Thai Bangkaew vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

The 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.

The Thai Bangkaew breed comes from a small village in the Bang Rakarn District of the Phitsanulok Province, in Thailand. The breed is named after that village of Bangkaew. A wild dog was crossed with a Buddhist abbot’s black and white female. Today’s Bangkew is the direct result of breeding only from the litters produced from these original two. Some believe the wild dog was a jackal that is now extinct. The breed is similar to a Spitz and is a good hunter and an intelligent family member. However they still maintain some of the wildness of the jackal.

The Thai Bangkaew was developed to be a guard dog and alert their owners of any strangers or dangers. By 1957 the dog we know today we being developed through selective breeding. They are not recognized today by the AKC. These facts have made it a very rare breed that is hard to find outside southeast Asia. They are great outdoor companions.

The 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.

A compact and square dog, the Thai Bangkaew is a well proportioned breed with a gait that is smooth. They have a deep, wide chest with muscular and strong neck. The head is also square, the ears pointed and the eyes brown and average size. They have a double coat and a longer, thicker ruff. Their chest and back also have a ruff like a lion. The tail is plumed and carried up high and curves over the dog’s back. Their coat is water-repellent.

Children – 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.

1.Children friendliness – yes with early and proper socialization be watchful with small children

2.Special talents tenacity, climber

3.Adaptability – needs exercise, not a great apartment dog

4.Learning ability – high but independent and stubborn

The 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.

This is a very healthy breed with a relatively clean genentic pool. The dogs tend to be healthy. They have no congenital health issues. However they do contract some normal canine issues.

Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Luxating Patella – slipped kneecap – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Cryptorchidism – absence of testicles – dog is sterile.

Chronic ear infections

Eye Diseases

Feeding the Puppy

This 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.

. Feeding the puppy Feed a high quality high protein puppy food for medium sized dog. Feed 2 cups in 3-4 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Feed a high quality high protein adult food for medium sized dog. Feed 2.5 cups in 2 meals per day

3.Points for Good Health general good health

4. Games and Exercises they need daily exercise and they love to swim. He loves to dig and is a climber as well. Good at herding, barnchase.