Greek Sheepdog

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Greek Sheepdog is an ancient herding and guardian breed originating in Greece. Also known as Hellenikos Poimenikos and Greek Shepherd, the dog is valued for its intelligence and trainability. Although exact facts are unknown as to the ancestors of this breed, it is related to the great mountain breeds of Serbia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Rumania, Albania and Turkey, as well as to the dogs of Central Asia and Kavkaz.

The dog has a height and weight between 23-29 inches and 70-110 lbs respectively. It is a large breed with solid body and great physical strength that allows the dog not only to herd the flocks but also to fight the predators. It has a medium size head with broad skull. The muzzle is wide and deep and tapers to the black or coat matching self-coloured nose. Almond- shaped eyes are average size. The neck is strong and muscular. The body has level top line with deep and wide chest that comes with well sprung ribs. Forelegs are set moderately apart while hind legs long and muscular. The tail is thick at the base. Some have long tails while others have short or no tails. Double, dense and abundant coat comes in black, grayish-brown and white.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC.

Color

This breed comes in black, greyish-brown and white.

Coat

This dog has medium to long dense, thick and abundant double coat that protects the dog from weather extremes.

Personality

The Greek Sheepdog is an independent and hard working breed that is not suitable for inexperienced or first time owners. Though the dog appears calm and collective, it is always ready to protect its flock. Being a thorough guardian dog, this breed is naturally wary of strangers and does not make friends easily. It is a one man dog and only listens to his master, the shepherd. It is strong-willed and dominant dog. The dog has a natural instinct to sum up a situation before taking any action. As a working dog, this breed does not drive the flock rather it just guards the flock against any intruders. Early socialization and training is a must for this dog to become a trustworthy companion. This breed is definitely not recommended for first time or weak owners.

Care

They are average shedders and will require moderate grooming and brushing maintenance. Bathing should be done when necessary.

Training

Though known for trainability, the dog needs a very strong and confident handler who can establish himself as dog's packleader and win its confidence. Once the dog accepts the handler as its packleader, training becomes easy though this breed can be stubborn and will need gentle yet firm and consistent training routines.

Activity

The Greek Sheepdog have always been on large open spaces, doing their work. They will need lots of physical activity and ideally, they will suit rural or suburban setting where the dog can run and play leash free as and when it likes.