Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison

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 Canadian Eskimo Dog dates way back to more than 4,000 years ago. This Arctic breed of dog was developed to pull sleds, and wasn’t considered as a pet but as a working dog – an important means to an end – a tool for use.

By the 1960s the dog breed had declined to such an extent that they were removed from UKC and AKC registries. It is believed that the breed would have in all likelihood become extinct if it weren’t for the efforts of Brian Ladoon, William Carpenter and John McGrath who formed the Eskimo Dog Research Foundation in 1972.

After breeding for 30 years, the dog has the biggest genetic stock colony of Canadian Eskimo Dogs and in May 2000, Nunavut, a Canadian territory, adopted the dog as the animal symbol for this region.

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.

Looks of the Canadian Eskimo Dog

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a well-built, medium- to large sized dog looking much like a husky. The male Eskimo dog is somewhat bigger than the female, standing 58 – 70cm at the shoulder and weighing 30 - 40kg.

The male often has some thick fur around the neck, giving him the appearance of looking larger than he actually is. He is slightly larger than the female. Other people say he has a similar appearance to a wolf.

He has a thick double coat which can be white, gray, fawn or even black and white. He has short, erect ears, dark brown eyes and a bushy, feathered tail which curls over the back. Sometimes you find blue eyes with the Canadian Eskimo Dog, and its only when you want to show him, that this isn’t acceptable.

Temperament

The Canadian Eskimo Dog's temperament is hard working, tough, brave, alert and intelligent. When he is trained and socialized, which will be important for this breed, he becomes gentle and loving, forming a strong bond with his owner. He’ll also get along well with children in the home as well as other pets.

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.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a dog which is responsive to training. With training and socialization, as a highly intelligent, strong-will dog he will need to be supervised by a firm, authoritative figure.

He makes such an awesome pet when properly trained, and if you’re a responsible dog owner who knows how to care for- and exercise your pet appropriately, you’ll be rewarded by having a strong, loving companion at your side.

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.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a generally healthy breed who has a life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years when he is lovingly cared for and provided with a top quality diet. Ensure that he has a top quality diet with plenty of raw meat geared towards his age and energy levels.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog suffers from common health issues that most dogs are at risk for, and typically this will include hip dysplasia and eye disease. If your dog develops a disease such as hip dysplasia, speak to your vet immediately.

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.

Exercise:

The Canadian Eskimo Dog has always been a working dog, used to being driven hard to perform, and to this day he likes to work hard and have his day filled with activities.

His exercise requirements are high and this is one breed that you’re going to have to exercise regularly – long walks, running on a leash as you cycle, ball games, swimming, hiking. It is why the dog is best suited for life in the country as opposed to small properties in the city. If exercise seems like a lot of hard work for you, don’t buy such a breed as it will be cruel and irresponsible to leave him day after day in your back yard. He becomes bored, frustrated, unhappy and destructive.

Grooming:

The dog is an average shedder and his coat is short and dense. There’s not a whole lot of maintenance to worry about with this good-looking dog and he will basically require having a good brush twice a week.