Pugnaces Britanniae vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison

Pugnaces Britanniae is originated from United Kingdom but Alopekis is originated from Greece. Pugnaces Britanniae may grow 43 cm / 17 inches higher than Alopekis. Pugnaces Britanniae may weigh 80 kg / 177 pounds more than Alopekis. Both Pugnaces Britanniae and Alopekis has almost same life span. Pugnaces Britanniae may have more litter size than Alopekis. Pugnaces Britanniae requires Low maintenance. But Alopekis requires Moderate maintenance

History

Pugnaces Britanniae is a dog which is now extinct. There isn't certainty surrounding the origins of the dog but it is thought they descended from dogs brought to Britain way back in the 6th century BC already.

These are ancient dogs, and when you do research you find references dating back to centuries ago. In fact when you read of the Roman conquest of Britain you read of huge dogs, which the Romans referred to as Pugnaces Britanniae.

It is believed that the English Mastiff descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae and that the dog was used as a war dog.

alopekis - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Miscellaneous dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
Greece
Height Male:
67 - 75 cm
26 - 30 inches
25 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
67 - 75 cm
26 - 30 inches
4 - 8 cm
1 - 4 inches
Weight Male:
52 - 110 kg
114 - 243 pounds
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
52 - 110 kg
114 - 243 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
10 - 15
3 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
War Dog of Britannia
Venetia, Bouboudi, Alopecis, Moropa, Alepouditsa, Nickname - Bobis
Colors Available:
brindle, tan, Fawn
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.
Coat:
Short and smooth
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.
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

The Pugnaces Britanniae was a huge dog standing at roughly 67 to 75cm and weighing 52 to 110kg.

He was a heavily built dog, a Mastiff type dog that had a large head, broad muzzle with fairly loose skin around the mouth, brown eyes, a broad back and rump, muscular legs and floppy ears with a long tail. In fact the Mastiff, thought to have descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae, gives you an idea of what the dog looked like. He no doubt has a short, smooth coat available in fawn, tan or brindle and with the black mask.

Temperament:

The Pugnaces Britannia was a naturally aggressive dog so it is to be expected that he wouldn’t automatically have been a good family dog, possibly being aggressive around children and other dogs. They were intelligent and were no doubt taught some simple commands.

They were also very territorial dogs, wanting to instinctively chase and attack unknown people and animals. They were strong minded, confident, loyal ad loving dogs towards their owners, being protective of them, wanting to please them.

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.

Characteristics

The Pugnaces Britanniae may well have been a large dog and quite imposing to look at but he was in all likelihood a good-natured pet who got on well with his family members, being loyal and loving if brought up correctly.

Long ago dog training and socialization didn’t exist but a large dog like this would have to be socialized and trained to become obedient and an amicable all-rounder.

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.

Health Problems

The Pugnaces Britanniae could live to 10, 11 or 12 years of age with good care. Large Mastiff type dogs like this would have had to watch out for common canine diseases such as hip dysplasia, cancer and bloat.

In those days, no screening tests were available for health problems like this. Gastric dilatation volvulus or bloat is a common health issue with large, deep chested dogs where the stomach fills with gas and the stomach twists. Its a life threatening disease.

Canine heart disease is another serious health issue with these mastiff type dogs. Early stages with heart disease show there may well be no symptoms at all. However, as the heart disease progresses towards congestive heart failure, the dog will have symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty with breathing, weight loss, a distended abdomen and coughing.

A dog with symptoms like this would have to see a vet immediately.

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.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

The diets of ancient dogs were different to what they are today, as in those days there were no commercially manufactured dog foods. Dog owners in all likelihood tossed scraps to them which included starch.

Today a large dog such as the extinct Pugnaces Britannia would have no doubt been fed a high quality kibble from a leading brand and packed with minerals and vitamins specially formulated for a large dog breed.

Homemade food is also important, but not any kind of food – it has to be food which doesn’t upset the dog’s digestive system. Simple but nutritious food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach is ideal for a dog, and when it is chopped up can be added twice a week to the dry kibble for a tasty, healthy treat.

Raw meat added in occasionally is also hugely beneficial. No dog should ever be without fresh, cool water constantly available.

Grooming:

As a short haired dog, the Pugnaces Britanniae would have required a brushing twice a week to rid the dog of loose hairs. Maybe in those days they didn’t check their dogs over to see that all was well, but today you would need to check the inside of the ears. If the insides were red, it could be a sign of an ear infection brought on by dampness, excess wax and dirt.

The eyes would need to be checked for discharge and the teeth checked a well. One rotten tooth can cause a lot of havoc. The nails of the dog would have had to be checked and clipped as well.

Exercise:

As a war dog, the Pugnaces Britanniae would have been fit. He is a big dog and while they require exercise such as walks and hide-and-seek type of games, he isn’t the kind of dog that would go running with you on a jog, as large, heavy dogs can overheat easily.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Northern Inuit Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Sindh Mastiff vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  3. Tamaskan vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  4. Tosa vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  5. Wolfdog vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  6. Samoyed vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  7. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  8. Saluki vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  9. Rough Collie vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  10. Rajapalayam vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  11. Schnauzerdor vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  12. Pyredoodle vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  13. Saarlooswolfhond vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  14. Sarplaninac vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  15. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  16. Rampur Greyhound vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  17. Sage Koochee vs Pugnaces Britanniae - Breed Comparison
  18. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  19. Pugnaces Britanniae vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  21. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  22. Pugnaces Britanniae vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  23. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  24. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  25. Pugnaces Britanniae vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  26. Brug vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  27. Shorkie vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  28. Pomeranian vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltese vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  30. Pug vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  31. Boston Terrier vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  32. Maltipoo vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  33. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  34. Bichon Frise vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  35. Dachshund vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  36. Jack Russell Terrier vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  37. Cockapoo vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  38. Cavapoo vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  39. Corgi vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  40. Miniature Schnauzer vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  41. Cavachon vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  42. Mal-Shi vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  43. American Eskimo Dog vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  44. Papillon vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  46. Japanese Chin vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature English Bulldog vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  48. Miniature Dachshund vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  49. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  50. Lhasa Apso vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds