Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison

Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Alopekis - Breed ComparisonAlopekis is originated from Greece but Miniature Australian Shepherd is originated from United States. Alopekis may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Miniature Australian Shepherd. Alopekis may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Miniature Australian Shepherd. Alopekis may live 3 years more than Miniature Australian Shepherd. Alopekis may have less litter size than Miniature Australian Shepherd. Both Alopekis and Miniature Australian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Herding dogs
undefined
Greece
United States
Height Male:
25 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
Height Female:
4 - 8 cm
1 - 4 inches
33 - 46 cm
12 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
6 - 16 kg
13 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
5 - 9
Size:
Small
Small
Other Names:
Venetia, Bouboudi, Alopecis, Moropa, Alepouditsa, Nickname - Bobis
Miniature American Shepherd, Mini Aussie
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.
red or black tri-color, Blue or red merle
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.
Long and thick
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate 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.

miniature australian shepherdUnlike some miniaturized pure dog breeds, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is a breed of its own. The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club recognize that the miniature Australian Shepherd is the same as the miniature American Shepherd.

Certain breeding programs to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd have been established and this dog is a small version of the Australian Shepherd. You can say that the Mini Australian Shepherd was developed in the 1960s and hails from the USA. American ranchers bred small Australian Shepherd dogs to create smaller replicas of the breed.

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.

miniature australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Miniature Australian Shepherd’s coat is medium-length and is straight or wavy. It comes in a range of colors such as blue or red merle and red or black tricolor. There are white or tan markings as well. He is a small dog, standing at 33 - 46 cm in height and weighing 6 – 16kg.

They have blue or brown eyes but some will even have one eye blue and the other brown. The ears are semi erect, semi floppy and the tail, while essentially left long and feathery, is sometimes docked.

Temperament:

Miniature Australian Shepherds are easygoing dogs who love being with their human families. They get on well with children in the home and are always willing to jump right in for a game.

They’re lively and agile and if its not games they’re busy with, they want to be on a walk. They’re loving and loyal and also eager to please, sensing what their owner wants.

They’re intelligent dogs too and easy to train so it is sure to go well with training and socialization, which is important for any dog. This training and socialization can actually help with problems a dog has such as being very nervous or being too active indoors. They become obedient and manageable wherever they are.

He is also willing to get on with other pets in the house. Just like the larger dog, the mini Australian Shepherd loves to be active and at work.

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.

miniature australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe wonderful friendly nature’s of these dogs make them excellent family pets, especially when they have been trained and socialized. They can live in the city or country but they will certainly require being exercised as they are an active breed, wanting to be busy with his human family.

You can’t describe these dogs as low maintenance as they have long, thick hair that sheds and which will also need to be brushed regularly.

If you’re able to provide a good home for this beautiful, lively dog, then he will make you a splendid pet.

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.

miniature australian shepherd puppies - health problemsYour Miniature Australian Shepherd can enjoy good health if you make sure he has a nutritious diet, he is well exercised and he is happy and content because of the attention you give him. He can easily reach 13 years of age.

Also, say what you like, human beings constantly tampering with animals to produce certain looks has its drawbacks and can create health problems in dogs.

As a pure breed however, these dogs will be more susceptible to some common canine health problems such as hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, obesity, hip dysplasia, vision problems and cancer.

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:

miniature australian shepherd dogs - caringThe mini Australian Shepherd has a long coat with seasonal shedding. You will need to give the coat a good brush twice a week to keep it untangled and to remove loose hair.

Other grooming for your pet will be to check his eyes and ears for infection, check for unusual lumps when you brush him and check for fleas and ticks. Keep his nails trimmed and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to avoid plaque build up.

If you’re wondering how to keep your dog well groomed for the enhancement of this health, people such as your vet or professional groomers will do these grooming tasks for you.

Diet:

Top quality commercially manufactured dog food packed with vitamins and minerals needs to be your choice if you're going to be using these dog foods. Avoid the cheaper brands that use lots of fillers, sugar, salt, colorants and preservatives.

Home-made food is a wonderful treat for a dog and delicious, nutritious and simple ingredients such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables chopped up into his dry kibble from time to time will do him wonders.

Sometimes it will also be good to add in a little bit of raw meat too. Make sure there is a bowl of fresh, cool water available to your pet constantly.

Comparison with other breeds

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