Alopekis vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Alopekis is originated from Greece but Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia. Alopekis may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Australian Cattle Dog. Alopekis may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Australian Cattle Dog. Both Alopekis and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same life span. Both Alopekis and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same litter size. Alopekis requires Moderate maintenance. But Australian Cattle Dog requires Low maintenance

History

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.

During the 19th century, in the New South Wales, lived a cattle farmer Thomas Hall. He wanted to have a perfect cattle dog so he mixed two breeds: dogs used by stockman with the dingo. The new breed was given an interesting name - Halls Heelers. Heelers was a part of the dog breed because this new breed of the dog inherited the nipping instinct. As time passed, one breed was developing in two breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

The Australian Cattle dog can be found in two available colours: red and blue. This is how they got their nicknames: Red Heeler and Blue Heeler.

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.

The Australian Cattle Dog originally mixed with Australian herding dog that was kept near the cattle to guide them. Medium-sized, with the short coat, this dog is generally easy to groom and maintain. It does require more brushing during the shedding period, but it is still not an everyday need. He is easy to train because he likes challenging games and activities which are. It gets very attached to its owner, and he is always protective of them and their possessions. The most common health problems happen with their ears and eyes, but they are usually very healthy and they have a long life – up to 15 years.

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.

Around children

Children and Australian Cattle Dogs can grow up together in harmony. They will have a loyal and protective companion. After you properly train your dog and teach your child how to play with the dog, you will bring the friendship on the safe side. Some of them will have the instinct to nip at heels, so you should pay attention to this while training your pet.

Special talents: cattle dog, service dog, therapy dog, police dogs, drug detection dogs.

Adaptability

Australian Cattle Dogs can survive cool, hot and temperate conditions. They can live in a shelter outdoors, and they do well living indoors. But, be aware – without enough physical activity, this dog will end up being frustrated and unhappy.

Learning ability

They will absorb every new trick so quick that you will be amazed. They love to learn, and if you start with some good trick you will raise a great friend and maybe a great competitor in fetch, swim, bring-a-stick, or run-the-show dog sports.

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.

Health Problems: are mostly inherited. You can avoid this by searching for a good breeder that can clear out the hereditary diseases.

Eyes

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the breeds that can be born with progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive rod-cone degeneration is a disease that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to degenerate. It might lead to blindness.

Ears

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the rare breeds with recessive piebald alleles. This gene is the reason why they have white colour on their coat. But, unfortunately, this gene can be the reason why congenital hereditary deafness develops.

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.

Feeding the puppy and adult

Herding dog have a history of the joint diseases. That’s why some of the pet suggest feeding a herding dog with meat like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish. Dry dog food, even premium quality, may not be enough for this energetic dogs and their bone structure. But it depends on the dog. The best advice is to always take an advice from your breeder or your wet.

Grooming

You won’t be very busy with grooming your Australian cattle dog. You don’t have to take everyday care of it. Occasional brushing will be more than enough. Bath the dog only when you notice odour problem.

Points for Good Health

The Australian Cattle Dog needs a high level of activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, they love walks, spending time with people, running or doing any athletic sports with them, teaching them tricks since they have above average intelligence. Fetching will be super fun for everyone, agility, competitions or any other challenging activity. They love water and they swim very well so you can take the dog with you to the nearest pool and have a great time.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Greece
Australia
Height Male:
25 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
4 - 8 cm
1 - 4 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
1 - 7
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Venetia, Bouboudi, Alopecis, Moropa, Alepouditsa, Nickname - Bobis
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
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.
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
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.
short double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social
Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  31. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Red Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Blue Lacy vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds