St. John's Water Dog vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison

St. John's Water Dog vs Alopekis - Breed ComparisonAlopekis is originated from Greece but St. John's Water Dog is originated from Canada. Alopekis may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than St. John's Water Dog. Alopekis may weigh 11 kg / 24 pounds lesser than St. John's Water Dog. Alopekis may live 4 years more than St. John's Water Dog. Both Alopekis and St. John's Water Dog has almost same litter size. Alopekis requires Moderate Maintenance. But St. John's Water Dog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Working dog
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Greece
Canada
Height Male:
25 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
4 - 8 cm
1 - 4 inches
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
16 - 35 kg
35 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
4 - 6
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Venetia, Bouboudi, Alopecis, Moropa, Alepouditsa, Nickname - Bobis
St. Johns Dog, Lesser Newfoundland, St. John’s Newfoundland
Colors Available:
All colors and all combinations with the exception of the albino white. Mostly pure black, white or brown with white and brown, black and white, brown with tan, white with brown or black.
black
Coat:
Shorthaired and wirehaired but the wirehaired is extremely rare. This dog is double coated with the outer coat being smooth and hard and the undercoat being dense and soft.
short, thick coats
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social
Intelligent, Loving, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

alopekisThe courageous Alopekis is said to have run with and fought with bulls. To this day they escort bulls in Greece. They were used by the Greeks to contain the vermin populations, guard the chickens and ducks, and assist larger dogs in working with sheep. At one time it was thought that they originated from breeding of dogs and foxes, but this proved not to be true. It was also once considered to be the same breed as the Small Greek Domestic Dog, but it has since been declared its own breed.

The Alopekis is not a recognized breed with any of the current national or international dog organizations. The Kennel Club of Greece will recognize them once their population is large enough. They cannot be recognized by the AKC, IKC, or International groups until they are a much larger group.

st john s water dogThe breed known as the St. John’s water dog is an extinct landrace breed. They were domestic dogs found in Newfoundland and at times were called the lesser Newfoundland. There is not much information available about the other breeds that went into its development. Hypothetically it is believed they are a mix of the Irish, Old English and Portuguese dogs bred to work.

It is also thought that other breeds in their family tree, descending from them, include the Golden Retriever, the Flat-Coated Retriever, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Labrador and the Curly-Coated Retriever. The Newfoundland is also related to the St. Johns Water Dog through the line of Rafeirio do Alenteios that Portuguese fisherman brought to the island.

The breed was exported to England in the 19th century and early 20th. There the breeds of retrievers were developed. In Canada during this time frame restrictions were placed on dog ownership in order to encourage people to raise sheep. At the same time England imposed a long quarantine on all animals coming into the country in order to get rid of rabies. These two factors contributed greatly to the extinction of the breed. It seems the last two dogs were seen in a remote area in the 1980’s. All attempts to save the breed failed.

Description

alopekis puppy - descriptionThe Alopekis is a small, fox-like dog with pricked ears on a head that is wedge shaped. They have large eyes, a deep and tapered muzzle with a broad nose. They are short but have long backs and a deep, wide chest with strong legs and feet. They have a beautiful tail that cures upward and a double coat.

st john s water dog puppy - descriptionSt. John’s Water Dog is strong, medium sized and stocky. They looked more like English Labs than American Labs. They had a thick, short coat, loved swimming, had a lot of endurance and rudder tail. It was also described as a thin, black dog with short hair. They had white patches on their chest and feet. His nose was thin and tapered, his legs powerful, his chest muscular. The breed is quick, swims, runs quickly and is a fighter as well.

Never accepted by any major kennel club except as a foundation breed. They became extinct.

Characteristics

alopekis dog - characteristicsChildren – fine once socialized

Special Talents - These are herding, watch dog, loyal and brave dogs.

Adaptability – They are very adaptable and highly intelligent.

Learning Ability – Alopekis are highly intelligent and very trainable.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness - yes they are good with children.

2.Special talents swimming is their best talent

st john s water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability large need fence, they are not large dogs but they need outdoor space

4.Learning ability – very smart and eager to learn

Health Problems

alopekis puppies - health problemsThe Alopekis is an endangered species of canine due to a variety of factors. Traditionally this has been a healthy gene pool and the breed has been an example of the evolution of small canines. Factors such as farm pesticides, urbanization and cross breeding have affected the breed’s future.

This is made worse by the fact that the female Alopekis only breeds once a year, the litters are small, and the puppy mortality is high. In addition, the dogs are regularly neutered as part of a program to control strays, despite their status as an endangered species.

st john s water dog puppies - health problemsThere is no documented history of any genetic or hereditary illnesses in the breed. However, it seems rational to believe they suffered from ailments similar to Labradors and newfoundland though they are smaller dogs.

No history like Labs and Newfoundlands .

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.
  • PRA – progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
  • Cancer – in their later years.
  • Infectious diseases – not as serious as prior to vaccinations.
  • Myopathy hereditary – affects the muscles.
  • Ear infections.

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Caring The Pet

Feeding the Puppy

alopekis dogs - caringThis is a high energy dog and the puppies need to be fed a high-quality puppy food. Feed about 1/3 of a cup twice a day.

Feeding the Adult

Feed high- quality dry dog food and dog treats to this active dog. Feed about ¼ of a cup twice a day – more if below average weight and less if overweight.

Points for Good Health

Keep them active and away from pesticides if possible.

Games and Exercises

This is a very active dog that needs a lot of exercise, games and if possible – a job.

st john s water dog dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy – Don’t overfeed – they have a propensity toward obesity. Feed high quality, high protein 3 x a day.

2.Feeding the adult – Don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality, high protein 1-2 x a day.

3.Points for Good Health - stamina

4. Games and Exercises – They need space to run and they love to explore. They would also love to be near water where they could swim. Good at dock diving, field trials, flyball and frisbee.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Alopekis vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Alopekis vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Alopekis vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Alopekis vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Alopekis vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Alopekis vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Alopekis vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Alopekis vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Alopekis vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Alopekis vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Alopekis vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Alopekis vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Alopekis vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Alopekis vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Alopekis vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Alopekis vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Alopekis vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Alopekis vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Alopekis vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Alopekis vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Alopekis vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Alopekis vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Alopekis vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Alopekis vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Alopekis vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. St. John's Water Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. St. John's Water Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. St. John's Water Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. St. John's Water Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. St. John's Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. St. John's Water Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. St. John's Water Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. St. John's Water Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. St. John's Water Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. St. John's Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. St. John's Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. St. John's Water Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. St. John's Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. St. John's Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. St. John's Water Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. St. John's Water Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. St. John's Water Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. St. John's Water Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. St. John's Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. St. John's Water Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. St. John's Water Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. St. John's Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. St. John's Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. St. John's Water Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. St. John's Water Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison