Petzlover
Greek Sheepdog is originated from Greece but Phalene is originated from France. Greek Sheepdog may grow 47 cm / 19 inches higher than Phalene. Greek Sheepdog may weigh 45 kg / 100 pounds more than Phalene. Greek Sheepdog may live 3 years less than Phalene. Both Greek Sheepdog and Phalene has almost same litter size. Both Greek Sheepdog and Phalene requires Moderate Maintenance.
Known as the Olympus Dog or even simply as the Greek Shepherd, the Greek Sheepdog is a large to giant molosser dog from Greece. His purpose has always been to guard flocks and livestock from predators and he has been around for hundreds of years, looking much like the Great Pyrenees.
It is believed that the dog was likely bred with a number of breeds – both local and non-local dogs.
Unfortunately there were no records kept of the development of the breed but today the Greek Sheepdog remains a rare and fairly unknown breed outside of Greece.
It's numbers are dwindling in Greece too and since 1998 the Greek ARCTUROS has made attempts to save the breed, starting the Greek Shepherd Dog Breeding Program.
The Phalène is a toy breed, and in fact the Papillon and Phalène differ only by their ears, but are exactly the same in all other ways.
Thought to have developed in Western Europe, its exact origin isn’t clear but it is an ancient breed, as paintings seem to indicate that it has been around since the 16th century.
It is essentially a companion dog today. The dog is classified as a variety of the Papillon by the AKC, with the FCI classifying it as a separate breed.
The Greek Sheepdog is a large dog, standing at 65 – 75cm and weighing roughly between 32 to 50kg. He is a dog that displays physical strength. He has a large head with brown eyes and a serious expression on his face. He has a thick double coat which is essentially white with red, black or brown markings.
You will also see tri-color dogs. He has floppy ears today but there was a time when the right ear of the male dog was cut off or cropped. The tail is long and bushy and it can be held low but also held up so that it curls over the back.
Maybe because of his size and him being a strong-willed, independent thinker, the Greek Shepherd may not be the best choice for a first time dog owner. Having said that, if you're a strong, firm, patient, kind person, then you'll be able to raise any kind of dog, first time or not.
The Greek Shepherd is a brave, loyal, calm, protective dog and with socialization and training, can make an awesome pet. They are dogs who are a bit suspicious with strangers, not making friends too easily. He loves his human family and wants to be part of their activities. He can't be left on his own day after day as this can lead to excessive barking and destructive behavior.
They've been dogs used to working with livestock and they will certainly need to be taken on daily walks and involved in rough and tumble games as they thrive on activity. The dog won't fit easily into city life where there is just a handkerchief-sized garden as he needs space and activity.
This toy breed stands at between 20 – 28cm in height and weighs around 4 – 5kg. He has floppy, silky ears and is a Papillon dog, and a Papillon with dropped ears is known as a Phalène.
The dome of the head is rounded and the Phalene has a slim muzzle with bright, alert brown eyes and a black nose. The tail is well plumed and is carried over the back. The coat isn’t a double coat like many other dogs, but it is lustrous, being straight, long and smooth. The coat is available in a number of coat colors, essentially being a blend of white, tan, black and orange or fawn.
The Phalène is an intelligent dog, and they will be able to learn quickly and easily when you teach them how to sit, lie down or stay. Training and socialization is always excellent for dogs, even small ones like this as it teaches them to be obedient and well mannered.
The Phalene is a sociable, friendly dog but is inclined to be reserved around strangers. Phalènes are essentially lap dogs and they make great companions for all kinds of people as well as being great playmates for disciplined, kind children. Because he is small and calm, he makes a great pet for country- or city dwellers.
Your Greek Shepherd is an intelligent, independent dog who likes to show his loyalty and devotion to his owner.
He is a protective dog too and when trained and socialized makes an excellent family pet. These Molosser type dogs are formidable dogs known for their bravery and courage.
They're the type of dogs who like a strong leader-type of owner and when he gets someone who he can look up to as his leader, he becomes a loyal, devoted pet.
The Phalene is such a sweet little dog, and you can definitely count him as as ‘man’s best friend’. He just loves to be wherever his human family is, lapping up their attention indoors but also loving being with them outdoors. When well trained and socialized, these dogs make splendid playmates for children too.
Small though he is, he makes a good watch dog too and he will bark to warn his human family of danger. Give him the love and care he so rightly deserves, and he promises to make you a splendid pet and companion.
With good care and lots of love, this dog can live to be between 10 to 12 years of age. He is unlikely to get sick very often, but still it it wise to know of some of the health issues than can occur with large breed dogs like this.
This is a disease of the heart muscle. The heart is enlarged and unable to have the right heart rhythm. The distended muscle isn't able to push the blood through the heart chambers to where it is needed. Cause for this dilated heart can be genetic, nutritional, infectious or metabolic.
Because taurine and carnitine are involved in good heart function, and low levels of these amino acids can cause symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy, supplementation is useful, especially if you feel your dog isn't getting in the right kind of food.
Borreliosis, a bacterial infection, causes Lyme disease, transmitted by the Ixodes tick. The tick bites the dog and the toxins gets into the dog's bloodstream, with the bacteria travelling to different parts of the body.
Typical symptoms in a dog includes loss of appetite, fever, no energy, swelling of joints and lameness, but symptoms can progress to kidney failure too or cardiac problems. Treatment will include antibiotics.
Your jaunty little Phalene can live to be up to 12 or 15 years of age if well cared for. Even so, there are always some of the more common dog illnesses worth knowing about, and we look at a few -
Any dog can get epilepsy – when your pet suddenly has a seizure or fit for no apparent reason. It can be disturbing to see, but with medication your pet can live a normal life.
Always keep a check on your pet’s eyes because there are a few eye diseases that can affect your pet and these are cataracts, progressive retina atrophy and entropion. Thankfully a veterinary ophthalmologist can help with the best treatment.
The coat of the Greek Shepherd is fairly long so it will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from matting and tangling. He is an average shedder and the brushing will remove all loose hairs, keeping the coat sleek and shiny.
Feeding your Greek Sheepdog requires giving him top quality food as this will ensure he is healthy and can ward off common dog illnesses. If you're going to be feeding him kibble, make sure to go for the top quality brands, and as a treat for your pet you can add in some brown rice, pasta, brown bread, cooked chicken and vegetables.
Dogs are essentially carnivores and he will need to have some raw meat such as beef added into his kibble from time to time. He should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.
These are energetic little dogs and will require getting a regular dose of exercise. He loves a walk and being allowed off his leash for a good run. He also loves ball games. Exercise is important for small dogs like this to ward off obesity.
These little dogs will need to have their ears checked and cleaned if you want to avoid ear infections. If you’re not sure how to clean the inside of the ears, rather leave it to an expert who can show you how its done. Small dogs always need to have their teeth checked regularly. He will also need to have his nails trimmed.
To maintain the long, silky coat, brush your dog at least twice a week. Some Phalene dog owners take their pet to the vet to have the coat professionally groomed and trimmed.