Nenets Herding Laika vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison

Nenets Herding Laika vs Alopekis - Breed ComparisonNenets Herding Laika is originated from Russia but Alopekis is originated from Greece. Nenets Herding Laika may grow 26 cm / 11 inches higher than Alopekis. Both Nenets Herding Laika and Alopekis are having almost same weight. Nenets Herding Laika may live 3 years less than Alopekis. Both Nenets Herding Laika and Alopekis has almost same litter size. Nenets Herding Laika requires High maintenance. But Alopekis requires Moderate maintenance

History

nenets herding laika - historyThere is a large variety of Laika dogs as the word is almost a generic term for a type of Russian hunting dog. They are found in Northern Russia and Siberia and there are several recognized by the Federation Cynologique International including the East Siberian Laika, the Russian European Laika, and the West Siberian Laika. These Siberia Laika are crosses between the aboriginal dogs of Siberia and northern Russia. The word Laika means a barking dog and comes from the word meaning to bark. These laikas are working dogs, hunting pointers that were bred specifically for their barks.

All the dogs in this category are loyal and affectionate. They are hard workers and hunters/herders and sled dogs. Of the official Laika groups including the Nenets Herding Laika, there is the Karelo-Finnish Laika, the Northeasterly Siberian Laika, the West Siberian Laika, The Russian European Laika, Eastern Siberian Laika. The Laika are wary of strangers, noisy and rowdy.

Nenets Herding Laika

The Laika breed known as the Nenets Herding Laika is also called the Reindeer Herding Laika. The breed is pretty ancient, developed by the Nentry tribe at about the same time that the nomads were developing the Samoyed. Like the Samoyed breed, the Nenets Herding Laika herded Reindeer. The artic breed originates from Russia and can be used for transportation and hauling as well.

While their temperament and history are very much the same as the Samoyed, they are recognized as separate breeds. However there are many aficionados of both breeds believe that the Samoyed and the Nenets Herding Laika are the same breed. For many the Samoyed are simply a white version of the Nenets Herding Laika.

The Nenets Herding Laika is also know as the Samoyed Laika, so you can see how close if not the same, these two breeds are. The Nenets Herding Laika was bred by the Nenet peoples. The Samoyed is all white while the Nenets is any variation of black, gray, piebald, red, white, sable and brown.

The dogs herd and guard reindeer, keeping the herd together and moving them from one pasture to another. They will also stay with a stray reindeer until they are found. They will do this whether they have food or water. They will bark to try to bring the people’s attention to the lost reindeer. They are also an excellent hunting and retrieving, swimming dog.

The Nenets are also known as Yurak Samoyeds and they are the largest group of Samoyedic peoples today. They live on both sides of Russian Ural Mountains in northern Russia and the Yamal Peninsula. They move large herds of reindeer to the winter lands south of the Artic Circle from the north – about 600-900 miles. It is believed that the Herding Laika originated with this group of people but spread beyond them. They were shipped to far northeast Siberia to be bred and shared with reindeer herding tribes there.

There is a longhaired or rough coated variety and a shorthaired variety. The Nenets consider the work routine of both varieties the same, but they believed that the shorthaired version was a more ancient than the longhaired version.

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.

Description

nenets herding laika puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized dog , muscular and strong. Slightly smaller than the Samoyed, the Nenets Laika weighs about 40-55 pounds and is 18 inches tall. The ears are typical Spitz ears and the tail is carried up over the back. The Nenets Herding Laika can have gray, piebald, black or tan coats and some can be solid white and look just like a Samoyed. The coat is a thick, double coat with the undercoat very wooly.

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

Children friendliness

nenets herding laika dog - characteristicsyes

Special talents

mushing

Adaptability

Adaptability not good in apartments or smaller spaces. Needs a fenced in yard.

Learning ability

High but stubborn and independent

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

nenets herding laika puppies - health problemsFor the most part the Nenets Herding Laika is a healthy breed and very hardy. They do however have some propensities for some illnesses and conditions.

Diabetes Mellitus – can be treated with medication and is usual seen in middle age -after 7 years of age.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Slow loss of vision and this is a genetic disease – leads to blindness.

  • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.
  • Skin diseases are possible – autoimmune disease the is idiopathic.

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 the puppy

nenets herding laika dogs - caringBe careful that your pup doesn’t grow too fast. They are open to injuries if they grow too fast. Low calorie with protein and not a lot of fat. half a cup of high quality medium breed dog food 3X a day.

Feeding the adult

1 1/2 cups high quality medium breed dog food.

Points for Good Health

athletic and agile

Games and Exercises

At leaset a walk or two every day. Don’t get overheated as they are used to cold weather. Would be good at agility and herding exercise.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Miscellaneous dogs
Origin:
Russia
Greece
Height Male:
48 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
25 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
4 - 8 cm
1 - 4 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 29 kg
35 - 64 pounds
23 - 30 kg
50 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
3 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Nenets Laika or Reindeer Herding Laika, Samoyed Laika
Venetia, Bouboudi, Alopecis, Moropa, Alepouditsa, Nickname - Bobis
Colors Available:
grey, black or white , tan
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:
The harsh outer coat is straight, and the abundant woolly undercoat
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:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social
Grooming:
High maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds