Alopekis

Alopekis populations existed until recently all over Greece and some of their traditional uses were ratting and the extermination of mice and other small vermin, as well as protection of poultry, such as domestic chickens and ducks from the attacks of foxes; the small dogs can easily fit in the hen coops and curl up inside to spend the night on vigil against their namesake intruder; they also co-operate very well with the bigger flock- guardians and sheepdogs in the farm and on the field. The breed is an excellent and brave little watchdog and quite strong for its size. Before the mass importation of foreign breeds to Greece that started in the 1970s and '80s, the undisputed majority of small dogs in urban and rural areas were mostly Alopekis and Melieo Kynidio or Kokoni.

The Alopekis as a house companion is very affectionate, reliable, devoted, lively, active but not highly-strung nor yappy dog. The typical temperament is confident, outgoing, sociable, happy and very easy to train. Protective and caring towards the other house pets or animals, yet a determined enemy of vermin, a very diligent little worker, a capable hunter and retriever of game and quite playful. The breed is very good with children. As a utility dog and watchdog the Alopekis is courageous, vigilant, alert, spirited and able to cover the distance tirelessly, athletic and with very quick reflexes. At farm or city this is a very useful little working dog and escort that adapts well to all environments and is a joy to live with for dog-lovers of any age and lifestyle.

The ancestors of this breed are the primitive dogs that appeared in Greece during the proto-hellenic era of the Pelasgoi people. Findings exist as far back as the Paleolithic age settlements in Thessaly. Referred to by the ancient Greeks as "alopecis" (small and fox-like). Similar dogs have been depicted on ancient Greek sculptures as well as other archeological finds. The Alopekis occurs naturally in the general Greek stray street populations, although they are now being carefully bred. At one time the Alopekis and Small Greek Domestic Dog were considered to be different types of the same breed. This has since changed and provisional standards have been written for each breed since both breed true to type. In terms of numbers, this breed is less common than the Small Greek Domestic Dog, although both breeds would be the easiest and most likely breeds to be exported from Greece and established elsewhere.