Greek Dog Breeds (pics and info)

[Nikoz78]

Alopekis (AKA: Cyprus Poodle)

The ancestors of this breed are the primitive dogs that appeared in Greece during the proto-hellenic era of the Pelasgoi people. Findings exist as far back as the palaeolithic age settlements in Thessaly. Referred to by the ancient Greeks as "alopecis" (small & fox-like). Similar dogs have been depicted on ancient Greek sculptures as well as other archeological finds. The Alopekis occurs naturally in the general Greek stray street populations, although they are now being carefully bred. At one time the Alopekis and Small Greek Domestic Dog were considered to be different types of the same breed. This has since changed and provisional standards have been written for each breed since both breed true to type. In terms of numbers, this breed is less common than the Small Greek Domestic Dog, although both breeds would be the easiest and most likely breeds to be exported from Greece and established elsewhere. This dog formed the basis for the development of the modern Maltese, Bichon and similar types of the Meditterranean. See also references to "Cyprus Poodles" or Cyprus "spaniels". The Maltese originated not on the island of this name, but in Asia Minor, the ancient Greek area of Ionia and it's capital city Miletos, which colonised various areas of the Meditteranean (including Malta itself) during the time of Graecia Magna ("Greater Greece"). From the Ionian cities these little companion dogs were transferred to Athens and during it's Golden Age they became luxury pet-dogs and lap-dogs of the aristocracy, escorting the ladies to the Agora with precious collars on their necks, even with nails polished to match the color of the mistress' dress.

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Cretan Hound

A primitive hunting breed, its existence on the Greek island of Crete is documented in writing and artifacts for at least 3500 years. It was extensively cultivated and used by the Minoan civilization which, at its peak, dominated over most part of the Aegean, the Cyclades islands and eastern Peloponessus. A tracking and coursing hound, it was always used in chasing and catching hare and wild rabbits on the harsh terrains of its native island. The classic authors praised the Cretan hounds (Kressai Kynes) as the best hare-hunters known to man and in the ancient times they were exported to the Greek colonies and other countries in Europe, reaching as far as Spain and the British islands, to mix and improve the local hounds. The dogs have many such peculiar traits and they are evidently a truly ancient species, probably the oldest dog breed in Europe. It is possible that their ancestors came from Africa but they were subsequently adapted to this very unique habitat of Crete, an island remote enough to host other unique species of animals also, such as a unique sub-species of wild goat, lynx and others. Isolated there for millennia, these dogs were formed by function to perform a particular and challenging task and they remained pure and unchanged to this day. Due to a long history of struggle against outside enemies, the Cretan people are a freedom-loving race, proud, independent, somewhat suspicious and even stubborn. They don’t like to give their dogs to outsiders and even to this day the best specimens are kept hidden from the public eye. Breeding practices are ruthless and the limited means of the past taught the locals to neuter all but the best males and destroy the dogs that were lacking in the hunt. This resulted in a particularly strong and healthy breed, but also one very small in numbers. For years they were kept secret and even now they rarely leave Crete, apart from on the rare occasions they take part in International dog shows held in Athens, where the visitors have the opportunity to meet a true living legend.

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Hellenikos Ichnilatis (AKA: Hellenic Hound; Greek Harehound; Greek Hound)

The Hellenikos Ichnilatis is a black and tan tracking & chasing hare hound, indigenous to Greece. It exists for thousands of years and its progenitors are the ancient laconikoi (later: lagonikoi, where lagos=hare) kynes (dogs) native in the Southern Greece (Peloponessus). These were described and praised by many ancient writers and through colonization and sea-trade they became widespread in the ancient world. Descendants of the ancient Greek scenthounds can be found all over Europe and beyond. In its country of origin the breed had no competition and due to its isolation in inaccessible & often mountainous areas the breed remained pure and little changed. Ancient Greece covered most of the Balkans and so the Hellenikos Ichnilatis left its heritage in the neighboring countries, too: black and tan or tricolor scenthounds can be found all over this area. In Greece too, there is a not-yet officially recognized tricolor variety, localized in the very same vicinity that the ancient breed took its first name, in Laconia (Sparta), a south-most part of Peloponessus. In 1996 the Hellenikos Ichnilatis became the first Greek breed recognized by the FCI.

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Hellenikos Poimenikos (AKA: Greek Sheepdog; Greek Shepherd)

These dogs have been used throughout Greece, particularly around the northern provinces in the Balkan foothills. The breed is renowned for its ferocity. The dogs occasionally took it upon themselves to protect the whole countryside. A heavy log or other object attached to the collar curbed this zealotry. People walking in rural areas—sometimes even the shepherds—armed themselves with stout sticks or a pocketful of rocks. Shepherds of the old school felt cropping the right ear improved the dog's hearing. This practice caused a peculiar lopsided look with a short stub on the right and a drop ear on the left. It is difficult to know the modern status of this ancient breed. They have never been introduced to any other country, but the great white dogs are still used by Greek shepherds. They breed them in the practical sense; best worker to best worker, with little regard for "fine points." But the type has remained pure.

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Small Greek Domestic Dog (AKA: Meliteo Kinidio)

At one time the Alopekis and Small Greek Domestic Dog were considered to be different types of the same breed. This has since changed and provisional standards have been written for each breed since both breed true to type. In terms of numbers, this breed is more common than the Alopekis, although both breeds would be the easiest and most likely breeds to be exported from Greece and established elsewhere. Due to their small size, people seem to instinctively keep them as companions, some times for generations. This is a tradition that goes all the way back to ancient Greece. A large number of images on ancient friezes, pottery, and amphorae show this breed as a companion to women and children. Meliteo Kinidio translates to Honey (Small) Dog, probably due to their sweet (like honey) disposition and the name Alopekis translates to "Fox", due to its foxy looks and size.

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[Prokomenos]

Great find Nikoz. The Hellenikos Ichnilatis reminded me of my Grandmothers dog in Greece Tzakos lol.

[Aniet]

a
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they are so cute!
i used to have at least one of every breed from all of those dogs since I used to take in all the strays because I felt sorry for them :P

[phoenix]

Good one Nick,nice post..

[Ellinas]

Good post! I didn't know about the names of Greek dog kinds.

Ichnilatis is by far the most frequent dog in the countryside of my homeland Arcadia. I really like this dog
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.

[Napalm]

That is a really fascinating post. There were a lot more than I was expecting.

[Hephaestion]

Although not a Greek breed, the Catahoula Leopard Dog may be considered related to the Greeks. To make a long story short, the Spaniards brought their war dogs to North America. These dogs were Mastiffs and Greyhounds, both of course were Greek war dogs, and war dogs for other cultures as well. Rome being a great example. I have heard perhaps even Egypt.

These wardogs were used to fight Indians but abandonded by their Spaniard guardians, makes me sick. These dogs bred with Red Wolf and some Indian breeds. It has been said that the French also introuced the Beauceron to the mix. I don't know how many other breeds are in there, but the result is the Catahoula Leopard Dog. Someone I know called mine a Greek Pitbull. A most beautiful animal. Loyal to a maximum level so don't get one if you don't want a loyal friend. Full of energy so don't get one if you are lazy.

This breed was loved and nutured by both white people and native Indians. Truly a magnificent breed. So versatile and adaptable. One of the few dogs that can climb trees, amongst other things. Many use them to hunt bears, mountain lions and wild boar, all very deadly animals. They may be tough, but incredibly gentle as well and a most fierce protector of your children and spouse.

Funny, these dogs forefathers likely went to war with our forefathers.


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Blue eyes are very common, but not exculusive. They have dark, blue eyes and green eyes. They are so wide even within a litter. There coats are just as versatile. A pure black one with dark eyes is a beautiful as a blue or green eyed merle or leopard coat. Red Leopard, black, blue merle, grey merle, etc..., they are amazing coats. It has been said they are not bred for their looks but their abilities (hunters and herders to the expert level), but they are most beautiful. Take a look at the links


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Who knows, maybe you wouldn't be here to read this if one of these dogs forefathers didn't save your warrior forefather and stopped some nasty bastard from doing awful things.

Beautiful creature!!!

[Hephaestion]

Anyone else have a dog? Seriously, a most priviledged honour to have.

[Prokomenos]

Originally Posted by Hephaestion
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Anyone else have a dog? Seriously, a most priviledged honour to have.

I had a pug for about 4 years and gave him the boot lol.. Real annoying dog and I couldnt tolerate his snoring at night. They also smell with that dog breath.

[Nikoz78]

That is some interesting information Hephaestion. I had never heard of their connection to Hellas.
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