Kuri vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Alopekis is originated from Greece but Kuri is originated from French Polynesia. Alopekis may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Kuri. Alopekis may weigh 15 kg / 34 pounds more than Kuri. Both Alopekis and Kuri has almost same life span. Alopekis may have less litter size than Kuri. Alopekis requires Moderate Maintenance. But Kuri requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Miscellaneous dogs
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Greece
French Polynesia
Height Male:
25 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
25 - 46 cm
9 - 19 inches
Height Female:
4 - 8 cm
1 - 4 inches
25 - 46 cm
9 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
5 - 8
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Venetia, Bouboudi, Alopecis, Moropa, Alepouditsa, Nickname - Bobis
Peroor New Zealand Native Dog, Guri
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.
White, brown, tan, cream, black - solids and different patterns
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.
Medium length, rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, 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.

Kurī, also known as Guri or Peroor New Zealand Native Dog, is the Maori name for this dog which was introduced to New Zealand by the Maoris when they migrated from East Polynesia around 1280 AD.

They were in fact Polynesian dogs which died out in New Zealand. The Māoris would use the dog as a food source and the skins would be used to make some form of clothing. The bones were used to make items such as necklaces and fish hooks.

Not surprising then that the dog became extinct in New Zealand, with the last known Kuri specimens being found in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

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.

The Kuri is extinct now but it was a small to medium sized dog with a thick set neck. He stood between 25 and 46cm and weighed about 13 to 15 kilograms.

He had thick medium-length rough textured hair, small head, erect ears, short legs and a bushy tail. The color of their weatherproof coats varied and some were black, some white or cream and some were a mix of colors and patterns.

An interesting feature about them is that they didn’t bark but instead they howled. They were good at hunting birds.

Temperament:

The Kuri wasn’t considered the brightest breed, but he would have benefited from some training and socialization as this just makes a dog a better pet in every sense – more obedient and better behaved in all situations.

Some Kuris were friendly and able to bond with their human owners, while others were independent and somewhat aloof. Their size would have allowed them to be kept in the city or the country as they weren’t particularly energetic dogs, not requiring much ground to run around in.

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.

It appears as though some Kuris were kept as pets and that they were able to develop loving relationships with their owners.

We don’t know too much about the extinct Kuri, but scientists are now studying and analyzing the hairs of the dog to find out more about it, and specifically why the Maori dog disappeared some time in the 19th century without a trace.

They will also be analyzing Kuri bones salvaged by archaeologists and which were found on rubbish heaps. These bones can be tested to see whether the diet of the Kuri changed much between the days of Maori settlements and the arrival of the European settlers.

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.

Dental Disease:

Some Kuri dogs scavenged while others were pets and ate well. The lifestyle they led would have determined their health. In those days they would have suffered with dental disease, common in adult dogs. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to dental tartar buildup with gum inflammation and tooth loss.

Dental disease can also lead to other organ diseases. These days brushing your dog’s teeth with canine toothpaste and toothbrush can help to ward off dental disease.

Ear infections:

Those Kuris that weren’t pets, tried to survive scavenging, and their homeless situation could well have led to ear infections – caused from a wax- and dirt buildup within the ear. He would have been frantic trying to scratch his ears. In modern times, if your dog showed signs of an ear infection, you would need to get him to the vet.

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.

Grooming:

The Kuri will have required regular grooming which means a brushing down twice a week. Brushing would have been useful to prevent loose hairs from shedding with the dog. He would have had to have his ears and eyes checked too to avoid infections. Brushing him would have given his owner the chance to check him over for fleas and ticks too.

Exercise:

As the Kuri wasn’t an overly energetic dog, a walk a day would have kept him content and fit.

Diet:

The Kuri was a dog that essentially formed part of someone else’s diet. Those that managed to escape being a meal for someone no doubt had to scavenge for food. Because they were used to help people catch birds, they themselves were used to catching birds for themselves.

As a small to medium sized dog, if you were to keep such a dog as a pet you would have given him a cup or two of dried kibble a day and tried to vary his diet by including some home-cooked food and raw meat.

Comparison with other breeds

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