Lapponian Herder vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Lapponian Herder vs Alopekis - Breed ComparisonAlopekis is originated from Greece but Lapponian Herder is originated from Finland. Alopekis may grow 19 cm / 7 inches shorter than Lapponian Herder. Both Alopekis and Lapponian Herder are having almost same weight. Both Alopekis and Lapponian Herder has almost same life span. Alopekis may have less litter size than Lapponian Herder. Both Alopekis and Lapponian Herder requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Herding dogs
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Greece
Finland
Height Male:
25 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
4 - 8 cm
1 - 4 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
5 - 8
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Venetia, Bouboudi, Alopecis, Moropa, Alepouditsa, Nickname - Bobis
Lapinporokoira, Lapp Reindeer dog, Reindeer Herder
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.
dark brown, Dark grey, cream, black
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.
Medium length, straight, harsh
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, 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.

lapponian herderThe Lapponian Herder hails from Finland. He is a dog which was developed for the Sami people who needed a strong dog to herd and guard their reindeer. The Sami people knew that they could reply on these Spitz-type dogs to efficiently manage their reindeer herds.

As with many other dog breeds, their numbers dwindled during and after the Second World War, and breeders then stepped forward to restore the herding dog populations. The dog was developed from Spitz-type herding breeds which were crossed with black and white Karelian Bear Dogs as well as other dog varieties.

Both the Lapponian Herder and the Finnish Lapphund were recognized as the same breed, with the Lapponian being separated into its own breed in 1966.

The dog is one of Finland’s five national dog breeds and in 2017, the Lapponian Herder was accepted to the Foundation Stock Service program.

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.

lapponian herder puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized dog and both male and female dogs stand between 43 and 51cm in height and weigh in the region of 30 to 35kg.

The average litter size for these dogs is 5 to 8 puppies.

They have a medium length double coat which is straight and fairly harsh to the touch. They are moderate shedders.

Looking much like a combination German Shepherd and Wolf, the Lapponian Herder’s coat can be dark grey, cream, dark brown and black. He has erect ears, brown eyes and a long bushy tail which can be held low but which he raises somewhat over the back when he is alert. The head is wedge-shaped with tapering muzzle and black nose.

Temperament:

Energetic and lively while also being calm, the Lapponian Herder makes an excellent family pet.

As a very active breed, he is going to need an active, outdoor-type of owner. He is an intelligent, independent dog who wants to be kept busy. Because of his smartness he is easy to train ad socialize, being a dog that wants to please.

Training and socialization will do wonders for him, particularly because he is a vocal dog, loving to bark and air his views. With the training you can call out to him ‘be quiet’ and he will, as he becomes an obedient dog who is a pleasure to have around in all kinds of situations.

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.

lapponian herder dog - characteristicsThe Lapponian Herder is a great family pet who is social and who loves being in the company of his human family, being able to get on well with children in the home too, as well as pets.

He plays a protective role too, not being quiet when it comes to barking and warning his family of intruders.

They’re very energetic dogs but can be docile indoors. He is smart too, being able to learn quickly. Bring one of these Lapponian Herders into your home, and you’re guaranteed a splendid family 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.

lapponian herder puppies - health problemsThe Lapponian Herder, with good care, should be able to live for 10 to 14 years.

He is generally believed to be a healthy dog breed, but as with most other dogs, there are a few health issues which can crop up. These can be eye- and infections as well as skin allergies. These can be highly irritating for your dog and painful too, and veterinary intervention may be required.

Other serious dog problems can be bloat and joint dysplasia.

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:

lapponian herder dogs - caringThe Lapponian Herder has a dense coat and he is considered to be an average shedder with some seasonal shedding.

To keep the coat sleek and shiny, get into the habit of brushing him twice a week. With the assistance of the right grooming tools you will be able to clip his nails if he doesn’t wear them down naturally. Just be careful though, because cutting to far down can mean cutting him where the nerves are and this can cause your pet great pain.

When you brush him, check his ears at the same time and use a damp cloth to wipe away the excess wax and dirt.

His teeth should also be cleaned with canine toothpaste and toothbrush. If you are apprehensive about keeping up with these grooming procedures, there are professional dog grooming experts who will attend to your dog’s grooming needs.

Diet:

The Lapponian Herder is a medium sized dog full of energy.

If you feed him commercially manufactured kibble, you’ll read on the packaging about the type of food it is and what portion sizes to give him. Always go for the top quality brands that are made with good meaty ingredients and not filled with the likes of colorants and preservatives.

It is healthier to give him 2 smaller meals a day as opposed to one large meal. Try and give him some home-cooked food to bring in some variety. Excellent food for him would be some cooked chicken, brown rice, pasta and some cooked or raw vegetables added into his kibble. Every now and then it can be good for him to have a bit of raw meat added into his food.

Your Lapponian Herder must have constant access to cool, fresh water. Remember to wash the bowl out regularly, as the dog’s saliva enters the water when drinking.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Alopekis vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Alopekis vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Alopekis vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Alopekis vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Alopekis vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Alopekis vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Alopekis vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Alopekis vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Alopekis vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Alopekis vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Alopekis vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Alopekis vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Alopekis vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Alopekis vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Alopekis vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Alopekis vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Alopekis vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Alopekis vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Alopekis vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Alopekis vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  22. Alopekis vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Alopekis vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Alopekis vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Alopekis vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Lapponian Herder vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Lapponian Herder vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Lapponian Herder vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Lapponian Herder vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Lapponian Herder vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Lapponian Herder vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Lapponian Herder vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Lapponian Herder vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Lapponian Herder vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Lapponian Herder vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Lapponian Herder vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Lapponian Herder vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Lapponian Herder vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Lapponian Herder vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Lapponian Herder vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Lapponian Herder vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Lapponian Herder vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Lapponian Herder vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Lapponian Herder vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Lapponian Herder vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Lapponian Herder vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Lapponian Herder vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Lapponian Herder vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Lapponian Herder vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Lapponian Herder vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison