Bulgarian Shepherd vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison

Bulgarian Shepherd vs Alopekis - Breed ComparisonBulgarian Shepherd is originated from Bulgaria but Alopekis is originated from Greece. Bulgarian Shepherd may grow 43 cm / 17 inches higher than Alopekis. Bulgarian Shepherd may weigh 27 kg / 60 pounds more than Alopekis. Bulgarian Shepherd may live 41 years more than Alopekis. Bulgarian Shepherd may have more litter size than Alopekis. Both Bulgarian Shepherd and Alopekis requires Moderate maintenance.

History

bulgarian shepherd - historyThe Bulgarian Shepard Dog comes from the ancient line of Molossers of Central Asia and Tibet, and the shepherds of the Balkans, Turkey and Caucasus. Among the oldest and most valued of the working dogs of Europe, the Bulgarian Shepherd breed was created by mixing the Balkan breeds with the dogs from Central Asia by the proto-Bulgarians around the 7th century. The Karakachanskoto Kuche was introduced to Bulgaria and accepted by the sheep herders. Mixing this breed in with the Balkan and Central Asian mix developed the Bulgarian Shepherd we know today. In the long run the original Karakachanskoto Kuche became extinct, replaced entirely by the Bulgarian Shepherd even in places where the new breed is still called by the Kuche name. Although the breeds are not the same, most of the dog world does not know the difference.

In Bulgaria however the Karakachan is a national treasure and the history of the breed runs deep. One Kuche could run up to 1200 animals and hundreds were used by the herdsmen in the mountains of Bulgaria. There were many regional types of Bulgarian Shepherds with very little difference between those types. These dogs were so prized by the shepherds that the dogs ate first before the people. The dogs however ate a vegetarian diet of milk, wheat, water and oats. The Bulgarian Shepherd lives a long life of often over 20 years. The Bulgarian Army made good use of these dogs early in the 20th century.

Following World War II, the wolves were close to extinction and property in Bulgaria was nationalized. There was no longer a need for a large force of working dogs. The Communist government exterminated large numbers of sheep dogs including the Bulgarian Shepherd. Only those species on government owned farms and in remote regions survived. When the government farms were disbanded in the early 20th century, these dogs were exterminated as well. Only those in the mountains survived. Commercial breeding of the Bulgarian Shepherd in the end of the century has resulted in controversy as other breeds came into the breeding program.

Use of breeds such as Sarplaninacs, Caucasian Ovcharkas, St. Bernards, Central Asian Ovcharkas and Bosnian Tornjaks in these programs resulted in Bulgarian Shepherd or Karakachans that were a lot different from the original breed. There is therefore some concern about the future of the breed in Bulgaria, yet they received official Bulgarian national recognition in 2000. Today’s Bulgarian Shepherd is a guard dog for both property and livestock.

The official standard for the breed came about in 1991 and in 2005 it was recognized by the Bulgarian State Commission for Animal Breeds. Only those dogs that meet this standard are considered “true” Karakachans. The Bulgarian Shepherds are willing to fight bears and wolves in defense of its family and flock. The dog is brave and loyal, dignified and powerful. They are recognized by both the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) and the Bulgarian Republican Federation of Cynology (BRFC) a member of the FCI.

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:
Working dog
Miscellaneous dogs
Origin:
Bulgaria
Greece
Height Male:
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
25 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
63 - 72 cm
24 - 29 inches
4 - 8 cm
1 - 4 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 57 kg
99 - 126 pounds
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 52 kg
88 - 115 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
45 - 57 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
3 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Karakachan Shepherd Dog, Karakachan
Venetia, Bouboudi, Alopecis, Moropa, Alepouditsa, Nickname - Bobis
Colors Available:
BlackWhiteTricolor
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:
Single
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:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

bulgarian shepherd puppy - descriptionA massive, powerful and muscular Molosser, the Bulgarian Shepherd is strong, agile, powerful and fast. They are intelligent and reliable. They have a long, thick, harsh coat in white with patches of black. Their skull is massive and broad with a furrowed forehead. The muzzle is massive as well while the nose has wide nostrils and is fairly large. It has close fitting, thick lips with strong, scissor bite jaws. The Bulgarian Shepherd’s eyes are deep, oblique and small. They are either hazel or dark. They have an intelligent and confident, yet firm almost grim expression.

Their ears are low set, small and v-shaped. They sit close to the head which sits on a powerful but short neck. They have a broad back, well-muscled body with a deep chest and long, rough tail. Their gait is a trot with a spring in their step. There are two types of coats – longhaired and shorthaired with no undercoats.

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

bulgarian shepherd dog - characteristicsThis is a working dog, intelligent and independent guard dog. Reserved around strangers but loyal and devoted with his family. Tolerant of children in their family if they were raised with them. Not only will she defend human family members, she will guard and defend household pets as well. He is quite capable of making her own independent decisions. These are very intense guard dogs that will respond aggressively if they think their people are being attacked.

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

bulgarian shepherd puppies - health problemsThe breed itself is known to be healthy but they do face some of the usual health issues of the massive, giant breeds. This includes knee and elbow dislocation; hip dysplasia; bloat; entropion and osteosarcoma. All of these conditions require medical intervention, but bloat and osteosarcoma are the deadliest. Bloat needs immediate attention and osteosarcoma is a deadly bone cancer.

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

Feeding

bulgarian shepherd dogs - caringThese are large dogs with large appetites, but you want to keep them lean and active. Feed them at least twice a day with a high quality large or giant dog dry food. Four to five cups of food per day is the maximum.

Health issues

Patellar Luxation – a floating kneecap or dislocated knee. Will cause lameness.

Bloat - distended or twisted stomach. Can cause death.

Osteosarcoma – bone cancer must be treated immediately as it is potentially fatal.

Entropion – eye issues when the eyelid turns inward and damages the eye.

Hip Dysplasia – May cause lameness and arthritis.

Exercise and games

The Bulgarian Shepherd needs a good amount of exercise every day. Remember this is a working breed and they need a job. Long walks every day are essential for his well-being.

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. Brug vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  2. Shorkie vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  3. Pomeranian vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  4. Maltese vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  5. Pug vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  6. Boston Terrier vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  7. Maltipoo vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  9. Bichon Frise vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  10. Dachshund vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  11. Jack Russell Terrier vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  12. Cockapoo vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  13. Cavapoo vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  14. Corgi vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  15. Miniature Schnauzer vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  16. Cavachon vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  17. Mal-Shi vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  18. American Eskimo Dog vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  19. Papillon vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  21. Japanese Chin vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  22. Miniature English Bulldog vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  23. Miniature Dachshund vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  24. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  25. Lhasa Apso vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Great Pyrenees vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Presa Canario vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Labrador Husky vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Argentine Dogo vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Giant Schnauzer vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Goldador vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Dogo Cubano vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Dogo Sardesco vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Central Asian Shepherd vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Mackenzie River Husky vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. German Longhaired Pointer vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Pyredoodle vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Lurcher vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Maremma Sheepdog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Sarplaninac vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. Himalayan Mastiff vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Mountain View Cur vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Central Anatolian Shepherd vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. Native American Indian Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Greenland Dog vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. Komondor vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Bulgarian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds