
Its recorded life expectancy is 14 years.
What does an Alopekis look like?
The breed has prick ears, a curved tail and a double coat.
Is the Alopekis endangered?
Yes. It is critically endangered, and the exact number of specimens remaining is unknown.
More dog breeds from Greece
Grecian Greyhound Greece Photo: Stonehenge · Public domain 
Greek Shepherd Greece Photo: Vaggospm · CC BY-SA 4.0 
Kokoni (dog) Greece Photo: Hook5966 · Public domain 
Photo credits5 photographs on this page
- Grecian Greyhound — Stonehenge · Public domain · file page
- Greek Shepherd — Vaggospm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Karakachan Dog — Andreas Wolber · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Kokoni (dog) — Hook5966 · Public domain · file page
- Molossus of Epirus — Buzo kaos · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.