Rat Terrier vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Rat Terrier vs Alopekis - Breed ComparisonAlopekis is originated from Greece but Rat Terrier is originated from United States. Both Alopekis and Rat Terrier are having almost same height. Alopekis may weigh 26 kg / 58 pounds more than Rat Terrier. Both Alopekis and Rat Terrier has almost same life span. Both Alopekis and Rat Terrier has almost same litter size. Alopekis requires Moderate Maintenance. But Rat Terrier requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Terrier dog
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Greece
United States
Height Male:
25 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
Height Female:
4 - 8 cm
1 - 4 inches
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
15 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
5 - 7
Size:
Small
Small
Other Names:
Venetia, Bouboudi, Alopecis, Moropa, Alepouditsa, Nickname - Bobis
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
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.
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, 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.
Single coat, short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
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.

rat terrierKnown also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's.

Miniatures or Standards, these dogs are also recognized by the American Kennel Clubs and thought of today as a multi-purpose companion dog.

He is an American dog breed, having come about from Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers and others. Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have also come into the mix to add speed as a characteristic.

The Rat Terrier started to decline in numbers, and by the 1950's the numbers of the dog were so low that breeders stepped in to restore numbers.

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.

rat terrier puppy - descriptionThere are different sized Rat Terriers, but the mid-sized one stands roughly between 20 and 36cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4kg.

The single coat is short and smooth and comes in colors such as tan, grey, chocolate, black and in solid colors too such as white. They are mostly in tri-colors - white, tan, black. Ticking is also seen.

With his short coat he is seen as a low maintenance dog even though he is still a shedder, with heavier seasonal shedding.

The ears can sometimes be erect, otherwise they are half-erect, half floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a nice, distinctive look, but today the tail is often just left un-docked. It isn't unusual for a puppy to be born with a short or long tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent, wary, loyal, loving, playful but stubborn, your Rat Terrier is a little bit wary around strangers. Training and socialization can be good for this dog and help him t be obedient and well mannered in all situations. These dogs also want to please. He is an active dog too and makes a great playmate for children, getting on well with kids and other pets in the home.

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.

rat terrier dog - characteristicsThe Rat Terrier is such a clever, bright dog. These characteristics make him an excellent watchdog with strong jaws for his role of getting rid of rats on farms.

Even though he is a small dog, he isn’t particularly suited to life in the city on a small property as he has quite a shrill bark.

Because of him being small to medium in size, he is well suited to many homes, but you just have to watch out in the city if you live close to your neighbors as he is fairly noisy and active.

He would love a large property where he can just be himself. Provide him with the right home, and you’l have a friend for life.

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.

rat terrier puppies - health problemsRat Terriers are generally feisty, healthy dogs who, with good care, can live to the ripe old age of 16, 17 or 18 years of age.

Just like with many other dogs, he can develop some of the more common dog illnesses there are. If you're opting for a puppy, find a good, reputable breeder.

Allergies:

It can be tricky trying to decide what kind of allergies are causing such problems with your pet. A skin allergy can cause a lot of itchiness and pain for your canine friend and he will bite and lick on the affected spots and make the situation worse. You will need to get him to the vet for some kind of treatment, as such an ailment can drive him mad.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common problem in dogs, with the kneecap or patella being dislocated. It can cause a lot of pain and can be crippling for your dog.

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.

Diet:

rat terrier dogs - caringYour Rat Terrier can easily reach 16, 17 or 18 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to add variety by including some nutritious home-made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Chop it up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.No complications - just plain and simple - the way dogs love it.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Rat Terrier is an active dog. He just loves to dig too, so if you live close to a beach, he will love running and digging in the sand. If this isn’t possible, he will be happy to be taken on walks with you and maybe for a run in the park.

He loves all ball games and running after a frisbee, and he’s so clever, maybe you can even teach him to fetch the frisbee for you.

Grooming:

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance dog and only requires having his coat brushed twice a week.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. You can even brush his teeth with special canine toothpaste and brush to remove tartar buildup.

Keep his nails trimmed too if he doesn’t wear them down naturally so as to prevent them hooking on things and ripping into the flesh.

Check inside your dog’s ears too. If you’re not experienced with trimming dog nails or cleaning inside dog’s ears, your vet or professional groomer will do it for you.

During these grooming sessions with your Rat Terrier, check for fleas and ticks as well as for any sores or new lumps. Also, his eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or redness.

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. Alopekis vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Alopekis vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Alopekis vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Alopekis vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Alopekis vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Alopekis vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Alopekis vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Alopekis vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Alopekis vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Alopekis vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Alopekis vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Alopekis vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Alopekis vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Alopekis vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Alopekis vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Alopekis vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Alopekis vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Alopekis vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Alopekis vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Alopekis vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Alopekis vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Alopekis vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison