Sarplaninac vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Sarplaninac vs Alopekis - Breed ComparisonAlopekis is originated from Greece but Sarplaninac is originated from Macedonia. Alopekis may grow 30 cm / 11 inches shorter than Sarplaninac. Alopekis may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Sarplaninac. Both Alopekis and Sarplaninac has almost same life span. Alopekis may have less litter size than Sarplaninac. Both Alopekis and Sarplaninac requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Working dog
undefined
Greece
Macedonia
Height Male:
25 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
54 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
4 - 8 cm
1 - 4 inches
54 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
3 - 8
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Venetia, Bouboudi, Alopecis, Moropa, Alepouditsa, Nickname - Bobis
Illyrian Sheepdog, Illyrian dogs, Macedonian Sheepdogs
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, Different shades of grey, tan and 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.
Different shades of grey, white, tan and black
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
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, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

sarplaninacHailing from Macedonia, the beautiful Sarplaninac dog was developed as a guardian of livestock and is large enough to fight off large predators like bears and wolves.

Nobody is too sure of the breeds exact origins, though it is thought that its ancestors came to the Balkan Peninsula with people migrating from ancient Asia.

This huge dog is one of the oldest native breeds from ancient Molosser breeds. The dog was recognized in 1939, and in 1954 it became known as the Yugoslav Shepherd Dog. Later the name changed and the dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995.

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.

sarplaninac puppy - descriptionThe Sarplaninac is a large, strong, fluffy dog standing at between 54 and 62cm in height and weighing between 30 and 45kg.

The coat of the dog is dense, coarse and of medium length. Colors are different shades of grey, white, tan and black. The head is large, the ears are fairly short but are floppy and covered with short hair. The dog is deep chested and the tail is long, often held high and covered with thick, feathery hair.

Temperament:

Protective, reliable, reserved, stubborn and gentle, this intelligent dog is fairly serious, and while he makes a devoted family pet, he is cool and wary of strangers.

Excellent training and socialization makes him well mannered, balanced and obedient around different people. He will tolerate children but won’t take easily to other pets in the house, capable of becoming aggressive with them.

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.

sarplaninac dog - characteristicsThese dogs are protective, but they’re not vicious. When properly raised they are wonderful family pets.

True, it’s a large, strong willed dog that isn’t a good choice for the first-time dog owner. They are good with children, but only children who have been taught how to treat animals with care and patience.

This dog is a powerful guardian type of dog, imposing in size, but it’s all about upbringing, and if you bring him up well then he can make a tremendous pet and companion.

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.

sarplaninac puppies - health problemsThe Sarplaninac dog is a robust dog but he can suffer from health issues such as hip dysplasia, obesity, bloat, ear infections and skin allergies.

Obesity:

When your dog gazes up at you with such love in his eyes, don’t be tempted to pop some chocolate into his mouth or let him finish off your ice-cream. Treats like this can damage your pet’s health and give him heat intolerance, breathing difficulties, hypertension, liver disease and diabetes.

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.

sarplaninac dogs - caringEvery dog needs care from puppyhood through to old age.

Šarplaninacs are looked upon as medium maintenance dogs. The coat is long and thick and requires a firm bristle brush to get their hair brushed.These dogs are moderate shedders so a brush twice a week will do the trick to keep the hair free of loose hair and matting.

Because these dogs have floppy ears, they will need to be checked and cleaned. Floppy eared dogs battle with moisture and wax build-up that increases the likelihood of ear infections.

Check the eyes that they are clear and free of discharge. Eyes with a lot of discharge can be indicative of health problems.

Check for any unusual lumps as cancer often starts with a new lump.

Provide your pet with a nice warm, dry place to sleep.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent deadly canine diseases.

Have him or her spayed or neutered if you don’t want puppies. These are regular procedures for a vet and offers health benefits for the dog. Neutering a male improves his character and keeps him from roaming. These dogs are capable of having 3 – 8 puppies.

The Sarplaninac requires decent food if he is to remain healthy. Dog’s stomachs can become upset if they eat all kinds of sweet and spicy human foods.

Commercially manufactured dog food is a good backup food to have because of its convenience. Try to include some home-made food. Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. Give this to your pet twice a week and see how his tails wags when he smells it.

Also try to add in some raw meat to his food occasionally.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sarplaninac vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Sarplaninac vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Sarplaninac vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Sarplaninac vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Sarplaninac vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Sarplaninac vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Sarplaninac vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Sarplaninac vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Sarplaninac vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Sarplaninac vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Sarplaninac vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Sarplaninac vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Sarplaninac vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Sarplaninac vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Sarplaninac vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Sarplaninac vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Sarplaninac vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Sarplaninac vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Sarplaninac vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Sarplaninac vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Sarplaninac vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Sarplaninac vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Sarplaninac vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Sarplaninac vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Sarplaninac vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Alopekis vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Alopekis vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Alopekis vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  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