Meliteo Kinidio vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Meliteo Kinidio is originated from Greece but East European Shepherd is originated from Russia. Meliteo Kinidio may grow 44 cm / 17 inches shorter than East European Shepherd. Meliteo Kinidio may weigh 42 kg / 92 pounds lesser than East European Shepherd. Meliteo Kinidio may live 3 years more than East European Shepherd. Meliteo Kinidio may have less litter size than East European Shepherd. Meliteo Kinidio requires Low maintenance. But East European Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance

History

Originating in Greece, the Melitea Kinidio is also known as the Small Greek Domestic Dog. It is an ancient dog breed. The dog has always been a skillful hunter of small game and birds.

It is believed that the dog breed originated from Malta, explaining its Greek name, Melitaion Kunidion.

There are efforts to recognize the Meliteo Kinidio as a separate and unique Greek dog breed but no formal breed clubs exist so far today. The dog also hasn’t been recognized by any reputable registry. Today these common dogs are found in high numbers throughout most of Greece.  

east european shepherd - historyThe East European Shepherd is a dog which hails from Russia. The dog was developed in the 1930-1950s as there was a need for a bigger, more robust, weather-resistant type of dog who would perform all kinds of guard duties in the Soviet Union.

This is a rare dog breed, created by mixing Russian breeds such as the Laika, Central Asian Shepherd and Caucasian Shepherd to create a strong working dog that could cope well with the sub-freezing conditions.

The standard breed type was established in 1964. The only major kennel club to grant full recognition to the East-European Shepherd is the Russian Kennel Club. In the United States, the dog is recognized by a number of rare breed registries.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Working dog
Origin:
Greece
Russia
Height Male:
23 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
23 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
66 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
4 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Small Greek Domestic Dog
Belarusian Shepherd, Eastern European Shepherd, Byelorussian Shepherd
Colors Available:
white or black, Beige, blonde
Solid colored or fawn or tan with black saddle
Coat:
Long- and short-haired
Medium length and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

The Meliteo Kinidio is a deep chested small sized dog which weighs about 3 to 8kg and stands at about 23 – 32cm in height.

The dog has a bright, fox shaped face, floppy ears and a tail which curls over the back and which is feathery or plumed. The body is longer than being tall.

He is available with two coat types – long- and short-haired, with the long haired one being the more common of the two. People often confuse this dog with the long-haired Dachshund. The coat is dense, weatherproof, silky and wavy.

The coat colors can be beige, blonde, white or black, with there being no standardization with color.

Temperament:

These Greek dogs are no pushover and in fact they are fairly fearless dogs, possessive of the human family, wanting to protect them and therefore being territorial as well. They make excellent pets, being very sensitive to their owners, sensing their different moods.

He has always been a hunting dog so he loves to be busy, making a good dog to have on the farm. They are even tempered and gentle, but have a loud, robust bark for their size.

east european shepherd puppy - descriptionThe East European Shepherd is larger than a German Shepherd. He is described as a large dog with males and females standing roughly at 66-76 centimeters at the withers and weighing anything between 30–50kg.

The coat with undercoat is medium in length with the standard color being black-and-tan or black-and-red. The dog is solid colored or is light fawn or tan in color with black saddle.

The face of the dog is black and he looks a lot like a wolf in appearance. The ears of the East European Shepherd are medium sized and always erect.The tail is long and hangs low.

Temperament:

The East European Shepherd is an intelligent and confident dog and can be aggressive when aggravated. He is a working dog and to get along with other pets in the home as well as children, the East European Shepherd will need to be trained and socialized, becoming obedient and loyal with his owner.

He is an intelligent dog and training him poses no problem. Loyal and devoted, this dog mostly becomes particularly attached to one member of the family.

There are a number of dog experts who don’t recommend the dog as a family pet as it is a dog reluctant to form a close bond with a child, being irritated by them, especially ill disciplined children.

It is a strong-willed dog too and shouldn’t be the first dog choice for a novice dog owner. They make excellent guard dogs and take their role as protector of the family seriously.

Characteristics

These feisty Small Greek Domestic Dogs are loving, loyal dogs who enjoy being around their human family but who don’t mind spending some time on their own either.

They’re dogs which are in tune with their owners and they’re intelligent too so they learn easily. You can expect to a have a good friend when you allow this companion dog into your home.

east european shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East-European Shepherd dogs are balanced, confident, intelligent, loving and playful while also being tough and protective of their owners.

They make fantastic guard dogs, becoming aggressive around strangers whom they don’t trust. When you bring a dog like this into the home, it is essential to have him trained and socialized and to also have a firm owner who can deal with such a strong-willed animal.

He is an active, alert dog who will require regular exercise and will slot into life in the city or in the country so long as his exercise needs are met.

When you look after your East European Shepherd you’ll find in him a devoted, loyal friend who will protect you with his life.

Health Problems

This dog breed enjoys good longevity and can live to be about 12 to 15 years of age with good care.

One thing you have to be careful of with a dog like this is that because he is active he loves to running around and jumping. However, with his long back, jumping off a fairly high bed for instance, can lead to injury and should be discouraged rather. Apart from ear infections, other health issues can be dental.

Dental Issues:

Brushing your dog’s teeth 2 or 3 times a week can prevent dental problems. Small dogs are more prone to plaque formation and gum recession. Many small dogs loose their teeth with dental issues. Plaque that is left on the surface of the tooth is detrimental to the dog’s immune system, starting an inflammatory response. Without good oral hygiene, other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes can become a factor.

Ear Infections:

Ear infections in dogs, particularly those with floppy ears, are common and can be painful.

Scratching at the ear with head shaking is a common sign that your dog has an ear infection as well as the presence of redness and swelling. The inside of the ear needs to be gently cleaned with ear cleanser, but many people don’t like to do this, fearing they may damage the ear. Then it becomes important for your vet or professional groomer to do it for you.

east european shepherd puppies - health problemsRegarded as a tough dog who can reach 10 – 12 years of age, the East European Shepherd is prone to hip or elbow dysplasia. This is a a disease that is more prevalent with German Shepherd type dogs.

Dysplasia is a genetic condition which can lead to inflammation and arthritis and even lameness. Unfortunately it can happen with young dogs too, and the vet will suggest different types of treatment which can include surgery.

Degenerative myelopathy is another degenerative disease which can be found with the East European Shepherd. It is a fatal, progressive degenerative disease of the spinal cord. Unfortunately there isn’t treatment for the disease, leading to paralysis of the limbs.

Caring The Pet

The Small Greek Domestic Dog is easy to groom and the coat which sheds moderately will simply require brushing twice a week to keep it silky and vibrant.

Diet:

The Small Greek Domestic Dog is sleek lean and muscular and you want to keep him like that at all costs and avoid obesity. To keep him happy and fit feed him two smaller meals as opposed to one. If you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure its the best quality one as the lower quality foods have inferior ingredients devoid of minerals and vitamins. When you have bought the best quality kibble, treat your dog to some home-made food from time to time – nothing exotic – just plain boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta and cooked vegetables such as potato, carrots and spinach. Some raw meat added in occasionaly is also excellent. Feeding your dog a simple but nutritious meal like this will ensure your dog is healthy, content and free of stomach problems. Fresh, cool water must be availabe around the clock.

Grooming:

east european shepherd dogs - caringThe coat of the East European Shepherd is thick, and while he won’t require any professional grooming, he will require being brushed at least twice a week. This is because he sheds heavily at certain times.

His nails will need to be clipped if they don’t wear down naturally, and his teeth will require regular brushing at least 2 or 3 times a week. Fortunately, because his ears are large and open, he doesn’t easily get an ear infection.

Exercise:

The East European Shepherd is a dog which has always been worked. It is a highly energetic dog and its role as a guard- and herding dog has made it that the dog will require a good dose of exercise.

A long walk may not be enough for this active dog, and he will require intense ball throwing with a tennis racquet to get the ball far away so that he can run far to fetch the ball. Without enough exercise, the East-European Shepherd will develop behavioral problems which will include aggression.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. PekePoo vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  2. Schipperke vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  3. Schweenie vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  4. Meliteo Kinidio vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  5. Meliteo Kinidio vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  6. Meliteo Kinidio vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed Comparison
  7. Meliteo Kinidio vs Coton De Tulear - Breed Comparison
  8. Meliteo Kinidio vs Japanese Spitz - Breed Comparison
  9. Meliteo Kinidio vs Malti-Pom - Breed Comparison
  10. Meliteo Kinidio vs Fruggle - Breed Comparison
  11. Meliteo Kinidio vs Lhasapoo - Breed Comparison
  12. Meliteo Kinidio vs Hawaiian Poi Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Meliteo Kinidio vs Kyi-Leo - Breed Comparison
  14. Prazsky Krysarik vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  15. Pugalier vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  16. Tsvetnaya Bolonka vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  17. Muggin vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  18. Pomeranian vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  19. Pug vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Schnauzer vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  21. Papillon vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  22. Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  23. Miniature English Bulldog vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  24. Miniature Dachshund vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  25. Miniature Poodle vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Great Pyrenees vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Presa Canario vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Labrador Husky vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. Giant Schnauzer vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Goldador vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Mackenzie River Husky vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. German Longhaired Pointer vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Pyredoodle vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Lurcher vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Maremma Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Sarplaninac vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Himalayan Mastiff vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Mountain View Cur vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Native American Indian Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. Greenland Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Komondor vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Fila Brasileiro vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Greek Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  49. Kangal Dog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Himalayan Sheepdog vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds