Description

The Greek Sheepdog is a medium to large size dog, with solid body and great physical strength that is capable of escorting the flock and fight with the enemy maintaining the physical superiority. Its head is massive with muzzle-skull. The skull is normally curved, with obvious hyper eyebrow arches and wide nearly as far as its length. The muzzle and cheeks are wide and deep. It has a scissors or plane bite and are covered by fat and slightly loose lips. Their skin is thick and is covered by dense fur. Cropping the ears is not permitted and dogs without ears cannot be shown. The brown eyes are of average size, egg-shaped, placed symmetrical in parallel lines of the oblong axon of the skull, far enough the one from the other. From the oblique side of the head their position is a little under the muzzle level as it is imaginary extended towards the skull. More dark tints are preferred. The eyelids must be tight without revealing their mucus membrane. It has a serious penetrating, calm look about him. The chest must be wide and deep up to the height of the elbows. The thorax consists of arched ribs with medium curvature, that are extended backwards enough and let enough space for the heart and the lungs. The tail is thick at the base. Some have long tails while others have short or no tails. The double coat is dense and abundant. Coat colors include black, grayish-brown and white. The breed has never been bred for clolr, bur rather for a heavy skeleton, good muscle, and a dense, semi-long to long coat.

Origin

The area known as the foothills, located in Greece, is heavily populated with sheep. Centuries ago, migrators from Turkey likely brought their sheepdogs with them as they traversed the land, and similarities between the Greek Sheepdog and the Turkish Akbash Dog lead one to believe that such a derivation is probable. Years of breeding with local and semi-local stock produced the breed.

Temperament

This working dog is NOT a breed for the average pet owner. This proud, hard-working dog is a natural sheep and goat guard, but never gathers or directs them. Working in pairs the dogs prefer to move at the sides of the flock, guarding against wolves and other predators. Independent, brave, decisive, loyal, working dog, with high sense of duty and strong protective instinct towards the animals and its environment. Naturally wary, loyal only to the flock leader- shepherd. The Greek Sheepdog's dog can be characterized as the Big Mountain shepherds dog of Greese. The Greek Sheepdog is a flock guardian dog used to guard livestock. This breed had to be strong, to be able to persecute during the fight with the enemy as well as to be able to adapt rough conditions. This breed does not tolerate violent behavior. It is extremely dominant and requires an owner with very strong leadership; one who understand its flock guardian ways. When placed in a pack situation, this breed will seeks to be top dog by intense fights. Suspicious but tactful in the presence of strangers, he doesnt make friends easily. This breed may appear calm, but is ready to protect at all costs at anytime. When protecting his flock hes moves along the border, selecting places from where he will be able to see a wide area. Hes aggressive towards the wild animals and able to drive them back with his deep bark. If his deep bark does not drive them away he will pursue the intruder and attack. Early socialization is vital if the dog is to be a trustworthy companion. He can be trained and has a tendency to judge a situation before taking any action. This breed is best trained by an experienced handler who understands how to earn the dogs respect. This breed should not be pushed to aggressiveness. The Greek Sheepdog walks with a short trot. During walking the dog keeps the head low. This breed tends to mature slowly. Females have many puppies and are good mothers.

Height

Height: Males 25-29 inches (65-75 cm.), Females 23-26 inches (60-68

Weight

Weight: Males 84-110 pounds (38-50 kg.), Females 70-92 pounds (32-42

Known Health Problems

Usually in good health.

Conditions for Living

This breed needs acreage. Its a robust dog with good physique and a powerful muscular body. This breed is capable of moving all day under difficult weather conditions, in inaccessible areas and with minimum demands for food and facing the wild beasts that threat the flocks by running after them and fighting them.

Exercise Requirments

Very energetic and must have various activities to keep him busy. Boredom will lead to destructive tendencies and excessive barking. They

Life Expectancy

About 12 years

Grooming

-

Group