Greek shepherd dog Breed description: Character & Co

Facts & Origin

The Ellenikos Poimenikos is the traditional shepherd dog of the Greek sheep breeders.

The origin of the Ellenikos Poimenikos

The Ellenikos Poimenikos or also Hellenikos Poimenikos (from "Hellas" for "Greece") probably developed from Molossians and large mountain dogs. Molossians are said to have accompanied the glorious general Alexander the Great on his numerous battles.

A breeding selection in the sense never existed. With the decline of agriculture, the Greek Shepherd Dog also increasingly disappeared. Some still brought it into the city, but since it was not specifically bred, these animals soon disappeared there again. When the need was very great after the Second World War, owners simply disposed of animals that had become superfluous.

Today, connoisseurs of the breed complain that breeding is taking place, but without a goal or system. Indiscriminately further animals would be crossed, what partly unusable up to difficult types of this dog lets develop.

The breed characteristics of the Greek Shepherd Dog

In the countryside it is still considered a cultural symbol of the sheep breeders and cattle herders. In the cities the sense for the attitude of such primitive and large dogs is not present at the moment. Thereby the Ellenikos Poimenikos is said to be quite suitable as a guard dog for larger houses and estates.

The Greek Kennel Club (KOE) has recognized the dog breed on a national level, the FCI has not yet.

primitive shepherd dog
goes back to Molosser and mountain dogs
no systematized breeding
not recognized by the FCI

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Ellenikós Poimenikós, Greek Shepherd Dog, tricolored dog breed, large dog breed from Greece

Greek dog breed, Sheepdogs from Greece, Primitive dog breed, Infographic

Alternate Name	Ellenikos Poimenikos
Origin	Greece
Life expectancy	8 - 12 years
Care requirements	low-maintenance

Activity level	average
FCI group	not recognised
AKC group	not recognised
KC group	not recognised

Attitude, character and temperament of the breed

Character traits and nature of Ellenikos Poimenikos.

It is considered to be fearless and foolhardy. In the mountainous regions of Greece there are still wolves and bears. Traditionally it herded the sometimes wildly roaming flocks of sheep alone or together with a shepherd.

The nature of this nature boy is sometimes a bit rough. It knows his job very well and can only be led by humans to a limited extent. If you get it used to house and yard it becomes more trusting.

daring and self-confident shepherd dog
can have a somewhat gruff nature
must be accustomed to a life in the house

Character

brave
quietly
confidently
fearless

Usage

Herding Dog
Shepherd Dog
Sheepdog

Breed description of a Greek Sheepdog, Sheepdog, Herding Dog, Herding Dog from Greece, large dog breed, ancient breed, typical dog breed from Greece, medium length coat on dog, large dog breed with triangle ears

Health and breeding information

Breeding, acquisition and keeping of the Ellenikos Poimenikos

This dog is not bred in our latitudes. However, the international animal welfare regularly mediates dogs from Greece, including the Ellenikos Poimenikos.

If you are interested in this dog and would like to adopt a homeless "Greek", then consider carefully whether your available space is sufficient. An older animal might be happy with a job as a couch potato with access to a garden.

If you're looking to give a home to a younger Ellenikos Poimeniko, be sure to check his background. If he was already used to the house, it is certainly no problem to acclimate it to your home. As a rule, these animals are very grateful if they are regularly cared for again after the animal shelter and a life on the street.

Appearance and coat of the Ελληνικός Ποιμενικός.

The whole dog is an imposing appearance, always wide awake and alert. He has clearly inherited the massive head from the Molossian. Whoever meets an Ellenikos Poimenikos at work will at first get a very critical to grim expression on its face.

The medium to long coat is slightly wavy to matted in its original condition. Regularly groomed it becomes finer and smoother. Base colour is white or cream. It occurs in pied and with markings. Secondary colours are black, brown or light brown.